WD2500JS Overheating?

[grotius]

If temperature data reported by SMART is accurate, it would seem the latest WD2500JS Caviar SE drives are running a bit hot!


I've tested 2 new WD3200JS drives (dated Sep-2005 & Nov-2005) on a 1-drive system with left & right case panels removed; room temp 23°C.


HDD: WD2500JS-56MHB1
Firmware: 10.02E01
Date: 29-SEP-2005
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Idle temp: 55°C
Stress temp: 61°C
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By comparaison, tests were also performed on another system (closed case, 1 HDD, 1 rear case fan).


HDD: WD2500JS-00MHB0
Firmware: 02.01C03
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Idle temp: 39°C
Stress temp: 46°C
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I believe that recent WD2500JS drives are running too hot: causing reduced reliability, shortening lifespan. What do you thing?

 

[MetalX]

How does some airflow over the drive with the panels on effect your temp readings?

 

[unhappy_mage]

What does your finger say? 60C is pretty hot, you'll know right away whether it's accurate. Plug in a new one and an old one, and compare.

 

[grotius]

How does some airflow over the drive with the panels on effect your temp readings?

Air flow -- a 60mm 12V fan right in front of the drive -- did reduce temp to 46C (HDD was idle). Still, it's 5C hotter than my 3-platter 300GB SATA Maxtor (6L300S0) without air flow.

 

[grotius]

What does your finger say? 60C is pretty hot, you'll know right away whether it's accurate.

My finger says the drive seems cooler to touch than my other Seagate or Maxtor SATA drives. But it could also mean that there is less heat transfer to the casing of the drive, thus higher temp.

Plug in a new one and an old one, and compare.

Actually, I tested 3 drives. the Sep-2005 & Nov-2005 ones had high SMART temp, while the older WD2500JS (I didn't write down the date) was running 15C cooler just like other HDDs in the same class.