will you please briefly explain the S.M.A.R.T. function that I'm able to utilize for my Hard Disk I'm concerned, I'm not sure if it makes things go faster quietly.. I'm not gunna enable it if it takes extra time or gets the drive to think louder anyone familiar with these issues

why don't you just try it? if it don't work, switch it out.

http://www.quantum.com/src/whitepapers/wp_smart_toc.htm Go visit the link, tells you what it is and you can then decide if you want it. Basically, it allows the drive to do self-diagnostics and give you an early warning before it fails so you can safe your data.

Here's another link...

The technology can be extended to include a variety of devices tapes, CD-ROM, communications devices, etc. S.M.A.R.T. drives can be automatically monitored for impending failure conditions. Drive manufacturers can use the specific internal diagnostics best suited to their drive. S.M.A.R.T.-compliant hosts can take early action to protect the data on a drive automated backup, load reduction, etc. S.M.A.R.T. is designed to detect up to 70 percent of all predictable device failures to extend data and overall system reliability. S.M.A.R.T. can detect and report failure conditions that originate in the field due to shock, vibration, temperature, and voltage extremes. Thanks Guys` Now I know whats going for me..