Critical Hard Disk Temperature!?

Ok, so as I'm looking through the reveiws on this site, I saw HD Tune 2.52, downloaded it and began running it. I ran a benchmark test and throughout is was running at just over 50 degrees. I then started running the error test and I'm at 56 degrees, the temperature icon has turned red and I'm getting pop-up warning left and right from HD Tune. I also have mobmeter but the tab under options for HDD temperature is all shaded out, though it's showing for temperature (what I assume to be processor temperature) 56 degrees also. I am not noticing anything different now than usual in sounds or performance coming from the laptop. It's a three year old Dell Inspiron 5150 with a 3.06 Ghz P4 and a 60 gig Fujitsu MHT2060AH. What's going on!?

~ Brett

 

P-4's do run very hot.Those programs are predesigned to have a temperature defaults, but you should be able to adjust them according since you do have a processor that is known for running hot.

My P-M was running 50C last night, but I'm not sure what the standards are for P-4.

 

Thanks! Are the two temperature readings from mobmeter and HD Tune the same (i.e. are they only measuring one temperature or the processor temp and the hd temp)? So I guess this can be normal and won't wear down the hd too fast?

Thanks again,
Brett

 

if they are different then probably one is reading the HD Tune and one is reading your CPU.

 

HDTune reads the HDD temperature - 55* is the maximum rated operational temperature for hard drives. The more heat you have, more wear and tear will result, in addition to decreased lifespan. You aren't in serious danger at 56*. If you're over 60*, that's a big problem.

Since you just ran the error test, I wouldn't be too concerned with that temperature. The error test does last a long time and the hard drive is being accessed the entire time, so increased heat is reasonable.

Because your notebook has a Pentium 4 processor and it is a relatively small form factor, definitely consider getting a notebook cooling pad. It will greatly help your cooling system and reduce your temperatures.
Check www.newegg.com for cooling pads, most can be had for under $30.

 

Fujitsu drives in my experience run pretty cool. Hitachi is the hottest running. I have a hitachi in my old dell and it rarely goes above 55 and only just slightly now and then. My machine though when pushed easily hits 70c its a P4 with half the power of yours.