Why Do Hard Drives Die?

Frequently Asked Question:

Why Do Hard Drives Die?

Hard drives, just like any other electrical device, are prone to failure. Determining exactly why your particular hard drive has failed is no easy task - the cost of the technician's time very quickly outweighs the desire to satisfy one's curiousity. The most common causes of hard drive death are the following:

Power Surges

A computer that is plugged directly into the wall is left vulnerable to the damage caused by power surges. Computers are full of voltage sensitive components - including the hard drive.

Heat

Hard drives must be properly cooled in order to function properly. A poorly vented hard drive will overheat and cook itself.

Physical Damage

Your hard drive is made up of a number of moving pieces that work together to read and write data onto the hard drive's platters. When a laptop is dropped while running, the moving components of a hard drive can be damaged beyond repair.

Static Electricity 

Electronic components are more susceptible to static than you or I. Carpets and rugs pose a particular threat to your hard drive. A simple fix is to keep your computer off the ground by either placing it on your desk or placing a piece of wood under your desktop.

Wear and Tear

The moving parts within a hard drive leave it susceptible to damage over time. Parts can seize up over time, dust can interfere, and bad sectors can spread to the point at which major data recovery is necessary.


When it comes to lifespan - there is no rule of thumb. We have seen hard drives die right out of the box while others are 15 years old and healthy.