Squeak noise on WD Blue 6TB (WD60EZRZ) when turning off computer or HDD going idle

Hi WD,

I just bought a WD Blue 6TB HDD
So far everything operation wise (read and write), the HDD has been pretty silent which is satisfactory.

The only thing that stood out to me was whenever I unpower the HDD (shutdown, sleep or HDD going idle), there is a squeak noise (not very loud) which I have not heard from my other WD HDDs. Usually my older WD HDDs produce a click noise when it is getting unpowered.

Here’s a clip of the squeak noise (the computer case was closed in this recording): Squeak sound - Clyp

Diagnostics shows everything as satisfactory. I have seen a reddit thread with maybe the same issue (noise sound link doesnt work for me to compare): https://www.reddit.com/r/DataHoarder/comments/bhy4ef/strange_spindown_noise_with_new_6tb_wd_blue/

Is this squeak noise a normal sound with this HDD? Please let me know if you need more information.

Hi,

You could refer to the following links:

https://support-en.wd.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/11196

https://support-en.wd.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/6226

Hi,

Thanks for reply.

The drive isnt making clicking noise, its a very soft screech when powered down.

My drive comes out as all green tick based on the diagnostic software.

I have had confirmation from fellow 6TB HDD users and they all make the same noise which indicates that this is normal.

Hey my 4 TB WD Red makes the exact same sound when shutting down. Did you have any problems since your post?

For any HDD this using UltraStar hardware, this topic below apply to them too.