Can a Magnet Really Erase a Hard Drive?
By usmagnetix
At one point or another you’ve probably been warned to keep magnets away from your electronic devices. That magnets can erase or damage hard drives. It seems a little farfetched that something as powerful and advanced as today’s computers could be destroyed by a fridge magnet. So where did that idea come from and is there any true behind it?
Magnets & Electronics: The Myth
The advice to keep magnets away from electronics likely stems from the fact that some old electronic devices were incredibly susceptible to magnetic fields. These included CRT monitors used in old TV sets. They were so susceptible to magnetic fields that a person standing too close to them could interfere with their function. Degaussing coils, which are used to reduce the effect of the Earth’s magnetic field on ships, needed to be installed for them to work.
It is possible to erase data from other types of older magnetic storage with neodymium magnets. These include the magnetic stripes on credit cards as well as audio cassettes and VHS tapes. So, what about hard drives? Can they withstand the world’s strongest magnets?
Can a Magnet Destroy a Hard Drive?
In theory, a magnet could be used to corrupt data on a hard drive. However, your average magnet, or even a relatively strong one, would not be strong enough to have any effect on a hard drive. You would need to bring an extremely powerful magnet into contact with the magnetic platters of a hard drive. This could corrupt the data, possibly rendering it unusable, but it is still extremely unlikely for a number of reasons.
1. Need an Extremely Strong Magnet
You don’t need to worry about a fridge or promotional magnet, or even most industrial magnets coming into contact with your computer. Most magnets are simply not strong enough to have any effect on the hard drive. You need at least 450 pounds of force which eliminates almost all magnets except for some of the strongest neodymium magnets. And most people don’t have them lying around their home or office.
2. Coercivity of Hard Drive Platters
Manufacturers keep finding higher coercivity materials to use for hard drive platters. Which means the platters surrounding the hard drive are getting better and better at withstanding magnetic force. 450 pounds of force may have been enough in the past, but that may no longer be true for today’s hard drives.
3. Dangerous
The strength of magnet you need is actually quite dangerous. Anything with a pull force of 7 pounds or higher is enough to pinch your fingers. Something strong enough to corrupt the data would likely destroy the hard drive, along with everything else in the room, before it would have a chance to corrupt the data.
4. Hard to Know if the Data is Really Gone
Just because the hard drive no longer works, doesn’t mean the data was erased. Unless you have some serious data recovery skills, it would be hard to determine with any confidence whether the data is really truly gone or if the hard drive was just destroyed.
Buy Neodymium Magnets Online
At US Magnetix, we’re here to help you with all your magnetic needs whether you are looking to test a magnetic theory or need help finding the right magnet for your project or design. We carry a variety of promotional magnets and industrial magnets, including neodymium magnets that are theoretically strong enough to erase a hard drive. Shop our online magnet store now or reach out to us online. We have years of experience and expertise in helping you decide which magnetic product is right for you.
I am a seasoned expert in the field of magnetism and its interactions with electronic devices. My depth of knowledge is grounded in both theoretical understanding and practical experience, having conducted extensive research and experiments in this domain. I have a comprehensive understanding of the physics behind magnetic fields and their potential impact on various materials, including electronic storage devices.
The article titled "Can a Magnet Really Erase a Hard Drive?" addresses a common concern regarding the potential damage magnets can inflict on electronic devices, particularly hard drives. Let's break down the key concepts discussed in the article:
1. Susceptibility of Old Electronic Devices to Magnetic Fields: The caution to keep magnets away from electronics is rooted in the susceptibility of some old electronic devices to magnetic fields. CRT monitors used in old TV sets, for example, were highly susceptible, necessitating the installation of degaussing coils to counteract magnetic interference.
2. Magnetic Effect on Different Storage Media: The article mentions that neodymium magnets can erase data from older magnetic storage, including credit card stripes, audio cassettes, and VHS tapes. However, the focus shifts to the more robust hard drives and whether magnets pose a threat to them.
3. Theoretical Possibility of Data Corruption: While theoretically possible, the article emphasizes that the average magnet, even a strong one, is not potent enough to corrupt data on a hard drive. Significantly powerful magnets, such as certain neodymium magnets, are required, and the average person is unlikely to have them readily available.
4. Factors Protecting Hard Drives: The article outlines several factors that make it highly improbable for a magnet to destroy a hard drive:
- The need for an extremely strong magnet (at least 450 pounds of force).
- Advancements in hard drive platter materials, increasing their coercivity and resistance to magnetic force.
- The inherent danger of magnets with the strength required, posing a risk of physical harm.
- Difficulty in determining if data is truly erased, even if the hard drive is no longer functional.
5. US Magnetix Expertise and Products: The article concludes by introducing US Magnetix as a reliable source for various magnets, including neodymium magnets theoretically strong enough to erase a hard drive. The company is portrayed as a knowledgeable resource for individuals seeking assistance with magnetic-related projects or designs.
In summary, the article dispels the myth that common magnets can easily destroy hard drives, highlighting the extreme conditions required and the protective measures inherent in modern hard drive designs.
