bug?!? FCU: using gpt instead of mbr gives me random hdd "freezes"

pietro · 10 Feb 2018

fresh install, this time i choose to use uefi/gpt. installation done with no problems.

here it is what happens after running windows for few minutes...

the hdd randomly "freezes" for 1/2/3 minutes, the speed is near zero and usage at 100%, windows seems not responding, than it comes back to work normally and so windows.

now i see increasing a s.m.a.r.t. paramenter >>> "relocation events counter"

thinking of hdd failure i tried to move the hdd onto another pc and i installed windows using bios/mbr again. no freezes.

i changed the sata cables on the first pc but freezes remain .

do you think it could be a bug or a hardware problem on the motherboard?!?!?

thanks

PolarNettles · 10 Feb 2018

I wouldn't expect the partitioning scheme to matter. However, the OS files will be located in different places on the drive so maybe when you use GPT the OS files just happen to be in a bad part of the drive.

First backup all your data immediately. Then run your drive manufacturer's test utility or HDDScan to check the entire drive's space.

pietro · 11 Feb 2018

PolarNettles said:

I wouldn't expect the partitioning scheme to matter. However, the OS files will be located in different places on the drive so maybe when you use GPT the OS files just happen to be in a bad part of the drive.
First backup all your data immediately. Then run your drive manufacturer's test utility or HDDScan to check the entire drive's space.

the hdd is brand new; after many hours in the second pc i didn't have any freeze or relocation attempts.

i used another disk, used and good for sure, in the first pc to reinstall windows 10 with uefi/gpt. no freezes after hours of use.

btw, if no one expirieced a problem like this, i'll have to try few test with mbr/gpt because this is really curious or just a little incompatibility and i'll stay this way.

Bree · 11 Feb 2018

pietro said:

the hdd is brand new; after many hours in the second pc i didn't have any freeze or relocation attempts...

That only means you are not using the part of the drive with bad sectors (yet). If the hdd is brand new, take it back for a replacement. Relocation events are never a good sign.

Acronis said:

9132: S.M.A.R.T. Attribute: Reallocation Event Count
This is a critical parameter. Degradation of this parameter may indicate imminent drive failure. Urgent data backup and hardware replacement is recommended.

https://kb.acronis.com/content/9132

pietro · 12 Feb 2018

Bree said:

That only means you are not using the part of the drive with bad sectors (yet). If the hdd is brand new, take it back for a replacement. Relocation events are never a good sign.
https://kb.acronis.com/content/9132

made a couple of slow format, no problems or relocations attempts at the moment after two days. using only 64GB partition as before.

obv, rma is an option. i have to be sure because they will charge shipping costs (twice) if i'm wrong

the hdd is HGST HTS541010A9E68 2.5'' and was mounted vertically. nothing on internet about this problem.

i remember g-sense erros before reformatting too. it was mounted vertically. (vibrations?! could be?!?)

i'll keep using the hdd this way for few days, then i'll try to put it back vertically in the other pc using gpt and/or mbr.

seems not a (general) bug, let's see if position matters with this model. or something paranormal was involved...