Any way to figure out which HDD is making too much noise?

[riffwraith]

So, I have six SATA 7200 rpm HDDs in my computer. One of them is making too much noise. It's actually the normal noise a HDD makes - it's just that the noise went from inaudible from the other side of the room, to very audible. I am not looking forward to opening the case, and disconnecting each HDD, and having to boot, reboot, etc. Is there a trick of sorts to figuring out which is the noisy one?

Thanks in advance.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Open the case and boot the PC so all drives are spinning.

Then use a long bladed screwdriver as a stethoscope---place the tip of the screwdriver on several different spots on each hard drive, with the handle of the screwdriver right up against your ear. This may amplify the noises enough that you can pick out the drive that has the unusual noise.

Or try using the cardboard tube on a paper towel roll as a stethoscope.

If you develop a suspect drive, disconnect that one drive to confirm your suspicions.

 

[riffwraith]

Will give that a shot - thanks!