Seagate ST3500320AS - SD1A firmware

[Rob_icepick]

Howdy,

The problem I'm having is the drive is running dirt slow. All SeaTools for Windows tests pass OK however HDTach has reported dodgy performance before of around 4MB/s. Now it's better at 84MB/s reading.

I have an identical drive to the one mentioned above which is operating OK and not showing these symptoms.

The drive is still under the 5 year warranty so I can't get it replaced. My question is will a format help the situation at all? Or is it done for?!

Thanks.

[peterb]

All formatting does is lay down a new file system, so no, it won't help. (Unless the Seagate tools are offering the option of a low level format - but even then I doubt it would help)

It depends what you are measuring though. You could try defragging the disk - that might have a small impact on performance, but probably not the level you are experiencing. Have you checked the drive connectors? A dodgy cable can have an impact performance.

It might also be worth looking at the SMART data to sea if there is anything obiously wrong there (if the Seagate toolset doesn't do that)

[Rob_icepick]

Yeah I didn't think a format would help. I've just ghosted the drive in case it dies.

Defrag was a good suggestion and I've run that and things do seem better. SMART all passes OK.

Thanks.