2 Raptor 36GB 10Ks - makes a very loud server?

[EddScott]

I'm builidng a file server for work and have opted for 2 36GB raptors but have read they are quite loud.

Are they really that loud and would 2 make it worse?

 

[Borden]

They seem louder due to the increased vibrations being transferred to the case due to the higher spindle speed. If you can decouple it from the case (eg suspend the hdd using sewing elastic) then it will be as quiet as any other drive. I have one that i have suspended in this way and can only hear the seek noises with my head inside the case.

 

[jhmaeng]

If you got the current version WD360ADFD, they should be very quiet except for when the head is seeking. The motor is a FDB so it shouldn't make too much noise when idle. Even my WD740GD, which is the previous generation, is more or less silent when idle.

However, some of the WD360GD versions (previous-gen 36GB Raptors) are known to be very whiney when idle as well - so probably best to avoid the 360GDs if you're trying to maintain some quiet.

Either way, Raptors sound like machine guns when they seek - if it's doing a virus scan, for example, you will know about it. It's the price you pay for the twice-as-quick seek compared to 7.2krpm drives.