Reducing HDD vibrations

[Eagle156]

How do I stop HDD vibrations from reaching the case? My case already has rubber pads on the hdd trays like this:

but I still hear some humming coming from the HD (I know its the HD because if I set the PC to standby the humming sound immediatly goes away with all my other fans running. Should I screws in as tight as they get or a little bit loose? I've noticed that when the drive is idle there's a hum, but when it's doing something the humming is gone.

 

[jordan172005]

I would think that if the drive was a bit loose it wouldn't be able to transfer the vibrations as efficiently. so it should be quieter if you do that

 

[Diablo2K]

I would think that if the drive was a bit loose it wouldn't be able to transfer the vibrations as efficiently. so it should be quieter if you do that

Agreed, you can also look around for some softer washers, maybe some made from silicone. I have seen some but not sure where you would get them however.
Also I had a Drive that had some optional downloadable software, with it you could select from 3 differant noise lvls (Maxtor) It would lower the seek times but the actual performace differance was not noticable. Not sure if other brands have this option or not.

 

[markkleb]

as you compress the rubber grommets they get more dense/harder. Try a softer touch with the screws

Also I stick a thin layer of insulation to the tops of the HDDs also.
http://www.coolerguys.com/840556014003.html

 

[Eagle156]

I loosened the screws a little, but that doesn't seem to have changed a thing. Anything else that I can do without buying insulation material?

 

[markkleb]

When I was using Hitachi Hdds there was a Hitachi program that would make the Hdds quieter. I dont know if it slowed them down or what but you could go to the website of ur HDDs and see if they have a similar program.

 

[Frank4d]

I silenced my hard drive using rubber bands, see this thread: http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1100235

I was sort of flamed in that thread and and on other forums because other posters thought the bands would break any day now (but I don't close my case and never open it, so I check every once in a while). All is still well after three months and I haven't heard my hard drive since. Use high grade silicone or neoprene bands, not those cheap brown rubber ones.

 

[Eagle156]

I feel like throwing my computer down a flight of stairs. The hard drive cage isn't vibrating much at all, but the side panels think that they should act as vibrators when the hd is on. Dammit I hate these fucking 1mm paper-thin aluminum panels. Lesson learned; never buy these TT cases. It's pissing me off that my cheap case that cost $50 with no rubber pads on the HDDs and is also made from aluminum has no problems with vibration whatsoever.

 

[Noni]

Try Blu Tack on the side panelw where it connects to the main case.

 

[Arcygenical]

Howabout you Press hard on as many sides of the case as you can while it's running?

Like, Forehead on the top, body on the front bezel, and one arm on each side...

Squeeze the bastard.

If your noise is reduced, you KNOW there's something you can do to quieten er up.

 

[skadebo]

On my antec, it's the drive cables that get pressed against the door that transfer the vibrations. My solution is to put up with it. Gonna get a tj09 soon yumm

 

[Frank4d]

I feel like throwing my computer down a flight of stairs. :mad

PM a snail mail address and I'll send a couple of 12" rubber bands. Works well with them doubled and HD installed in a 5-1/4 drive bay.

 

[skeeder]

I have the P180, the way they have theres setup is enough for me

 

[entropism]

Go with the elastic, BUT... if you go to a crafts or tailoring store, you can get cloth covered elastic that's basically 20 elastic bands covered with cloth. This way, even if one or two strands break, it's still safe.