Seeking Noises From Maxtor D740X-6L

[WarmAndSCSI]

Hi, all! I just purchased 2 60 gig Maxtor D740X ATA/133 HDDs a few days ago and stuck them in a RAID0 array. The drive on Channel 1 seems to make random popping/clicking noises when it's seeking (almost sounds like a SCSI drive's normal read/write sound). During normal reading/writing the drive seems fine and performs optimally with no strange noises. So far, I've narrowed it down to being a mechanical problem with the actuator but it doesn't seem to be freezing operation like in normal HDD failure cases. Yes, I already have many images of my hard disks backed up to other computers and CDs. I don't think I could RMA the drive, though, since I bought it as an OEM drive from a retailer that doesn't seem to accept used, defective items and Maxtor doesn't seem to allow RMAs on OEM drives. Some help would be appreciated as this system here happens to be our Win2k PDC...

Thanks

 

[EMAN]

You can RMA OEM drives.

 

[RalfHutter]

My first 80Gb D740X had those same loud clicking noises during seeks so I RMA'd it. The replacment was much quieter, but after about 5 months it's starting to whine rather loudly. Maxtor's sending me out a replacement for it, too.

 

[docgonzo]

HOLY SHMOLY I JUST BOUGHT TWO D740X's 80 gigs to work in a RAID system. I hope this is not a thing!!! While I was formating, one of the drives starting clicking and popping and I thought it sounded a bit strange. But since I have had it up and running for about 10 hrs it has not made those search sounds again... By any chance did either of you have the Fluid Bearing Motors? That is what I bought, the model number is mx6LO80L4 (the L4 at the end signifies the Liquid Bearing.) I was planning on many months of hassle free operation out of these babies, so please dont burst my bubble.

 

[RalfHutter]

I don't want to burst anyone's bubble, I'm just reporting my experiences. My first 80Gb drive WAS one of the fluid-bearing models. The replacement was the ball-bearing version. It's this one that's starting to whine (bearing noise?!?)

 

[jpprod]

My 80GB 740DX makes the same noises under extremely heavy seeks (such as multiple services starting during windows boot-up), but I'm fairly confident they're normal. Many others with the same drive have reported same kind of noises, and also my older Quantum 7200RPM drive sounds the same under heavy stress.

 

[WarmAndSCSI]

THANK YOU ALL! I'm glad I know it's probably not a serious problem. Could you tell me how long your system has been running with the clicking sounds?

(My drives are the ball bearing drives but I know this has nothing to do with the actuator)

(Mine also does this under heavy seeks and when working with extremely fragmented files)

 

[jpprod]

My 740DX has been running without problems 24/7 for just two weeks. The older quantum drive has been on almost 24/7 for about two and a half years.

 

[jcmkk]

Yea, my fluid bearing maxtor does the same thing. I wouldn't exactly call them clicking noises, but it will seek loudly when I'm straining it a lot.

 

[DieHardware]

<< it's starting to whine rather loudly >>

My 740s get like that when the room is 19c or colder.

 

[tazdevl]

Have 2 40MB fluid's in RAID 0. Extended seeks make a fair bit of noise (little more than my 4 failed 60GXPs :Q ), but other than that, they are totally silent.

Just ordered my third for backups.

I think a lot of people are getting way too paranoid after hearing about the 75/60GXP series noise of death and jump the gun.

 

[duragezic]

Hmm I just ordered a 60g one of the D740x fluid bearing one (it was $7 more so I thought I'd just go ahead and get it if it's quieter). Is it really that loud? I have a WD expert 27.3gb, so if anyone has heard one of these also, how does it compare?

 

[tazdevl]

Eagle, I have the same WD drive for backups. The Maxtor is noticeably quieter... there also is mention on storage review that it's around 3 DBA quieter than the non-fluid bearing model.