Hello.  I'm running an unRAID server with 6x 3TB WD Reds purchased in 2013 along with a FlexRaid server w/4x 4TB WD Reds purchased last year.  I've only recently learned about the head parking issue that supposedly effects WD Red as well as Green drives and I'm looking for advise on whether to the run the WD firmware update and/or WDIDLE3, and how I can determine if excessive head parking might even be an issue for me? 

 

So far I've had no issues at all w/either server or any of my hard drives, which makes me a bit reluctant to do anything unless doing so really is recommended to prolong the lifespan of the drives.  Appreciate any feedback on this.

None of my Reds have that issue -- they've got about 20,000 hours and 1,000 load cycles.    Since they're rated for 600,000 load cycles, I don't see that as an issue 

 

... I'd take a look at your SMART data and based your decision on that.    If you have a very high load cycle count, then perhaps your drives could indeed benefit from changing that parameter.    If they're like mine, I'd just leave well enough alone.

 

Thanks Gary.  Mine says 16,197 hours and 1,447 load cycles.  If the drives are really rated for 600,000 load cycles then it sounds like I've got nothing to worry about and I'll just leave it as is.  Thanks!

This issue only affected the 3TB Red, and not even all of those.