How can I test this hard drive?

[minusten]

If I buy a Mini and a larger capacity 2.5 hard drive, I have plans to get an Apple outlet to fit the drive for me - they've quoted a good price for fitting. They have however said that they offer no warranty on the drive (understandably), which means if it's a dud drive I'll have to pay them again to take it out (I plan to install OS X back on it myself if all goes to plan).

So, my question is this: is there any way I can test the 2.5 hard drive before going to the store so I know they're fitting me a working drive?

Any useful input on this subject appreciated, though I have no plans to fit the drive myself.

 

[Hellhammer]

You can buy a hard drive enclosure and put it in so you can attach it to your current computer to see does it work but unless it's total lemon (not working out of box) you can't see if it's defective.

 

[minusten]

Thanks, when you say defective, do you mean in terms of running a full system on it? Even if it appears to work okay in an enclosure, what else could be wrong with it?

 

[Hellhammer]

Thanks, when you say defective, do you mean in terms of running a full system on it? Even if it appears to work okay in an enclosure, what else could be wrong with it?

When you put it to enclosure and check that it works, maybe copy few files to test it, it's not under full load as it is when using it as a primary drive. You should be fine, most HDs work fine and only very few are defective

 

[mooblie]

Download the (free) "Aja System Test" (a third of the way down here):

http://www.aja.com/products/software/

It will thrash any drive you choose for you, and give you some confidence it's working OK. It also usefully measures its R/W speed with different enclosures/interfaces (or internal).

 

[velocityg4]

I usually run disk utility and re-zero the entire drive. If it survives under full load without any errors, then the drive will likely be fine.

It is not a guarantee, however, as there could be a fault that will bring the drive down in a few day, weeks, months &c. I have had this happen before but it is quite rare. Usually with electronic devices they will fail within the first month or they will last there lifespan. Which is why I never buy warranties.

Now are you buying the hard drive from the store that is installing it. As they should at least stand behind products they sell for 30 days. If not then I understand them not guaranteeing functionality.