Hitachi Deskstar 1TB won't even spin

[ratdude747]

Awhile back in a freebie box I was given an untested 1TB Hitachi desktar from a 2007 Mac (apple firmware).

I went to test it... and the drive wasn't showing up at all... in fact, It sounded TOO quiet... not even spinning!

Normally I'd chuck a drive if it failed... but since it's a 1TB and the not spinning up part is kinda odd, I figured I'd ask.

Perhaps something with the apple firmware locking it out of a non-Mac system? (and if so, would a gen 1 imac G5 work as a tester?)

[seanc]

Re: Hitachi Deskstar 1TB won't even spin

I don't think the firmware will be the reason for the drive not spinning up, something else. Given it a sharp tap? It's worked for me on Western Digital blue drives as of late.

[ratdude747]

Re: Hitachi Deskstar 1TB won't even spin

I don't think the firmware will be the reason for the drive not spinning up, something else. Given it a sharp tap? It's worked for me on Western Digital blue drives as of late.

Nope, the tap trick didn't work.

Looks like a paperweight then?

[rhomanski]

Re: Hitachi Deskstar 1TB won't even spin

They don't call them Hitachi Deathstars for nothing. I've had several do that to me so far.

[nitelite]

Re: Hitachi Deskstar 1TB won't even spin

Before chucking it, I would try putting it in a sealed plastic bag (or two) and leaving it in the freezer overnight.

This is a technique I heard sometimes works but haven't tried myself so YMMV...

[retiredcaps]

Re: Hitachi Deskstar 1TB won't even spin

Check the DC voltages on the hard disk pcb board to make sure you are least getting the normal voltages.

[brethin]

Re: Hitachi Deskstar 1TB won't even spin

It could be set to pwr-on with no spin up (sleep mode) like many DVR drives do. I wouldn't trash it. If you can't figure it out sell it for parts not working and explain it doesn't spin up on pwr-on. You might get something for it.

[theOracle]

Re: Hitachi Deskstar 1TB won't even spin

They don't call them Hitachi Deathstars for nothing. I've had several do that to me so far.

^ This ^


FYI - back in the day, they were called IBM Deathstars, before IBM sold this problem-child to Hitachi

other than this afterbirth of a drive, Hitachi's are very reliable drives, as are pretty much all Hitachi products

[ratdude747]

Re: Hitachi Deskstar 1TB won't even spin

IIRC the deathstar was only a specific bad model back when IBM made them... however, most consumers don't know HDD models and as a result assumed they all were bad, and quit buying IBM drives. IBM then sold it to hitachi, and like the other IBM drives, there were no issues.

I may see if it is indeed a sleep mode thing. edit- No, that's probably not it, mac drives uses virtually the same FW from what I'm seeing.


Not too keen on selling it as it was a freebie from a buddy and I don't want to look like loser by backstabbing a friend.

[ratdude747]

Re: Hitachi Deskstar 1TB won't even spin

Got it to spin finally... made a horrible racket (fast clunk, not quite like a head crash) and a chip got hot, fast. You guys reckon it's just the controller board? Or is the entire drive a waste?

edit- never mind, the noise changes when I change the physical orientation of the drive. some postions I hear a scraping noise... drive is indeed 100% toast.

(I had plans for it too... for now it's being subbed by a PATA 80gb, the next best drive I have not in use)

[shovenose]

Re: Hitachi Deskstar 1TB won't even spin

It came out of an Apple Time Capsule not a Mac :P

I've used drives with Apple firmware on them in PCs and never had an issue. So that is a non-issue.

[Elysarian]

Re: Hitachi Deskstar 1TB won't even spin

It came out of an Apple Time Capsule not a Mac :P

I've used drives with Apple firmware on them in PCs and never had an issue. So that is a non-issue.

Knackered spindle bearing is an issue though... *points to Ratdude's last post*

[rhomanski]

Re: Hitachi Deskstar 1TB won't even spin

I bought 6 Hitachi Deskstars, after one year, 1 was totally dead and 4 were losing files left and right. I have one left I use for backups and gets turned on about once a week.