Loud hard drive

[FRANKG6]

I purchased an HP Desktop - 460-p274 a month ago and immediately noticed the hard drive exhibits loud annoying sound while working. With the computer at rest and without any apps running it sounds like a small boat motor, When applications such as internet explorer are implemented, the noise is much louder and at higher, variable pitches.  I have had HP pc's in the past but I have not experienced this loud hard drive sound. I updated all BIOS and drivers when booting up for the first time.

Is this a normal expected sound?

[Echo_Lake]

@FRANKG6
Thank you for posting on the HP Support Community.

Don't worry as I'll be glad to help,  I have a few troubleshooting steps we could try to fix the issue:  I recommend you perform the following steps to isolate the issue and arrive at a fix:

• Step 1: Remove discs and devices
• Step 2: Perform a hard reset
• Step 3: Run hardware diagnostic tests
• Step 4: Refresh or reset your PC. Click here: https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c04718479 to complete the troubleshooting steps. By end of the article, you will be able to fix the issue.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.
Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.

[FRANKG6]

Thanks for your reply. I have run all diagnostic tests but I am hesitant to perform a hard reset at this point. The hard set would require a full back-up for which I am not prepared for now, perhaps soon.

I have the desktop an arms length away from me. I will be relocating the pc under my desk to dampen the sound as I am assuming that this is a "normal" sound from the drive albeit distracting. I should have purchased a PC with a solid state drive.

[Echo_Lake]

@FRANKG6

Thank you for posting back. 

Apologize for the inconvenience caused, I would suggest please back your files and data before performing a factory reset.

And also there is an option in recovery manager "perform system recovery keeping the files" this way your files and data will be protected. 

If it's a hard drive related issue HP can replace the faulty parts under factory warranty. 

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.
Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.

[FRANKG6]

I will likely take it to a service center while it is still under warranty. I have put it though HP stress tests as suggested and all drives pass. However, I believe that it the nature of this Seagate hard drive, noisy. This particular PC is a replacement for a 10 year old HP Pavilion. Its hard drive is extremely quiet and is still working.

[Echo_Lake]

@FRANKG6

Thank you for posting back. 

Work on it as per your convenience and keep me posted once you get your computer back from the service center.

Keep me posted for further assistance.

[FRANKG6 · Accepted solution]

Hello,  I was able to determine exactly what the source was after digging a bit deeper. I removed the side access panel and was able to zero in on the CPU fan as the noise maker and not the hard drives. I began a search for a quieter fan replacement.

Thanks for you assistance.   

[Echo_Lake]

@FRANKG6

Thank you for posting back. 

I am glad to know that you managed to resolve the issue. Please reach out again for any further assistance.

Have a nice day ahead.