How To Recognize A Failing Hard Drive Sound

There are those who thankfully take the time to record quality audio of what failing hard drives actually sound like, and moreover what certain sounds mean when you hear them. If you think about it, how would you know the sound of bad HHD heads from a stuck spindle from a bad preamplifier clip to bad bearings?

Data Cent, a data recovery service, has put together a rather large list of just about every ‘bad’ sound a hard drive can make when it’s failing – sorted by manufacturer. Included in the make list are drives by Western Digital, Seagate, Maxtor, Samsung and several others. Also included are laptop ‘bad’ drive sounds in addition to regular 3.5-inch sizes.

If you have a hard drive that’s failing, starting to fail or even if you suspect it of showing the signs of failing, this site is definitely worth a look – and listen. Each drive listed has a simple play button next to it where you can listen in.

Note: It’s recommended you listen to the sounds with headphones on, because some drive-fail sounds are on the quieter side.

Here's wishing you a Good Boot.