SMART failure

Jon20 · 29 Aug 2009 at 17:40

I've had a SMART failure warning appear just after POST on my Samsung 640GB hard drive. Now obviously this is going to need to be RMA'd and I'll probably sell it on or keep as a back up, but I'm wondering if its ok to keep using until I get a new hard drive? The drive only has games on it. I'm just wondering what hard drive to get from OcUK on Tuesday as I've lost a bit confidence in Samsung HDD's considering this one has only lasted a year. It needs to be atleast 640GB, quiet and fast.

Thanks.

Jon20 · 30 Aug 2009 at 00:35

Right, HDTune is showing this under the health section.

Is this the right place to RMA to? : http://www.rexo.co.uk/warranty.php

Are Western Digital HDD's any good? I've spotted this 750GB or I could go for the 1TB although I won't really need that much space.

wonko · 30 Aug 2009 at 10:34

It's hard to know what's wrong with the drive without knowing what Samsung uses attribute B8 for, but exceeding the threshold is obviously a bad sign.
Before returning the drive, Samsung ask you to run their own diagnostic ESTOOL (http://www.samsung.com/global/business/hdd/support/utilities/ES_Tool.html) which might give more info on the problem and will tell you if the disk needs replacing via Rexo.

Everyone seems to have their own preferences and prejudices over HDDs. Personally I like WDs, and have got a 1TB black and several 1TB greens and found them reliable, quiet, cool running and quick (well, the black anyway).

Jon20 · 30 Aug 2009 at 11:41

I'll give ES-Tool a go when I get back from work later on.

Jon20 · 30 Aug 2009 at 17:57

I've run ES-Tool and its giving me 'Service code AJ38: SMART Error'. I've no idea what that means and google doesn't turn up much. Think I'll just RMA it to Rexo.

Edit: I've set up an RMA now. Its saying on the RMA page that it needs to be shipped in an anti-static bag but I don't think I've got any. I do have the original plastic container that the HDD came in, do you think it would be ok to send it back in that and then in a jiffy bag or a box?

miniyazz · 30 Aug 2009 at 22:45

TBH meh with the B8 error. Look up the thread "what the F1 is this" if you're interested. Just keep a backup (as you should anyway) and RMA it if/when it dies (or when it's about to run out of warranty) IMO.

mrk · 31 Aug 2009 at 05:31

RMA time for you my friend

My F1 did the same with another F1 yellow banding the same attribute so I had them both replaced with new ones which are great (sold one and gave the other to a mate at mates rates!)