How to Handle a Hard Disk

Computer Hard Disk Drive

A computer hard disk which is found inside the CPU holds all the data your computer required to boot or run. It also contains all your documents, from text files, to graphics and games. It is basically the memory of your computer. RAM is also another memory but it is a temporary memory which loses all data when turned off. The hard disk retains all the data even when turned off.

A hard disk's capacity varies, depending on the level of technology. Old hard disks have capacities of about 1 GB, 2 GB up to 8 GB, that's when Pentium IIs still dominated.

Today, capacities range from 40 GigaBytes to 1.5 TeraBytes or 1500 GB. 1000 Megabytes is equivalent to 1 Gigabyte, 1000 Gigabytes is equivalent to 1 Terabyte. Hard disk types include DDR, DDR2, and DDR3 which is the latest. Bus types or the method of data transfer is with IDE interface which uses parallel transfer, and the latest one, the SATA interface which is serial.


Inside look of a computer hard disk drive

A hard disk drive is a sensitive device that is why it is safely located inside the CPU. The CPU cover is not just for looks. It helps shield the hard disk from ESD or electrostatic discharge. A type of electricity which is emitted by charged objects which includes YOU, to smaller objects with lesser charge which includes the circuitry of the hard disk, which is disastrous for your hard disk.

So how then should you handle a hard disk in case you want to replace it, or transfer it, if holding it have the possibility of discharging of electrons?

Here's the common steps to follow:

1.) You can use a grounding mat, so that all the charged particles of your body is absorbed by the ground. Do this before holding or nearing the hard disk.

2.) You can use rubber gloves when handling hard disk drive.

3.) Sometimes rubber shoes work as a grounding mat.

4.) Always encase the removed hard disk in an ESD protection plastic.

5.) Keep your hard disk away from other electrical devices.


So now, at least you already know why last time when you walked on a carpet, collected charged particles and held your hard disk and then something exploded on the disk. Handle your precious hard disk better now!