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OG Xbox Forums => Hardware Forums => General Hardware/Technical Chat => Topic started by: OCF on March 09, 2007, 01:58:00 PM

Title: Hdd Too Loud
Post by: OCF on March 09, 2007, 01:58:00 PM
Im getting kinda annoyed by the ammount of sound my Xbox HD makes, Ive upgraded it from stock to a 40GB WD Drive and I just cant stand the sound it makes, its a kind of high pitched whining, im having to setting the HD to spin down when im watching movies otherwise the sound is distracting.

My question is, has anyone done a HD silencing mod, Someone told me that the bearings in my drive may have been shocked and opening the end cap and oiling would help, I have no idea where the end cap is, ive googled and searched but still nothing.

Has anyone else had this problem?

thnx in advance

OCF
Title: Hdd Too Loud
Post by: tonemgub on March 09, 2007, 03:03:00 PM
Just buy a new hard drive and use XboxHDM to clone your current one. You can get 100GB+ hard drives for under $40 nowadays.
Title: Hdd Too Loud
Post by: OCF on March 09, 2007, 07:22:00 PM
Thanks but that was not the question, I dont currently have the budget for a new HD as all my funds are going in to my slimbox project.


If anyone else has useful input it will be very welcome

This post has been edited by OCF: Mar 10 2007, 03:24 AM
Title: Hdd Too Loud
Post by: CJLee89 on March 09, 2007, 08:37:00 PM
once you open a HDD it is destroyed. once open it is subject to dust, finger prints, dirt, microscopic air particles, etc. not to mention the chance of oil getting on the plate. there is now way avoiding those things from getting in there unless you have a special room to do this in.

so either deal with it or but a new HDD.
Title: Hdd Too Loud
Post by: Guitarzan01 on March 10, 2007, 02:05:00 AM
Oiling HD bearings is not a job for a hobbyist. Your just gonna screw the drive up one way or another, like CJ said.

Back up what files you need, and buy new one if you cant stand the noise.

My xbox's HDD makes a very loud annoying "clunk" when it powers down and powers up... its funny actually.
Title: Hdd Too Loud
Post by: OCF on March 10, 2007, 05:53:00 AM
kk thnx guys
Title: Hdd Too Loud
Post by: patchouly on March 10, 2007, 07:10:00 AM

If this drive used to be normal but has recently started making noise, it's a sure sign that it's on it's last legs.  Back it up and replace it A.S.A.P..
Title: Hdd Too Loud
Post by: kirky1991 on March 10, 2007, 11:14:00 AM
Hi

I am pretty sure that you can il the bearing from the bottem as in the pic int eh red circile, but not sure

(IMG:http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p70/kirky1991/IMG_6861.jpg)

I think you have to peel of a cap or something but i am not totaly sure
Title: Hdd Too Loud
Post by: OCF on March 14, 2007, 11:02:00 AM
anyone else know if the part circled in red can be removed and oiled?
Title: Hdd Too Loud
Post by: AfterTheInsanity on March 14, 2007, 11:59:00 AM
99% of hard drives use a fluid bearing to support the platters. Read:
QUOTE
They are frequently used in high load, high speed or high precision applications where ordinary ball bearings have short life or high noise and vibration. They are also used increasingly to reduce cost. For example, hard disk drive motor fluid bearings are both quieter and cheaper than the ball bearings they replace.


Now read this, paying attention to what has been bolded:
QUOTE
Fluid bearings are typically quieter and smoother (more consistent friction) than mechanical bearings. For example, hard disks manufactured with fluid bearings have noise ratings for bearings/motors on the order of 20-24 dB, which is a little more than the background noise of a quiet room. Drives based on rolling-element bearings are typically at least 4 dB noisier.


4dB is nearly nothing. If your hard drive is whining or making a loud noise, its time for a new drive. This indicates a problem with the drive that cant be fixed by simply oiling a bearing (which isnt even possible with fluid bearings).

This post has been edited by AfterTheInsanity: Mar 14 2007, 07:00 PM