Seagate Momentus 7200RPM Vibration

Question

Level 1

116 points

Seagate Momentus 7200RPM Vibration

Hello.

I've finally got around to installing my Seagate Momentus drive on my replacement Macbook [the first had a few problems so I didn't bother inserting the drive], and it's vibrating. I can hear it and I can feel it, and I'd like to know if this is normal behaviour. I've just emailed Seagate support about it, but I imagine I'd be more likely to get an honest answer here. Should I RMA the drive? If so, then it's even more hassle on top of having had to wait for a second, perfect Macbook to arrive.

Thanks in advance.

Macbook, Mac OS X (10.4.6), Black, 2.0 Ghz, 2GB Crucial RAM, 100GB 7200RPM Seagate HDD

Posted on Jun 27, 2006 4:23 PM

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Answer 1

mmike70

Level 2

324 points

Jun 27, 2006 5:14 PM in response to GwiDan

I just put in a 7200.1 Momemtus 100GB drive and don't notice any extra noise/vibration or heat. It's just as unobtrusive as the 60gb seagate it replaced.

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Answer 2

Jun 27, 2006 5:37 PM in response to GwiDan

I've had that drive installed for about a month now, and haven't noticed any abnormal vibration, noise, or heat.

Brian

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Answer 3

GwiDan Author

Level 1

116 points

Jun 27, 2006 5:45 PM in response to GwiDan

The vibration and noise stops when I put pressure on the right hand palmrest over where the hard disk is situated. Is this significant?

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Answer 4

Kalel

Level 2

274 points

Jun 27, 2006 5:53 PM in response to GwiDan

It should not vibrate any more than stock. Mine is not different in any way.

Are you sure you tightened each bolt properly?

Did you make sure the drive was fully seated?

If so then the drive has a problem. Luckily Seagate is AWESOME when it comes to covering their equipment. You should have no problem exchanging the drive.

Kalel

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Answer 5

GwiDan Author

Level 1

116 points

Jun 27, 2006 7:29 PM in response to Kalel

I've triple checked to make sure I've tightened everything up properly, and I've even reinserted the old drive to make sure I wasn't imagining the extra vibration. The stock 80GB Momentus drive doesn't vibrate at all, but the 7200RPM drive is definitely doing it. It's actually resonating off the table, too, so it's pretty loud.

I've sent in an RMA request to Seagate, and I've been given the address to send the drive to and everything. A few questions, though. Is Seagate allowed to charge me postage costs for returning their defective product? Bear in mind I live in the UK, so I'd like whatever rules apply here. Also, seeing as I have to get anti static packaging to place the drive in, where can I get hold of some? I already have the 2 inches of rubber foam Seagate insists upon, from the original drive packaging - lucky I didn't throw it away. If I don't send the drive with all this packaging and anti-static material, the warranty is voided...

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Answer 6

Rod Hagen

Level 7

32,000 points

Jun 27, 2006 7:55 PM in response to GwiDan

Hi GwiDan,

there have been a couple of earlier reports here of people receiving "vibrating" Seagate Memomentus drives. In each case the problem seems to have been rectified by simply getting a replacement from Seagate. Sounds as if you will need to do this too. You should be able to get anti-static packaging at any computer parts shop. Afraid I have no idea about the postage. Probably depends on the wording of the warranty documentation.

If you bought it in the UK you may be able to simply get it replaced by the dealer.

Cheers

Rod

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Answer 7

Jun 27, 2006 7:58 PM in response to GwiDan

I returned that same drive for horrible vibrations like you describe.

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Answer 8

GwiDan Author

Level 1

116 points

Jun 27, 2006 8:01 PM in response to Rod Hagen

Thanks for the advice. It's reassuring to hear that other people have been experiencing the same thing and that replacement units have solved the problem. I think I'll try getting in touch with the company I bought the drive from next, before relying on returning directly to Seagate. Hopefully it will be quicker this way, too.

It's just so annoying to have to get a replacement.

Anyway, thanks for the help, everyone.

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Answer 9

GwiDan Author

Level 1

116 points

Jun 27, 2006 8:11 PM in response to James Arnold

James Arnold, did you get a replacement of the same drive or opt for something different?

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Answer 10

Ray Allen

Level 2

396 points

Apr 22, 2007 11:16 AM in response to GwiDan

Just about to order a 7200 for my MacBook.

Just as a side note on my last 17" PowerBook I had the 100GB 7200 drive and this did vibrate, it wasnt to bad so never did anything about it just lived with it.

R

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Answer 11

Apr 22, 2007 11:28 AM in response to GwiDan

I tried one of these drives in my MacBook..

It vibrated SO MUCH I immediately took it out and returned it to the store the next day.

My policy for hard drives and laptops is now the following:

1) Hd must be a single platter.
2) If 2.5" then rotational speed must be 5400 and not 7200

The Seagate 60 gb I have in my MacBook does not vibrate annoyingly.. this is the 2nd one actually.. the first died. Since then there has been some improvement in the tech and I think you can get 80 gb 2.5 hds that are single platter. But do your research, capacity doesn't mean anything, it's what the manufacturer is doing that matters.

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