What Causes Hard Drive Noises?
There are a few common causes of unusual noises coming from hard drives:
Read/write heads contacting the platters inside the hard drive enclosure can make loud clicking or ticking noises. This indicates a mechanical malfunction where the head is unable to move properly over the disk surface (Seagate).
Issues with the spindle motor that spins the disks can lead to humming, buzzing or whining noises as the platters rotate unevenly. This suggests a problem with the motor bearings or spindle (DriveSavers).
Over time, the mechanical components in a hard drive can degrade or wear out. The moving parts like ball bearings and actuator arms use lubrication that can dry up. This can cause scraping, scratching or grinding noises during disk access.
Finally, electrical interference caused by problems with the drive’s circuitry or power supply can induce clicking or humming sounds. This indicates an electrical issue rather than a mechanical one.
Clicking or Ticking Noises
One of the most common noises coming from a problematic Seagate hard drive is a clicking or ticking sound. This is usually caused by an issue with the read/write head being unable to move properly across the drive platters. The head resets back to its starting position when it can’t read data, causing a clicking noise as it moves (Source). This repetitive click is the drive trying and failing to access data.
Clicking noises indicate there is a mechanical problem with the hard drive. This could be caused by damaged platters inside the drive or a failed internal component like the actuator arm. Clicking often precedes complete drive failure as the components become further degraded (Source). So clicking or ticking from a hard drive is usually a bad sign and means replacement should be considered.
Humming, Buzzing or Whining
A humming, buzzing or whining noise coming from the hard drive is often caused by a failing spindle motor, which is the motor that spins the hard drive platters. This can indicate that the bearings inside the motor are starting to wear out.1 The noise may start out very faint and eventually get louder over time as the motor continues to degrade.
Sometimes a buzzing noise can also be caused by an electrical issue, such as interference from a nearby component or a problem with the power supply. This may happen more often with external hard drives that have their own power adapter. If the noise only happens when plugged into one outlet or computer, this points to some kind of electrical interference issue.2
In either case, a persistent humming or buzzing coming from the hard drive is a worrying sign and means the drive should be replaced soon. It’s important to back up any important data and prepare for drive failure.
Scraping, Scratching or Grinding
One concerning noise that hard drives can make is a scraping, scratching or grinding sound. This is often caused by the read/write heads inside the hard drive scraping against or touching the platters where data is stored. This contact usually happens because of a physical impact or jolt to the hard drive while in operation. The heads are only supposed to fly above the platters on a cushion of air. If they touch down, they can scrape the surface and grind against the platters.
This type of noise indicates physical damage and can mean impending drive failure. However, sometimes the scrape damage is minor and a full reformat of the drive can remap damaged sectors and restore normal function. Reformatting realigns the tracks and sectors so the drive avoids damaged areas. But if the scraping sound persists after reformatting, the drive should be replaced since internal damage is present.
To reformat, backup data first if possible, then use Disk Management in Windows or Disk Utility on a Mac to fully reformat/erase the drive. This may allow it to operate silently again if the scrape damage wasn’t severe. But making repeated scraping, scratching or grinding noises generally means replacement is required.
When to Be Concerned
Certain hard drive noises should raise red flags. Clicking or ticking noises, in particular, often precede drive failure, so you’ll want to take action if you hear them. As explained by Seagate, “The clicking sound itself arises from the underside of the read/write head contacting a plate or arm” (source). Strange noises that occur when the drive is under load, such as when reading or writing data, can also indicate a problem.
Likewise, a drive that’s humming or whining excessively could have a motor issue. According to Lifewire, “Prolonged or loud whining and other unusual noises are generally signs of a failing hard drive motor” (source). So don’t ignore new or worsening sounds coming from your drive.
Back Up Your Data
If your Seagate hard drive is making concerning noises, it’s important to back up your data as soon as possible to prevent potential data loss. Copy important files and folders to an external hard drive or cloud storage service like OneDrive or Dropbox. Services like Carbonite and Backblaze also offer affordable unlimited backup options.
According to PCWorld, some of the top backup software options for Windows include R-Drive Image, Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office, and Retrospect Solo. These allow you to easily back up entire drives or select files and folders. Free tools like Macrium Reflect also make disk imaging straightforward (PCWorld).
Once you’ve secured your data, resist the urge to continue using the noisy Seagate drive. Ongoing use could further damage the drive or result in irrecoverable data loss. It’s best to disconnect the drive once your backup is complete until you can have it replaced.
Try Basic Troubleshooting
Before determining your hard drive needs to be replaced, there are some basic troubleshooting steps you can try:
First, rule out any vibration or interference that could be causing noises. Make sure the hard drive is securely mounted and not touching any other components. Try moving the computer to a different location to isolate any external vibrations.
Next, reseat all the SATA connections, both on the hard drive and motherboard side. Unplug both ends and plug them back in to ensure a proper connection.
You can also try updating your motherboard chipset and hard drive drivers to the latest versions from the manufacturer’s website. Outdated drivers can sometimes cause issues.
Finally, test the drive with a brand new SATA cable, preferably from a different manufacturer. Faulty or damaged SATA cables are a common cause of various hard drive problems.
If the noises and issues persist after trying these basic steps, then the drive itself is likely failing and needs to be replaced. But it’s worth trying these simple fixes first, as they can resolve many cases of hard drive noise.
Sources:
https://www.seagate.com/support/kb/identifying-hard-drive-sounds-and-determining-what-they-mean/
https://www.lifewire.com/what-to-do-when-your-hard-drive-is-making-noise-2624891
When to Replace a Noisy Drive
If your hard drive is making concerning noises, it’s often a sign of impending failure and means you should replace it. Here are some specific noises that indicate it’s time for a new drive:
Excessive or recurring clicking – Clicking noises from a hard drive are never normal and often signal the read/write heads are having issues moving across the drive platters. Frequent or loud clicking usually means the drive’s heads are fatigued and starting to fail.1
Grinding or scraping sounds – These noises indicate the drive’s heads are making contact with the platters and usually mean imminent failure. If you hear grinding or scraping, replacement should be an urgent priority before total failure occurs.2
Loud whining or humming – While some humming or whining can be normal, especially during heavy operation, loud or excessive humming often signals a problem with the drive’s spindle motor or airflow. These are not good signs.3
If your hard drive exhibits any of these major warning signs, it’s best to immediately back up your data if possible and replace the drive before failure and potential data loss.
Choosing a Replacement Drive
When selecting a replacement hard drive for a failed or failing drive, it’s important to match the form factor and interface. Most modern hard drives use a 3.5″ form factor and a SATA interface. However, smaller 2.5″ notebook drives and older IDE/PATA interfaces are still in use. Confirm the physical size, mounting points, and connector type before purchasing a new drive.
You may also consider upgrading to a solid state drive (SSD) for increased performance and reliability. However, SSDs typically have lower capacities and higher prices per gigabyte compared to traditional hard disk drives (HDDs). If capacity is a priority, a new high-capacity HDD may be a more cost-effective option.
When choosing a brand for a new hard drive, Seagate and Western Digital are generally considered the most reliable major manufacturers according to surveys of IT professionals and data recovery experts. Both companies offer reputable product lines for desktop, enterprise, and NAS storage. Other brands with strong reputations include Toshiba and Hitachi.
Check professional reviews of the latest hard drive models when comparing options. Look for drives built for durability with features like vibration resistance, low operating temperatures, and workload ratings for 24/7 operation. Purchasing from a reputable retailer is also recommended to ensure getting a genuine drive.
Data Recovery Options
If your hard drive is making concerning noises and you have important data on it that you need to recover, you have a few options:
One option is to use a professional data recovery service. Companies like DriveSavers and Kroll Ontrack specialize in hard drive recovery and have sophisticated tools and clean room facilities to recover data from drives with physical issues. This is often the most successful method, but it can be expensive.
Another option is do-it-yourself data recovery using software like Recuva or EaseUS Data Recovery. These allow you to run scans on connected drives to find and extract recoverable data. However, they may not work if there is physical damage. This is a more affordable option, but has less guarantee of success.
If the drive is clicking or frozen, a third option is to freeze it for a while (e.g. in a sealed bag in the freezer overnight) before attempting DIY software recovery. This can potentially stabilize the platters enough to recover data. However, this is still risky for drives with hardware failure and may cause further damage if not done properly.