Noise from new HD and slowness

unseengundam101

Senior member
Oct 26, 2005
253
2
81
I am building a new HTPC system. I have a Seagate 7200.10 500 GB sata II HD on it.

While formating the HD, I heard very loud noise from the HD area. I open it up and heard clicking / twitching sound from the hard drive.

Also the HD seems to be pretty slow. I am formating 120 GB of the 500 GB for Windows XP. However, it has been 30 mins or so and its only 54% done. I would think it would be faster, or I could be wrong.

Any suggestions or ideas what to with the HD? Should try exchanging / returning it?
 

unseengundam101

Senior member
Oct 26, 2005
253
2
81
Here an update. It has been 1 hour since I started the format and its only at 64%. I swear the system stopped or the HD just isn't working. If the % doesn't change, I will try to reboot it.
 

Psymon

Member
Oct 23, 2007
45
0
0
Formatting a 500GB hard drive takes a LOT of time.

I'm writing zeros to a 500GB WD as we speak and it's going to take 2 hours.

As far as clicking and twitching is concerned, if it sounds nasty that usually means your HDD is going bad. You will hear some noise even from perfectly good hard drives, however. I suggest comparing the sound with another drive.
 

Auric

Diamond Member
Oct 11, 1999
9,591
2
71
Always run the manufacturer's full diagnostics utility before bothering formatting and of course committing data. If the drive is not new and something seems amiss, then likewise eliminate doubt by doing same. It is generally required and of course sensible before attempting a warranty claim anyway. If it is defective then try to exchange it with the monger to possibly reduce your hassle and expense, and end up with a new drive rather than a refurbished one from the manufacturer.
 

unseengundam101

Senior member
Oct 26, 2005
253
2
81
I was just formating 120 gb not the whole 500 gb. I do have 2 more the same exact drive and they so quiet, nothing like the new HD that I am having problem with. The New HD was so loud, I could hear over my music, AC Fans, etc. With music on I swear I have never ever heard a peep from my other 2 seagate 7200.10 500 GBs. Something is definitely wrong with this one.

Already just got the RMA from newegg. I try check out my new HD I get from with a seagate utility. I never ran them because it takes so long...