The myth of the Magnets

[Aguiluz]

They say bringing a magnet to a computer will permanently wreck it. Is it true? Or does it destroy data on the magnetic HDD? Will replacing magnetic HDDs with a solid state hard drive make it magnet proof?

[casecutter]

The worst that a magnet could possible do is mess with the hard drive, otherwise there is nothing else inside a PC that can be effected by field. PLUS, you need a helluva powerful magnet to wreck a hard drive. This is mostly a myth.

[bobletman]

Originally Posted by casecutter

The worst that a magnet could possible do is mess with the hard drive, otherwise there is nothing else inside a PC that can be effected by field. PLUS, you need a helluva powerful magnet to wreck a hard drive. This is mostly a myth.

The only other thing a magnet could reck is a floppy drive but like, and like casecutter said u need a very powerful magnet to wreck a harddrive, usually u need a electically powered magnet. So you shouldnt owrry

[Aguiluz]

Phew! Thanks guys! now I can let my friend play his "magnetix" while I browse the net, and I can remove the "no-magnets-allowed-within-20-paces-or-get-out" rule.

[fenderguy2112]

Myth

[Kheldar]

I've seen reports that laptop HD's can be destroyed by magnets (particulary usb GPS) - the magnet cause the read head to smack into the platter thus destroying the drive.

[Technogeek]

Just as Kheldar said, I know this to be true. I have destroyed a HDD with a magnet, and not a hugh one. Yes it was on, and It was for a test in one of my computer classes. The teacher asked us this very same question, so we deiced to try it. We held the magnet to the HDD when the computer was off, and when it was on. When it was off, nothing occured, but when it was on, the hard drive became corrupt, and had errors all though it. It would not work, and could not be repaired. It did make some noise when we stuck that magent next to it.

[devilsmaster]

Thanks for providing this info.I would be aware in near future.

[BongWizard]

i know this might seem like gravedigging, but i just want to clarify this whole issue.

Data on magnetic HDDs is stored in small segments with a positive or negative (or North or South of you wish) charge where the opposite charges act in the same way as binary code (1s and 0s). The order of these charges is read by the head, which is then converted to a digital signal at a semiconductor junction.

A magnet has the potential to disrupt this order, and thus destroy the data. However, with modern HDDs, there is alot of magnetic dampening material to reduce the magnetic flux that can be delivered to the platters. Even if the platters were exposed, however, the data would not be destroyed simply by having the platters within the magnetic field. To truly destroy the data, the magnetic field must be oscillating such that an eddy current is induced in the platter, thus reordering the magnetised segments. For an eddy current to be induced in the platter, the magnetic flux must be sufficiently high to counteract the charge of the HDD's platters. This overall charge depends on the size and amount of data held on the HDD, which determines the charge density. If the charge density of the HDD is, indeed, less than the magnetic flux caused by the oscillation of the magnetic field, the binary charges on the platters will begin to be reodered, and the data destroyed.

So, in short, yes, it is possible for the data on a HDD to be destroyed by a magnet, but it is very unlikely with the technologies employed in modern HDDs.

[Lsdmeasap]

Likely will work very nicely with a decent magnet and your buddies USB drive though