The original post: /r/datahoarder by /u/Prime_Objective666 on 2024-05-22 10:35:29.
I was shocked at how loud the WD Pre-emptive Wear Levelling thump was! My 18Tb Elements got sent back. I then got in touch with Seagate and asked how they compere - I thought I would share my experience here in May 2024 and hope it helps:
Me:
Hi - I just got shocked about a WD 18Tb PWL thump every 5 seconds which I cannot cope with soundwise. So I am looking to Seagate to see if you offer 14+TB drives that do not have regular PWL thump sounds. I dont care about access noise nor motor whirr noise but PWL every 5 secs is like Chinese Water Torture! The ONLY issue is regular Pre-emptive Wear Levelling noises - and NOT access or drive noise
Seagate Agent:
Upon checking with the concern technical team, our technical team requested to inform you that, you will get a minimum sound with a lite vibration in our drives. As this sound will occur in all the hard drives, It will not be unusual like WD and this sound will not be disturbing to you. Other than that you can buy any Seagate drives according to the capacity and usage. PWL sounds will not occur in Seagate. But you can hear some minimum sort of sound and vibration can be heard slightly when the drive is in a silent room. You need not worry, you will not face any PWL sound issue in Seagate.
Me:
Second question: what is the best large drive that copes with regular power cycles? In my usage, the drive will be attached to a USB external dock cabinet which powers down the drive after 20 mins of non-use. This will occur 20 times a day, Out of the SG range, what copes best?
Seagate Agent:
Upon checking, Seagate does not recommend to use the drives in the USB dock or using splitters or any other external connectors. We recommend and request you to use the drives directly to the host device.