High Pitched "Coil Whine" from Hard Drive

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hypakz

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Jun 27, 2013
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Hey Guys

So i've been having this intermittent "coil whine" like activity. It'll be really bad for like a day or two, then be gone for a week.

I have finally narrowed it down to the hard drive. Whats really strange is that when the coil whine is happening my system essentially freezes. I can still navigate things that are open, but i cannot open anything new. Then once the whine goes away everything i had tried to open will all pop up at once.

When the coil whine stops you can also hear a spinning noise like the hard drive has started spinning again.

I was wondering what you guys thought this was? The PSU? or the Hard drive? What should i be looking to replace? or is there a fix?

Also, if i do have to replace the HDD, how will that affect my copy of windows? Is it attached to the motherboard?
 
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Dark Lord of Tech

Dark Lord of Tech

Retired Moderator
Aug 18, 2009
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PSU , you won't get that noise from a hard drive.

Sounds like you do have a hard drive issue also.


With windows 7 OEM the license is tied to the first motherboard it's installed on.With Windows 8 you can move it to another build when you are done with this one , but only one computer at a time.With Windows 8 0EM you can change all the hardware you want including the motherboard.


Windows7-2.jpg



OEM versions of Windows 7 are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:

- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel

- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on

- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard

- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system

Microsoft.com ^


OEM vs. Retail

OEM Windows 7 comes preinstalled on computers. This is the cheapest way to buy windows. Large PC manufacturers like Dell, HP etc. (collectively called royalty OEMs) install windows on millions of such PCs. The main characteristics of such systems are:

The license agreement and support agreement is between you and the PC maker, not MS.

Activation by the end user is not required. Windows is preactivated at the factory by the OEM using images and standard SLP keys.

Your copy of windows is locked to that PC. The license is not transferable.

OEM system builder is what you get when you buy from say Newegg or from a local "white box" vendor. It too has the characteristics of Royalty OEM windows. Although it is possible for an individual to buy a System Builder copy, the license requires that the software be installed using the OPK (OEM preinstall kit) and then resold.

Retail version is what you buy from a retailer like Amazon or Bestbuy. Its a full price version that comes packaged in a retail box with a retail product key. It has to be activated online via MS servers using the key on the box, it is not tied to the PC it was first installed on, though it can only be used on a single computer at a time. And, MS directly provides the support for it. It is also more expensive than OEM copies.

As far as functionality is concerned, theres no difference between any of the versions above, given any specific edition (i.e. between OEM pro and retail pro, or between OEM ultimate and retail ultimate).

sevenforums.com


Windows8-1_zps0f2f36f7.png



Windows 8 OEM is a whole different ballgame.

License agreement for the transfer of a Windows 8 license
http://personaluselicense.windows.com/en-US/default.aspx
 
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hypakz

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Jun 27, 2013
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Thanks for the really fast answers guys. I'm in the process right now of backing everything up.

So you think its the PSU? I have 2 sata power cords from the psu and i tried them both on my hdd, and they both cause the same sound. You're saying though I wouldn't get that high pitched sound from the hard drive?

Say it is the PSU. Do you think that could also be causing the hdd freezes? It sounds like you think the HDD is also bad. It seems hard to believe that BOTH the PSU and Hard drive would both be bad.

fyi, this was built in early august, just to put things in perspective.
 
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hypakz

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Jun 27, 2013
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Also, if the sound is coming DIRECTLY from the hdd, could it still be caused from the PSU? i'm not sure how this whole "coil whine" works, but i guess i should be contacting manufactures for replacements.


Also, i just ran the Data Lifeguard Diagnostic test from WD and it passed everything i ran. Does this mean the HDD is okay?
 
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hypakz

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Jun 27, 2013
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Thanks guys for all your input. I really appreciate it.
I guess i'll go ahead and contact Corsair about a replacement PSU. Since it passed the diagnostic check I'll have to assume the hard drive is okay for now. If the new PSU has the same issue i'll replace the hard drive.

Thanks again guys!
 
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sora

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Oct 30, 2013
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Corsair should be able to replace your PSU! If not try and RMA it to the place you bought it from.
 
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verony2806

Jan 20, 2019
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I have the EXACT same problem- seagate barracude 3TB, while my windows is not freezing because it is on my SSD, the folder that is located inside the HDD is freezing during the whining which is about 5-6 secs. Please reply if you got an answer, I am however sure that is isn't PSU, the sound come directly from the HDD and this being a PSU problem makes absolutely zero sense.
 
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