Hard disk drive failure rates in datacenters

Abstract

Data centers store large quantities of data on thousands of hard disk drives (HDD) connected into redundant arrays to prevent data loss in case of drive failures. Hard disk drives are prone to failures due to wear of their electromechanical components, defects, and external influences. This paper analyzes failure rates for several HDD models based on the SMART data set from the large data center. Obtained results show annualized failure rate and useful HDD life which represents the point from which failure rates increase due to mechanical wear.