Hard Disk Construction

                                              Hard Disk Construction

                 There are many different types and styles of hard disks on the market, all of which have roughly the same physical components. The differences among th different drive styles and types are usually in the components-the materials used and the way they are put togeter. But essentially one disk drive operates like all others. the major components in typical hard disk drive are as follows:

• Disk platters
• spindle and spindle motor
• Read/write heads
• Head actuators
• Air filter
• Logic board 
• Connectors and jumpers
• Bezel

         On this list, only the connectors and jumpers are accessible outside of the enclosure that houses all of the other components of the disk drive. The metal case and the components it encloses form what is called the Hard Disk assembly (HDA). The HDA is a sealed unit that is never opened. The following sections provide and overview of each of the hard disk's components.