[SOLVED] small round red filter sticker on back of wd hard drive

[manasan3010]

There is a small red color sticker with a hole inside[ Bottom-Right on the picture]. What is the purpose of it? Is it essential for the function of drive?

(wd5000lpcx hard disk)

 

[Eximo]

My understanding on those is that they are a pressure equalization port. You don't want the drive to be completely sealed to the outside world.

With Helium filled drives it works a little differently I believe, but there is still a mechanism for keeping the pressure consistent.

 

[fzabkar]

I think you will find the breather hole in the top cover. In fact, there should be no sticker blocking the breather. The label warns against doing this.