Re:screw the fans, all i hear is hard drives! (Score 1)

I am assuming that it is on Data access??
Depending on the Drive type(PATA-SATA) There are a couple utilities available.

AMSET:
Maxtor drives only was available from Maxtor at one time, currently not supported by Maxtor.

Hitachi Feature tool (FTOOL)
http://www.hitachigst.com/hdd/support/download.htm Works for multiple Manufactrurer's Drives and treats RAID controllers as std IDE, Will also work with SATA Drives.

IBM HDD utility, Also works with Other brands.
Was not able to re-locate the link on IBM's Website, I did locate a link on AOA's site, along with a link for AMSET. http://files.aoaforums.com/index.php?dir=150

Other Items I have found upon building many systems, I have found that case design has a LOT to do with hard drive noise. I have 2 systems here.

System #1: all PATA drives
4X 40 GB 160GB RAID/0 ATA133 7200RPM 2MB Cache Data (2X WD, 2X Maxtor
1X 60GB ATA133 7200RPM 8MB Cache Boot (Maxtor)
Xasier III case (With some custom mods)

System 2: SATA1
1X 160GB 7200RPM 8MB Cache Boot and Data (SEAGATE)
Generic Case (Some custom mods)

All drives in both systems are at Manufacturer default specs NO soft mods for noise etc.
System #1:
I do have the low hum of Fans as there are 9 Fans (I removed 2) in this case, there is NO HDD chatter that is audible with the case closed.
If I open the case I can hear typical drive chatter on access, as well as the dull wine of spinning platters.

System #2:
Again I do hear a low hum of 7 Fans. With case closed I hear HDD accessesquite well, But NO rotational noise
With case open, there is almose no differance with HDD noise.

This is just from personal experience with 2 systems I use everyday.

"Pardon my spelling, and I will pardon yours"
~~ Infopumper