Loud Raptor RMAable?

[Aknosis]

I've had my WD740ADFD since 2006, has not let me down at all. However this drive is the loudest thing in my system.

I also have a WD2500KS that is the same age and I would say is 75% quieter than the raptor (I can barely hear it defragging over my case fans).

I don't think there is anything wrong with the hard drive but I'm wondering (as the warranty is due to expire next year) if I should consider RMA and if it is even a valid reason?

How should I go about testing if there is an actual problem? Anyone know if the drive is just normally loud in comparison to the 7200 flavor drives?

 

[TemjinGold]

Well it being 10k rpm guarantees it would be way louder than your 7200. I've RMAed my velo for being slow but I don't know if you can for loud as older raptors are inherently loud. Can't hurt to call and ask?

 

[Blain]

> Ask WD a question <

 

[GlacierFreeze]

I'm guessing you didn't research the Raptor before you bought it. You would've easily found they weren't as quiet as most parts in your computer. The newest one (Velociraptor) isn't too bad, doesn't bother me at all, but the older ones were noticeable, still didn't bother me.

I guess I just don't put my tower next to my mouse, keyboard, and monitor like some people do. Less noise the further away. Mine is on the ground next to computer desk.

And they'll probably laugh on the inside and tell you "no" to RMAing it because of normal operational sound levels.

 

[RebateMonger]

I don't think that WDC cares why you are RMA'ing it. Unless there's something about your drive or return packaging that violates their return policy, they'll send you a different drive.

http://websupport.wdc.com/warranty/rmainfo.asp?custtype=end&lang=en

You may want to do an "Advanced Replacement", since that way you can be sure you'll have return packaging that's guaranteed to meet WDC's requirements.

 

[Aknosis]

Well you are right on the research front, I wasn't worried about anything but having the fastest SATA drive around at the time .

My tower is on the floor but maybe I'm just looking for an excuse to buy a ssd.

 

[Absolution75]

IMO if you do RMA it, you'll get a just as loud drive more that has probably been refurbished (do you want a refurbished drive?)

 

[Aknosis]

Point taken. I think I'll just work it through its paces maybe it'll really die before warranty expires.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

I too am a little "ear"ritated by the noise of the my drive. I"m not hearing the heads at all, i'm hearing a whirring noise from the 10k rpm drive; it reminds me of the ringing in my ear after a loud concert and that is one reason I am reluctant to go to shows.

 

[Compman55]

I don;t hear any whine of the spindle motor on mine, but the head seek is horrific. Reminds me of the 90's.

However there is NOTHING wrong. Do not RMA for a refurbished drive. They are hit or miss.