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Topic: Is it possible to set hard disk rpm? (Read 6749 times) previous topic - next topic
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Is it possible to set hard disk rpm?

I'd like to decrease as low as possible my PC noise, so that I can better listen to music even at low volume.
A big noise comes from the fans I use to cool my 4 hard disks (2 WD Raptor 150 GB 10000 rpm in RAID 0 and 2 Seagate 500 GB 7200 rpm), so I'd like to know if there's a hard disk utility that lets you set the hard disk rpm. So, less rpm -> less heat -> no need for fans -> lower noise.

I hope to hear from you!

Thanks,

Prayan

Moderation: Topic edit. See TOS#6

Is it possible to set hard disk rpm?

Reply #1 –
Some HDDs allow you to put them in a "quiet" mode, either by installing some tools or by switching an option in the BIOS. I am not sure if the throttle the RPM or if only seek times are affected.

Is it possible to set hard disk rpm?

Reply #2 –
As far as I know, only seek times are affected. Once such tool is the Hitachi Feature Tool. It officially works for IBM/Hitachi drives, but worked for my Seagate drive as well.

Is it possible to set hard disk rpm?

Reply #3 –
RPM cannot be changed. There are disks with acoustic management (AAM) support which reduces seek noise (by increasing seek time).

HDD fans are not recommended, use chasis fans instead. There are silent GlacialTech 12.5 cm fans. Why "HDD coolers" aren't recommended? First, chasis is designed to cool hdds in another way, and second these "hdd coolers" tend to create additional vibration with time, while providing insignificant cooling.

And the most important, WD Raptor isn't intended for quiet home PCs.

Is it possible to set hard disk rpm?

Reply #4 –
A harddisk with changeable RPM would be cool though. It could have 3 noise/performance settings:

1. Quiet. Constantly runs at half rpmspeed

2. Balanced: Run at half rpmspeed when disc access is low. Speed up to full speed when harddisk access is saturated for 10 seconds. Return to half speed when disk isn't accessed much for 20 seconds.

3. Performance: Constantly runs at full rpmspeed
I am arrogant and I can afford it because I deliver.

Is it possible to set hard disk rpm?

Reply #5 –
Since the heads on the hard disk fly over the surface, any change in speed would make them fly closer to the surface with the potential of crashing into the disc. A verry bad thing!
Glass half full!

Is it possible to set hard disk rpm?

Reply #6 –
Drive rotation speed (rpm) is fixed for a particular drive type and Raptors are not the best choice when your goal is to build a quiet workstation.

Is it possible to set hard disk rpm?

Reply #7 –
Western Digital will come out with a special GreenPower series of HDs, which can reduce RPM from 7200 to 5400 during longer idle periods. But apparently it can't be influenced by the user.

Is it possible to set hard disk rpm?

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Hanky on
Drive rotation speed (rpm) is fixed for a particular drive type and Raptors are not the best choice when your goal is to build a quiet workstation.


I have to disagreee. My Raptor really are very quiet while delivering top performance for desktop PCs.