[wkearney99]

I've got a Roamio (846-0001-xxxx-xxxx) that's stuck in a boot loop and the fan is running quite loudly. I'm guessing it's both a drive and fan failure. It shows the startup logo for a bit and then reboots.

The unit has lifetime. It'll be annoying to lose the season passes and programs on it, but not a big deal.

It's been ages since I had to do anything to a Tivo (like direcTV mfstools days). Do I need to jump through those hoops again, or can I just put in a new blank drive? What's the recommended replacement drive? That or what's know to be a poor choice? I don't need massive capacity as this is in a room we use for exercising. It's mostly playing back programs saved on other Tivo units.

 

[ggieseke]

Up to 3TB you can just drop in a blank drive and it will format it automatically. If it's running TE4 it should auto-format up to 14TB.

You do NOT want SMR drives, so stick with the newly named Red Plus (formerly just Red) or Purple drives.

 

[ThAbtO]

Any WD Red Plus drives models ending in EFRX, PURX, PURZ will work.

 

[CodeButcher]

Up to 3TB you can just drop in a blank drive and it will format it automatically. If it's running TE4 it should auto-format up to 14TB.

You do NOT want SMR drives, so stick with the newly named Red Plus (formerly just Red) or Purple drives.

So If I got a 10Gb WD Purple drive, I can just drop it in without any pre-formatting?

 

[ThAbtO]

So If I got a 10Gb WD Purple drive, I can just drop it in without any pre-formatting?

Not the full 10TB, only the first 3TB. Go to the 10TB Roamio thread for info.

DIY 10TB Roamio

 

[Series3Sub]

Just to add how EASY-PEASY it is to take out the old HDD and just drop-in the new HDD, Mr. wkearny99. There are videos on YouTube that can show you the entire process if you are skiddish about DYI (although one YT poster shows--and does notify by catptions--that he put one of the holders on upside down, which makes his post--somewhat less than optimal). Please wkearner99 don't be intimidated; it is way TOO EASY to switchout the HDD's for Roamio. No additional things to do if you use no larger than 3TB HDD. Form an HDD with more capacity, see those posts above.

I will add that the most challenging part of the DYI is (after all appropriate screws have been removed) pulling off the plastic cover to access the HDD. Don't force it off. Just keep squeezing the cheap, lightweight plastic cover until the tabs clear and release because if you force too hard, the securing tabs may break. However, if a tab breaks, it is NOT the end of the world as the cover will still fit on top, but a piece of matching color tape at the tab break can keep it tightly closed so no dust does easily enters the DVR. I have NEVER broken a tab in my 2 Roamio DYI swicthouts of the HDD. Just be patient and you will find the cover will come off easily with the correct technique. It's all about the squeeze.

FWIW, I am using WD Purple HDD for "Surveillance." So far they have outlived the warranty, and they operate at the preferred for DVR 5400rpm and they are CMR. WD claims the Purple can handle up to 64 cameras/channels 24/7 365, but a TiVo with a mere 4 or 6 tuners has well passed the warranty period for me and a number of years past warranty for others.

The best of luck to you, and let us know how it goes.

 

[tommage1]

Not the full 10TB, only the first 3TB. Go to the 10TB Roamio thread for info.

DIY 10TB Roamio

If running TE4 it should format the whole thing. HOWEVER if you let the TE4 Tivo format the whole 10TB itself will not be able to roll back to TE3 if ever desired. Well you can but you would not have the 10TB anymore, would have to start over with MFST to get 10TB.

 

[tommage1]

FWIW, I am using WD Purple HDD for "Surveillance." So far they have outlived the warranty, and they operate at the preferred for DVR 5400rpm and they are CMR. WD claims the Purple can handle up to 64 cameras/channels 24/7 365, but a TiVo with a mere 4 or 6 tuners has well passed the warranty period for me and a number of years past warranty for others.

True enough, but the current model Purples 8TB and up are 7200RPM. This is a recent change. So may want to get the previous 5400RPM model Purple. The 7200s will work, just a bit warmer and possibly noisier.

I believe the 5400RPM model was WD100PURZ, the "new" 7200PRM model is WD101PURZ.

 

[Series3Sub]

True enough, but the current model Purples 8TB and up are 7200RPM. This is a recent change. So may want to get the previous 5400RPM model Purple. The 7200s will work, just a bit warmer and possibly noisier.

I believe the 5400RPM model was WD100PURZ, the "new" 7200PRM model is WD101PURZ.

So, is there still a Purple 5400RPM at the 3TB capacity?

 

[tommage1]

So, is there still a Purple 5400RPM at the 3TB capacity?

I think so but they are changing things so much lately I suggest checking the WD website for specs on current models. On a side note, some research I've been doing leads me to believe 8TB and up Reds and Purples are actually Ultrastar 500 series drives. They just change the firmware and for some lower the RPM to 5400 from 7200 on some models. Compare the R/N numbers on the drives, they are the same. Not sure how 6TB and under go.

 

[Series3Sub]

I think so but they are changing things so much lately I suggest checking the WD website for specs on current models. On a side note, some research I've been doing leads me to believe 8TB and up Reds and Purples are actually Ultrastar 500 series drives. They just change the firmware and for some lower the RPM to 5400 from 7200 on some models. Compare the R/N numbers on the drives, they are the same. Not sure how 6TB and under go.

Thank You.