XPS 8500 chirping noise

Hi Cynthia,

I would like you to know that Dell does not have an updated firmware for the hard drive model and I do not recommend updating the firmware from Seagate.  Even thought the hard drive is manufactured by Seagate, the firmware may not match. We can setup a repair service to replace the hard drive. Please back up all the data. I request you to private message me your system service tag number and the name on the account. To private message accept my friend request; click on my user name and click start conversation.

I would assume it shouldn't void the Dell warranty since it is covered by Seagate.  But that is for Dell to answer  :)

Again, no problem with mine after the update.

Did you run the seagate drive dectect software to find the revision?

Thanks for the reply.  I haven't run anything - according to my notes when I did the diagnostics it is a 2TB ST2000DM001-9YN164, Revision CC4G.

It appears that Dell will replace the drive - which clearly has no risk of damaging my warranty for which I paid a lot.

If they send me the same drive (for which they say they have no firmware to update it), I'll inform them that I am updating the firmware and if there's a problem, I'll bug them about it.

I don't really understand why they can't download and update the firmware on the drives before installing them in systems.  I can't be the only one who would call them for warranty service on this.  Which obviously will cost them more.

I'm waiting to hear from Rajath N. for details - so. we'll see.

Thanks again for the important information.  Cynthia

I had the same version on my HDD - CC4G. Only problem with getting a new HDD from Dell is that it may be a refurbished one now.  At least that is my understanding from reading through these forums.  Maybe not.  My computer is only a month old and the updated firmware came out in May so I agree that they should update everything before they ship.

As I am new here - I need to ask.  How does this private message thing work?  I have clicked start conversation and left messages twice, without response.  I then deleted the first one, and added my e-mail address to the 2nd.  Am I supposed to receive a reply from Dell?

I would consider updating the firmware if I knew for sure that if the warranty would still cover me if it went bad.

Thank you.

This chirping is endemic to most recent Seagate drives (check out their forums (!)), and has to do with power-saving - you'll notice that the chirping lessens when  the disk is actually in use. It is irritating - but harmless. Seagate released a firmware update for some models - but it's only cosmetic, and reduces the sound slightly. Don't fiddle with HDD firmware unless you have to - it can be very difficult to determine exactly which firmware to apply, because there are several versions for each product, of which there can be many slight variations. In short - don't worry.

[i have an XPS 8500 too, btw]

After 2 hours on the phone, I convinced Tech Support to send me a new drive.  Of course, they insisted I update my BIOS first - which was a mistake, but I'm stuck with it.

I received the same drive with the same revision.  I haven't plugged it in, yet, to see I lucked out with a drive that doesn't chirp.

Cynthia

Thanks for this (somewhat) reassuring comment, seansean. Like the OP, I, too, have an XPS 8500 ("Special Edition") that is just a couple of weeks old and hear the chirp now and then. It really concerned me, but I guess there's not much to do other than wait to see if there are massive Seagate drive failures. I'll steer clear of any firmware update unless it comes directly from Dell.

"The hard drive also usually makes some slight scraping noises as it is accessing the drive, whenever I first open windows explorer, but not for longer than a few seconds, so I think that it might be normal."  This is NOT normal!  Get rid of the old drive that you added.  If you still have the scraping noises, your Dell hardware is defective and definitely needs replacing.

Hi Cynthia,

I am glad to know that the issue has been resolved. Please write to us in case if you need further assistance.

Is there no way to just get the updated firmware from Dell?  I am having this problem too and tried to use the Seagate firmware update which should match my system but it would not apply the update.  If the problem is firmware, why is the solution to replace the drive?    Please advise.

I have the exact same noise coming from my drive.  Unfortunately, I also have a version of the XPS8500 that has the intel rapid storage technology, so I can't apply the Seagate firmware update.  Can someone please provide me with a suggestion?

Hi EdmontonScott,

I’d suggest you to run the Diagnostics and check if all the hardware components including the hard drive are working properly by following the steps provided below:

1. Restart the computer.
2. As the computer boots, press when the Dell Splash Screen appears.
3. When the Boot menu appears, highlight the Boot to Utility Partition option, or the Diagnostics option and then press to start the 32-bit Dell Diagnostics.

Note: In some cases PSA Diagnostics will run first. If you receive an error during PSA diagnostics and to continue the 32-bit Diagnostics, press N for No when it asks you to Continue Memory Tests.

4. Press the key to highlight ‘Express Test’ Press to continue to 32-bit Diagnostics.
5. Note down any error message displayed and reply to this message.

You can also update the BIOS to the latest version by downloading the installation file from the following link:
http://dell.to/SmuVkC

Please let me know about your findings.

I'm afraid I have no idea.  If it was a refurb - it was not marked as such.  It was the same model and firmware as the chiorping drive, but it was made at a different site and it does not chirp.  I'm sorry I can't be more help.  Cynthia