Undervoltage can damage the hdd ?

Uranus · April 21, 2015

Hello everyone ,

My hdd randomly hangs up/freezes , this is the third one , the previous 2 one also acted the same way (randomly hanging up) and eventually dying , I assumed that it was the hdd fault since they were kinda old but on the third one which I bought and tested it myself with hdd sentinel and everything was 100% fine , also started to hang up . The most likely cause is the psu which gives low voltage on the 3.3v and 5v rail , in bios at least . The hdd uses the 5v rail which is more than 4.5v , enough to at least start up , the 12v rail is fine . The psu has a slightly swollen cap , but as far my knowledge goes that should cause overvoltage . I remember trying with another psu and still hanging up . I also sometimes get DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION bsod . The hdd is clearly having problems but that might be just the symptom and the psu is the real problem .

I'm planning on buying a new psu but I fear I might buy a new hdd too and I don't quite afford that right now .

HDD sentinel was giving 100% ok when first tested but then it started saying it has 65535 bad sectors but on a surface test there were none to be found . I have changed the cables and stuff and I assure you the problem is within the hdd or psu because everything else was changed . The hdd is not new anymore , I didn't bother buying a new one because it doesn't always act up but when it does , it does for a period .

Smart readings

I tried to show speedfan voltages but I don't know which represents which , one good voltage check soft will be appreciated (no multimeter)

Who am I supposed to believe ?

Liam-McShane · April 21, 2015

Don't bother looking at software voltage readings, they are usually way off. Your instability issues are probably caused by dirty power supplied from the PSU. If it has a bulging cap just stop using it and buy a high quality PSU.

G33k 4 L1F3 · April 21, 2015

The violation error is a common error with OverClocking, and can also suggest your powersupply is dying. If you have a swollen or blown capacitor, it is time to saddle up the busted PowerSupply, and get a new one. I recommend getting an 80+ BRONZE certified Powersupply that will probably be $60 or more. that is, depending on how many wattage you need.