Windows 7 - HDD slow write, fast read

Have 4 HDDs mounted in case. 3 of them are fine. The WDC W20EADS tests at an average write speed of 1MB/s, read is 80MB/s. Every now and then it comes right and the write speed is also around 80MB/s.

Stuck in the bottom of the case it runs quite warm 35C to 45C.

Is the drive failing, or running too warm?

I might suggest downloading Western Digitals data lifeguard diagnostic program to check the drive. It should tell you what you need to know.

Dowloaded and ran Quick SMART test. Passes. Still only 1MB/s write speed.

Try the short drive self test. But even if it passes, I would contact tech support for an RMA or use another hard drive. Those statistics are not acceptable as far as i'm concerned. and, if you cannot install an OS on it, It's not usable.

I swapped the SATA data leads with that drive and another to make sure problem followed drive and not SATA port. Ran the Parkdale speed test a few times. Drive disappeared.

Fortunately I have full backups of all my drives, so no data loss. Used Partition Wizard boot disk to recreate the partition on the drive. Now better than 100MB/s read and write. Will restore the data to it (800GB, so a good test!!) and see how it behaves.

If it still gives trouble I can fortunately take it back to the shop down the road where I bought it.

Thanks for the help.

I'm glad you got it working and thanks for letting us know.