HDD Overheating! What is causing it?

[Koka458]

So I was trying to troubleshoot my friends PC cuz they think I'm kind of an expert(I'm not).

A lot was wrong with his PC. But most importantly his HDD is overheating I think, A LOT HOTTER than mine!

It wasn't booting to Windows after restart. After letting it cooled down it boots though.

When it doesn't boot the HDD makes clicking noise but very faint.

It's very cheap PC so it has that PSU that comes with case.

What's causing overheating of HDD?

[Deli]

Some HDD just run hotter than others, especially the faster 7200rpm over the slower 5400rpm drives. Which requires direct airflow to keep it cool.

[Koka458]

4 minutes ago, Deli said:

Some HDD just run hotter than others, especially the faster 7200rpm over the slower 5400rpm drives. Which requires direct airflow to keep it cool.

But it doesn't boot after restart

[Deli]

1 minute ago, Koka458 said:

But it doesn't boot after restart

If the PC and the HDD is old, could be near the end of life. Not so many new PC sold with HDD as boot drive now.

[Koka458]

Just now, Deli said:

If the PC and the HDD is old, could be near the end of life. Not so many new PC sold with HDD as boot drive now.

Hmmm...so no PSU issue here?

[Deli]

Just now, Koka458 said:

Hmmm...so no PSU issue here?

No easy way to tell. Is the CPU fan spinning?

 

If I have to pick one single component that is least reliable in a PC, would be the HDD.

[Koka458]

Just now, Deli said:

No easy way to tell. Is the CPU fan spinning?

 

If I have to pick one single component that is least reliable in a PC, would be the HDD.

Yes, it's spinning.

So, one last thing. How long should he be using it considering it gets VERY HOT?

It was unbearably hot when I went to remove it, It's that hot!

[Deli]

1 minute ago, Koka458 said:

Yes, it's spinning.

So, one last thing. How long should he be using it considering it gets VERY HOT?

It was unbearably hot when I went to remove it, It's that hot!

If it's that hot, something is very wrong.

[Koka458]

2 minutes ago, Deli said:

If it's that hot, something is very wrong.

That's why I'm here...What's wrong?

[Deli]

3 minutes ago, Koka458 said:

That's why I'm here...What's wrong?

If you somehow manage to boot in to Windows. You can use CrystalDiskinfo to check S.M.A.R.T status for the HDD.

 

Or use Command prompt , type

 

"wmic diskdrive get status"

It will show if the drive is still ok or not.

[Koka458]

1 minute ago, Genwyn said:

Well, at the expense of sounding like an asshole.

Its hot.

Point a fan at it.

Alright. I'll tell him to buy a fan...