Hard Drive Benchmark/Diagnostics/Recovery

[Hyuukai]

Ok i ordered a 1tb western digital caviar and it came making a weird sound and it wasn't copying files over, i sent it back and they couldn't find a problem with it charging me 70 dollars to test it. I would like to know what the best software is to

Benchmark-
Diagnose-

and just for future recovery/permanently delete files.

What i have found so far is HD Tach for benchmarking, let m know what you use/recommend.

 

[Joe Average]

Use the Western Digital DataLifeguard Diagnostics, nothing else matters, really. That is the only diagnostic that matters - the one from the manufacturer. It'll say yay or nay on the drive, if it's yay you're good to go, if it says nay, get the disposition code and RMA the drive.