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Full Version: Inside the HDD cover - What is it?

OverclockersClub Forums > Hardware > Modding, Cases & Power Supplies

General Septem

Oct 13 2006, 04:58 PM

I removed the HDD cover from my old 40 GB PATA drive (I need to update my sig but I replaced that old whiny thing with a shiny new 80 GB SATA) with the intention of performing the window mod, and when I pulled the thing off I noticed this:

It's a cylindrical clear plastic cup, attached to the plate. On the plate there is a hole about 3/32" in diameter, right in the center of where this cup is mounted. You cannot see this hole in the picture; it's underneath it.

Inside the cup there is a black thing. I have no idea what it is but it appears to have a porous surface and it is also cylindrical, with rounded ends.

The mouth of the cup is covered with some kind of weird fabric.

Anyone have a clue as to what it is? Should I try and cut around it or is it unnecessary? I mean, I'm assuming it does something but I don't know what.

Here is the approximate location in relation to the rest of the drive:

UncleDavid218

Oct 13 2006, 05:39 PM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_disk

(Wikipedia)

The hard disk's spindle system relies on air pressure inside the drive to support the heads at their proper flying height while the disk is in motion. A hard disk drive requires a certain range of air pressures in order to operate properly. The connection to the external environment and pressure occur through a small hole in the enclosure (about 1/2 mm in diameter), usually with a carbon filter on the inside (the breather filter, see below). If the air pressure is too low, there will not be enough lift for the flying head, the head will not be at the proper height, and there is a risk of head crashes and data loss.

That's probably not it, but you never know.

General Septem

Oct 13 2006, 05:52 PM

(UncleDavid218)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_disk

That's probably not it, but you never know.

Actually I think that's exactly what it is. Thanks.

...guess I'm cutting around it then.

ebdoradz

Oct 13 2006, 06:06 PM

(UncleDavid218)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_disk

That's probably not it, but you never know.

that what i was thinking of, when i read the 1st post

older drive didnt have that, at least not my old fujistu 3gb

General Septem

Oct 13 2006, 06:08 PM

(ebdoradz)

that what i was thinking of, when i read the 1st post

older drive didnt have that, at least not my old fujistu 3gb

Nobody ever said anything about it in any of the tutorials I've read on drive modding so it kind of threw me. The drive is kind of old but it's only from 2000 so it's not that old.

mekanoplastik

Oct 15 2006, 04:53 PM

it is an air filter (dust filter..)...hd´s are not vaccum sealed devices...

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