New 750GB harddrive...

[xiaobao12]

Should I try copying some big files to make sure it's running okay or is it not necessary? Should I run some utilities (CHKDSK shows that it's healthy). It is a LaCie 750GB external.

Thank you.

 

[nickbits]

I usually do a full format so it touches each sector on the disk. Then I check the smart attributes. If all looks good I consider the drive OK.

 

[xiaobao12]

How do you check the smart attributes?

I'm thinking of running chkdsk /r tonight - is this necessary and a good idea?

I've read that some people do stress tests - what does this mean exactly?

 

[nickbits]

chkdsk /r would have the same effect as a full format.

If it is SATA/eSATA drive you can use SpeedFan (http://www.almico.com/speedfan.php) to check the SMART attributes.

As far as stress testing, there are probably programs to do it but I'm not sure. Personally I think it is unecessary.

I've only had 1 drive that was bad from day 1 and I caught that from the format (drive would start clicking/lock up when it got to a certain sector).

If you are going to be storing anything that is not easily replacable I'd recommend getting a second drive for backup at some point. Definately backup your critical files somewhere regardless.

I backup all my files to a secondary computer each week and I backup my critical files to Amazon S3.

 

[rarebear]

I had one die on day 20 just after I moved 300-400 gigs so I always try to check it before and dont trust new drives like I had in the past..

 

[Nothinman]

I try to run a stress test/benchmark tool like bonnie++ on a drive for at least 24hrs before I actually use it.

 

[xiaobao12]

Thanks guys.

I used chkdsk /r last night but how do I find out the results?

Does anybody else think stresstest is not necessary?