We all know SSDs are the latest-and-greatest in storage technology.
Massively faster then the older HDD, because there is no physical arm for a servo to move to read the correct data off the drive.
In fact, there is no physical movement at all: It's all Solid-state.
It's even in the name Solid State Drive.
So why when I open a new application, or shut down some process, do I hear the SSD 'grinding', like it used to in the good old HHD days?
I've got great hearing, but I'm pretty sure I can't hear electrons squeezing through narrow tracks, or transistors switching on and off...
EDIT There is definitely no HDD or hybrid drive in the machine.
It's very faint, like the sound when you pass throught the RF anti-theft devices in libraries and stores.
It definitely occurs on data access..
6 Answers
The noise comes form the SSD changing power states, which is happening a few thousand times per second, which causes a piezo electric effect (small movement due to electricity) in the drive, creating an audible noise. To resolve, you can turn off the C-state power option in the BIOS.
SSDs don't have mechanical parts and don't make any noise at all. The only possible reason an SSD would be making noise is:
your system has some major electrical issues.
the SSD is really an SSHD: these are mechanical hard drives with a bit of flash memory as cache - a hybrid. These will make typical mechanical hard drive noises.
you bought a cheap external USB or other drive from an unreputable buyer and there's really a mechanical hard drive in it.
If you are 100% sure the noise is coming from the SSD drive, and have checked the model to make sure it is a true SSD and not an SSHD hybrid or other, you should troubleshoot your computer hardware starting with the power supply and incoming power to the system.
Just an idea: apart from suggestions by LawrenceC, could it be you're mistaking a hdd spin noise with noises from a CPU fan?
2I've also heard this noise on SSD only computers. Most computer towers have switching power supplies. Switching power supplies sometimes made audible sounds, especially when it's load is changing quickly. And if you listen closely, the sound is very similar to the typical hard drive "ticking" sound.
Suggestion: Do a big file copy so that you hear the noise, then unplug the power adaptor and listen. Mine goes silent when I do this, then the noise returns when I plug the supply back in. It's probably some magnetostriction effect in the power supply.
I worked 35 yrs on Noise problems, not that it makes me an expert. But I just finished re-building my PC with fairly high-end components. I'll save the bore, but even with 2 SATA SSD's and 2 M.2 NVMe's there is this very faint and intermittent clicking/ticking noise even with all the fans turned off. This noise is NOT fan-related ....absolutely sure. The noise I'm referring to, which is what most of the queries on this topic are noting, is due to either the cpu and/or the SSD's despite no moving parts. This noise comes and goes with cpu/disk activity....like when it's crunching instructions (e.g., file transfers, web page opening, OS updating etc. I think my noise is emanating mostly from the 'big' Noctua NH-U12A cpu cooler. The cooling fins afford a lot of surface area to amplify what is digitally going within the cpu. Believe me, I used to measure this stuff!! Anyway, it's nothing to worry about. Be thankful that your ears are working that good. OH...btw, when you button up your PC with its case covers, the sound is not near as noticeable...at least on my machine. Kind regards!
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