A plasticizer called B2E, used in dampeners within vintage hard drives, is degrading and turning into a gooey substance. This "goo" can contaminate the platters and heads of the drive, rendering it unusable. While impacting mostly older Seagate SCSI drives from the late 90s and early 2000s, other manufacturers like Maxtor and Quantum also used similar dampeners, though failure rates seem lower. The degradation appears unavoidable due to B2E's chemical instability, posing a preservation risk for data stored on these drives.
Right to Repair legislation has now been introduced in all 50 US states, marking a significant milestone for the movement. While no state has yet passed a comprehensive law covering all product categories, the widespread introduction of bills signifies growing momentum. These bills aim to compel manufacturers to provide consumers and independent repair shops with the necessary information, tools, and parts to fix their own devices, from electronics and appliances to agricultural equipment. This push for repairability aims to reduce electronic waste, empower consumers, and foster competition in the repair market. Though the fight is far from over, with various industries lobbying against the bills, the nationwide reach of these legislative efforts represents substantial progress.
Hacker News commenters generally expressed support for Right to Repair legislation, viewing it as a win for consumers, small businesses, and the environment. Some highlighted the absurdity of manufacturers restricting access to repair information and parts, forcing consumers into expensive authorized repairs or planned obsolescence. Several pointed out the automotive industry's existing right to repair as a successful precedent. Concerns were raised about the potential for watered-down legislation through lobbying efforts and the need for continued vigilance. A few commenters discussed the potential impact on security and safety if unqualified individuals attempt repairs, but the overall sentiment leaned heavily in favor of the right to repair movement's progress.
Summary of Comments ( 10 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43235763
Several Hacker News commenters corroborate the article's claims about degrading dampers in older hard drives, sharing personal experiences of encountering the issue and its resulting drive failures. Some discuss the chemical composition of the deteriorating material, suggesting it's likely a silicone-based polymer. Others offer potential solutions, like replacing the affected dampers, or using freezing temperatures to temporarily harden the material and allow data recovery. A few commenters note the planned obsolescence aspect, with manufacturers potentially using materials with known degradation timelines. There's also debate on the effectiveness of storing drives vertically versus horizontally, and the role of temperature and humidity in accelerating the decay. Finally, some users express frustration with the lack of readily available replacement dampers and the difficulty of the repair process.
The Hacker News post "Gooey rubber that's slowly ruining old hard drives" has generated a number of comments discussing the article's topic of degrading flexible circuits within older hard drives. Several commenters corroborate the author's experience, sharing their own encounters with sticky residue and failing drives.
One commenter mentions encountering the issue with old Seagate drives specifically, while another points out that Western Digital drives from the same era appear to be less susceptible. This leads to a brief discussion about potential manufacturing differences and the specific materials used by each company.
Another thread focuses on the chemical composition of the deteriorating material, with speculation about the plasticizers used and the potential for outgassing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). One user, identifying as a chemist, suggests the material is likely a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and offers further insights into its potential degradation pathways. They also mention the possibility of cleaning the residue with isopropyl alcohol, although another commenter cautions against this due to the potential for damage to other components.
Several users express concern about the long-term archival implications of this issue, lamenting the potential loss of data stored on older drives. This prompts discussion about the importance of regular backups and the challenges of preserving digital information over extended periods.
A few comments delve into the potential causes of the degradation, with theories ranging from temperature fluctuations to the presence of ozone. One user suggests that the issue might be exacerbated by improper storage conditions, highlighting the importance of keeping drives in a cool, dry environment.
Finally, some commenters offer practical advice for dealing with affected drives, including suggestions for cleaning the sticky residue and recovering data. One commenter even links to a relevant data recovery forum, providing a resource for those experiencing this issue.
Overall, the comments on the Hacker News post provide valuable anecdotal evidence, technical insights, and practical advice related to the issue of degrading flexible circuits in older hard drives. They highlight the challenges of long-term data preservation and underscore the importance of understanding the potential failure modes of storage media.