"Dave D" wrote:


"Terry Pinnell" wrote in message
.. .

snip

Thanks, I'll schedule that for when I don't need the PC for a while!

But if this is a *beat*, presumably there are two components, not one?


Not necessarily, it could be the natural resonance of the component/PC
casing.

It may be coincidence, but I've only become aware of this since
installing a third HD - a 200GB Maxtor Diamond, 7200 rpm, in addition
to my two 60GB Maxtors.


Could be the new hard drive isn't fantastically well balanced. For example,
I've had UW SCSI drives create quite a racket as they can vibrate a bit more
than slower devices.

BTW, when it comes to disconnecting a HD to test its impact on the
noise, can I just close WinXP, remove the power plug from it and
reboot?

Yes, but you don't have to let Windows boot to test for noise, just hit
pause at the POST screen, or hit F8 to stop Windows starting.

On later reconnecting it, will WinXP have to go through any
hardware wizardry?

No.

My experience of that is mixed, so I like to avoid
it whenever possible!

--

Best to not let Windows boot then. I've seen windows change drive letters
under these circumstances, which may or may not be a problem for you.

Dave

Thanks a lot for the follow-up.

--
Terry, West Sussex, UK