I recently bought a refurbished Seagate ST2000NM0055, and it frequently produces a noticeable humming sound while powered on. I initially suspected the noise was caused by resonance from my computer case, but the drive still hums when it is outside the case. The sound disappears when I place it flat on padding. The drive passes SMART checks without reporting errors, and my ST2000DM006 does not make the same noise. Is this typical for an enterprise hard drive, or should I request a replacement?
2 Answers
A steady hum by itself does not necessarily indicate a problem, particularly if SMART is clean and the drive is operating normally. However, listen for clicking, grinding, repeated spin-up attempts, or changing vibrations. Those would be more concerning and would justify replacing the refurbished unit. Also, avoid placing electronics on ordinary bubble wrap because it can create static; use proper anti-static material or nonconductive padding instead.
Enterprise hard drives can be noticeably louder than desktop models, especially while spinning. Since the sound stops when the drive is placed on padding, it sounds more like vibration being transferred through the drive or mounting cage than an immediate mechanical failure. Rubber grommets, isolators, or a small amount of suitable damping where the drive contacts the cage may help.
That makes sense. This is my first enterprise drive, so I wasn't sure whether the extra humming was normal. The case's drive cage has no built-in damping, so I'll try adding an appropriate isolator and monitor the drive for any harsher sounds or SMART warnings.