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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of magnets on computer hardware, particularly focusing on hard drives and CRT monitors. Participants explore the conditions under which magnets can damage data storage devices and the potential impact on computer systems.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that strong magnets can destroy data on hard drives, emphasizing the importance of the strength, proximity, and duration of exposure.
  • Others note that modern magnetic drives are shielded and that solid-state memory is less susceptible to magnetic interference.
  • A participant mentions that while magnets can damage hard drives, they are uncertain about the potential for magnets to harm the computer system itself beyond affecting boot data.
  • One participant claims that a magnetic field in the range of Tesla is necessary to damage modern hard drives and cites examples of sources for such fields, like neodymium magnets and MRI machines.
  • Another participant shares a personal anecdote about damaging a CRT monitor with a magnet, indicating that such devices are vulnerable to magnetic interference.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the extent of damage magnets can cause to modern hard drives and computer systems, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference varying definitions of "sufficient" strength and conditions for magnetic damage, which may affect the conclusions drawn from their claims.

Todda468
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I want answers from people who know what they are talking about.
 
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There's no doubt that magnets would wipe old, unshielded magnetic discs. However, new modern magnetic drives are shielded and we have solid-state memory.
 
A sufficiently strong magnet, held sufficiently close, for a sufficiently long time can and will destroy data on a hard drive.

The conflicting true versus false claims you have heard are almost certainly based on an arbitrary definition of "sufficient".


On the other hand, I don't know if a magnet could do any damage to the computer system itself, except inasmuch as it could destroy the boot data stored on the hard drive, rendering the computer unbootable until a new system is installed.
 
DaveC426913 said:
A sufficiently strong magnet, held sufficiently close, for a sufficiently long time can and will destroy data on a hard drive.

The conflicting true versus false claims you have heard are almost certainly based on an arbitrary definition of "sufficient".


On the other hand, I don't know if a magnet could do any damage to the computer system itself, except inasmuch as it could destroy the boot data stored on the hard drive, rendering the computer unbootable until a new system is installed.

Well they can definitely destroy CRT monitors as well. I did it by semi-accident as a child once (my parents were not amused).
 
In order to destroy modern hard drives, magnetic field in the range of Tesla is required. Such a magnitude of magnetic field can be generated by powerful neodymium magnets, metallic scrap picking machine's electromagnet, MRI machine etc. Damage to entire computer can occur only by powerful electromagnet pulses which can create high voltage transients (of the order mega volts and mega amperes) sufficient enough to melt the p-n junction of the semi-conductors.
 
BishopUser said:
Well they can definitely destroy CRT monitors as well. I did it by semi-accident as a child once (my parents were not amused).

'struth.

I was considering the box/CPU only.
 

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