Reallocation Sector Count = HDD dying?

[Danith]

I checked the SMART and apparently there is ! in the Reallocation Sector Count. The hard drive is relatively new and really hasn't been giving me any trouble. Is this a sign that I should replace it as soon as possible? I ran a read test on all the sectors and it seemed fine..

SMART stats - https://dl.dropbox.com/u/6057508/ST31500341AS-SMART_mht.html

Sector test - https://dl.dropbox.com/u/6057508/ST31500341AS-TEST_mht.html

 

[asgards]

yes
rma drive if possible
remove from any raid/pool whenever possible
in the mean time monitor reallocated sector count ... if it comes up make its removal a ultrahigh priority
and ... expect datacorruption

 

[Justintoxicated]

it may or may not be a big issue. I have some drives that have run fine for years after having a few reallocated sectors. If it continues to grow though, then you definitely have a problem.

 

[Yakk]

Yeah, if the sector count stays stable, not too bad, I've had drives last years after getting a bout of bad sectors. If it keeps increasing incrementally, expect the drive to self destruct in short or medium term.

In any case, if on warranty, return for sure.

 

[drescherjm]

it may or may not be a big issue. I have some drives that have run fine for years after having a few reallocated sectors. If it continues to grow though, then you definitely have a problem.

Fully agreed. I have had drives in servers for years with a non zero but stable Reallocated Sectors Count. Although if the Raw value for that attribute grows daily or weekly this is a big sign that the drive is on its way out. I have seen this dozens of times (yes dozens).