In our earlier guide on ways to reduce NAS noise, we covered how noise primarily comes from hard drives, cooling fans, and chassis vibration.

Today, we’re taking a deeper look at the differences between HDDs and SSDs—and what each means for keeping your storage solution silent.

Key Takeaways:

• SSD NAS systems are virtually silent due to having no moving parts, while HDD NAS units produce noise from spinning disks, moving heads, and vibrations.
• HDD NAS noise typically ranges from 20 to 40 decibels—quiet but constant enough to be noticeable in silent environments.
• Hybrid setups combining SSDs for active use and HDDs for archival storage can balance noise and budget effectively.
• Quieter HDDs (like WD Red or Seagate IronWolf) and DIY solutions—such as rubber mounts, soundproof enclosures, or smart placement—can significantly reduce NAS noise without high costs.

Understanding the Noise Difference

SSDs are silent because they have no moving parts. HDDs, on the other hand, contain spinning disks and whirring read/write heads.But here’s the twist: While SSDs are completely silent themselves, your NAS may still produce noise from system fans or power supplies, especially under load.

Why an SSD NAS is (Mostly) Silent

SSDs store data on flash memory chips, meaning no spinning, no moving arms, and no noise. It’s like reading a book versus listening to a record player; one is silent, the other hums. This makes SSDs the go-to for noise-sensitive spaces. But here’s the catch: your NAS might still make noise from fans or power supplies.  So, while SSDs eliminate drive noise, the system might not be entirely mute.

A common misconception is that an SSD NAS is completely silent. Not quite, as fans can still hum, especially under load. Check your NAS’s fan settings or opt for low-noise models.

What Makes an HDD NAS Noisy?

HDDs are noisy for three reasons:

• Spinning Disks: They rotate at 5400 or 7200 RPM, creating a constant hum.
• Read/Write Heads: These move back and forth, clicking like a typewriter.
• Vibrations: Multiple drives can amplify noise, like a chorus of tiny motors.

Real-World Noise Levels of an HDD NAS

Hard drives aren’t stealthy. They spin disks at thousands of revolutions per minute and shuffle tiny heads to read and write data. That’s a recipe for a low hum, with occasional clicks when things get busy. In a bustling room, it might fade into the background. 

Typical Noise Levels

So, how loud are we talking? Most HDD NAS setups clock in between 20 and 40 decibels (dB). Here’s what that means:

• 20 dB: A whisper or a gentle breeze through leaves.
• 30 dB: The hush of a library.
• 40 dB: A soft rain tapping the window.

Sounds tame, right? Here’s the twist: in a pin-drop-quiet room, even 20 dB can stand out like a sore thumb. It’s not loud; it’s persistent. And that persistence can be the real kicker, especially at night when every sound feels amplified.

Factors Influencing Noise

Not all NAS setups hum the same tune. Here’s what turns up or down the volume:

• Drive Model and Brand: Some drives are built to be quieter. Take Western Digital’s Red series or Seagate’s IronWolf, which are NAS-optimized with tricks like vibration control. They’re the quiet achievers of the bunch.
• NAS Enclosure: The box matters. A flimsy metal case can turn vibrations into a mini concert, while enclosures with rubber mounts or sound-dampening foam keep things mellow.
• Number of Drives: More drives mean more buzz. A single-drive NAS might whisper, but a four-bay setup is a chorus. If silence is golden, fewer drives might be your ticket.

Cost Implications of Choosing SSD for Noise Reduction

So, you’re eyeing an SSD NAS for that sweet, sweet silence. But here’s the rub: silence isn’t free. SSDs can cost you a pretty penny, sometimes double or triple the price of HDDs for the same capacity.

The Price Tag: SSD vs. HDD

SSDs are pricier per terabyte than HDDs. Here’s a snapshot:

• An 4TB NAS HDD might set you back around $100.
• A 4TB SSD could be $400 or more.

For a 4-bay NAS, that’s a difference between $400 for HDDs versus $1,600 for SSDs. That’s not pocket change. But you might not need all-SSD storage. Mixing SSDs for critical, noise-sensitive tasks and HDDs for bulk storage can slash costs while keeping things hushed where it matters.

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Is Silence Worth the Price?

For some, yes. It means no more hums, clicks, or midnight whirs. For others, it’s overkill. If your NAS is tucked in a basement or a noisy server room, the HDD hum might blend right in.

Cost-Saving Hacks

If you can’t swing the SSD price tag, try these tricks:

• Hybrid Setup: Use SSDs for your most-used files and HDDs for archives.
• Smaller SSDs: A 1TB SSD for critical data is cheaper than going all-in.
• Noise-Dampening Gear: Rubber mounts or a soundproof case can tame HDD noise for a fraction of the cost.

Quieter HDD Models and DIY Noise Reduction

Not all HDDs are created equal. Some are engineered to whisper, not shout. Look for NAS-optimized drives like the Western Digital Red series or Seagate IronWolf, which often include vibration control. Low-RPM drives (5400 RPM) are also generally quieter than their 7200 RPM cousins.

Dig deeper: quietest NAS drives for home use.

If swapping drives isn’t in the cards, don’t fret. These DIY hacks can mute your NAS without breaking the bank:

• Rubber Mounts: Swap metal screws for rubber ones or add anti-vibration pads. This is like putting your NAS on a yoga mat, as vibrations get absorbed, not amplified.
• Soundproof Enclosures: Think of it as a cozy blanket for your NAS. Foam-lined cases or even DIY solutions can muffle the hum.
• Strategic Placement: Tuck your NAS in a closet, under a desk, or in a sound-absorbing nook. It’s the oldest trick in the book: hide the noise where you can’t hear it.

HDD noise doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker. With the right drives and a bit of ingenuity, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: ample storage and a quieter space.

Conclusion

If silence is your sanctuary, SSDs are your best bet. They’re quiet, sleek, and ready to blend into the background. But if your wallet is feeling the pinch, don’t despair. HDDs can be tamed with the right drives and a dash of DIY ingenuity.