Testing some HDD insulation.

Recorded with:
Haun NBNM 410
Audient iD14

How to build:
http://imgur.com/a/9sJ2B
https://www.computerbase.de/forum/showthread.php?t=1613503&page=3&p=19235486#post19235486

HDD Insulation Tests

WD Red 3TB (WD30EFRX): noise in idle, insulated/damped with bitumen and terry cloth.

WD Red 3TB: Idle Noise [insulated]

WD Red 3TB: Idle Noise [normal]

Testing different kinds of mounting methods.
Drive used: Seagate Barracuda 3TB (ST3000DM001).

0:00-0:08 = mounted on a metal slide (from a NZXT H440)
0:08-0:16 = mounted on 40mm of convoluted foam
0:16-0:24 = wrapped up with  terry cloth (4 layers of a plain towel)

HDD Mounting Methods: Hardmount / Softmount [Metal Slide / Foam / Terry Cloth]

Simulating the effect of a "direct" insulation by placing materials on top of the drive.

Drive used: Seagate Barracuda 3TB (ST3000DM001).

0:00-0:08 = mounted on foam only
0:08-0:16 = mounted on foam + envelope placed on top
0:16-0:24 = mounted on foam + piece of bitumen placed on top

When insulating drives I recommend using leightweight, damping materials with low-impedance (such as foam or terry cloth) as inner layer. In this case the drive needs at least 15mm space between the top surface and the outter, insulating layer (bitumen) to prevent additional noise.

HDD Mounting Methods: Hardmount / Softmount [Metal Slide / Foam / Terry Cloth]

Ellef