Hard drive noise in desktop

Foster426 · 15 Dec 2012

Is it common for you to be able to hear the hard drive a little bit in an AIO?
My dad has an AIO also but you can't hear the hard drive at all in it. Only if you're really close to it. I noticed that the hard drive is on the right side, right under the optic drive. The hard drive isn't covered. It's in the open. I can see my hard drive due to there being something that looks like a vent. I think it's just for decoration though. I noticed that when I use laptops, they have super quiet hard drive. I used to have a desktop and I don't remember noise coming from; but the computer wasn't right by me all the time. Is it just because desktop hdd's are louder than laptop hdd's? OR just because there's an unnecessary vent on the side?

linnemeyerhere · 15 Dec 2012

Most hard drives are and should be quiet, most when starting to make noise means it's a coming problem and something to be keenly aware of numbered days and a back up plan. I've owned some brands that make a mechanical sound and manage to still be working but in my mind a noisy drive is a short lived drive. If it was me I would back up vital info and begin shopping for a new HDD or SSD.

linnemeyerhere · 15 Dec 2012

Noises like clicking sounds are to be especially scared.

nongeek · 15 Dec 2012

Hi, I've had this prob, Buy y'self a cheap ext hd, clone yours, do regular updates on backup and if (morelike when it dies) you won't lose TOO much. Or better, change it now!

Foster426 · 16 Dec 2012

I've come to the conclusion that the noise is due to vibration. I can feel the vibration when I touch that side of the computer. I want to go in and silence it, but I've never been inside an AIO.

DocBrown · 16 Dec 2012

Hello Foster426,

With the power OFF, open the Desktop Case. Look arround for anything loose. Check for loose screws holding CD/DVD & HD's drives in place. Check any case fans for being loose from their mounting place. If all this looks good, POWER ON with the case open, then look & listen. Let us know what you may find

" Doc "

linnemeyerhere · 16 Dec 2012

As with the above info also check for the drive mounts and tighten if needed if it's on rails check the rails then check for other fittings as if any are loose then the spinning drive can create a hysteresis.