Ratteling sound from HDD ?

[CENTRIONLINE]

So for a while my pc makes some ratteling sounds but it only happens when I start up a game like WoW for example, but I am not entirely sure if it's the HDD since I am not familiar with this sound. The thing I want to know if this is harmfull or maybe it is time to replace my HDD since it's more than 2 maybe 4 years old.

 

[SuperSoph_WD]

Hey there, CENTRIONLINE!

Unfortunately, if the noise is coming from the hard drive, it indicates that there is some sort of physical damage. This is a sign you should take seriously and backup all the data from your HDD.
Next thing I'd advice you to do is test the drive using a diagnostics utility, you could search the manufacturer's website for such a tool. If it's not available, check this thread for third-party suggestions: http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/282651-32-best-diagnostic-testing-utility
If this noise is definitely coming from the HDD, I'd recommend you to start looking for a replacement since it's most probably out of warranty.

Let me know what are the test results! Hope I was helpful!
SuperSoph_WD

 

[Solandri]

If it's a rapid series of randomly spaced clicks, that's normal. It's from the read/write heads moving around as they read data off the platters.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J09pWNQPK7U

If the sound is more rhythmic and repeats, or has very sharp clicks, then you need to start worrying. It can't hurt to run some diagnostics though.