Re: theoretical question about disks and os

[Raphael Marmier <raphael@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I am avoiding IBM drives since then, but I didn't know it was this bad!!!

The two models that failed me are
a 20Gb DPTA-372050 (DEC-1999)
a 40Gb IC35L040AVER07-0 (OCT-2001)

I know there is a 60Gb IBM drive in my Mac (august 2002), which I 
decided to trust because I thought Apple would have made sure these 
drive where not from defective runs.

No problem since then, except now I am paranoid about hard drives.

Raphael

Bill Hacker wrote:
> Raphael Marmier wrote:
>
> > Thanks, that clarified things for me.
> >
> > In fact I had 2 drives failing me nearly the same way, and both where 
> > IBM Deskstar for 2000 and 2001. I thought about heat at the time, but 
> > was not so sure anymore as they wheren't running so hot. Very 
> > sensitive to heat they must be.
>
>
> Not just heat. Both PCB IC failures (look for 'ash pits'),
> and head positioner failures resulting in scarred media.
>
> A couple of different IBM IDE 'Deskstar' drive 'families' -
> made in different factories, earned the name 'Deathstar'.
> 60GB and 80 GB seem to have been among the worst ones.
>
> That said, we have *many* IBM SCSI now 6 to 10 years in
> service and one 60 GB 'Deathstar' ca 4 years in service.
>
> We now avoid the IBM/Hitachi line, as we have avoided
> Sea*grate* for a Very Long Time.
>
> Failed capacitors on MB and in PS at around the same
> time frame (2001 - 2004) have also interacted to fry
> electronics on drives that had no mechanical problems
> and did have adequate cooling.
>
> Lots of info on the web:  google 'IBM Deathstar' and
> 'contaminated electrolyte aluminum capacitor'
>
> Bill Hacker