Abstract: The present invention is directed to the detection of gas leaks from a gas-filled disk drive. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, gas leaks from a disk drive can be detected by monitoring certain disk drive parameters. Furthermore, different types and instances of disk drive parameters may be monitored. No or few additional hardware components are required to be added to a disk drive in connection with implementing embodiments of the present invention.

Abstract: A disk drive having forced convection cooling is provided herein. The disk drive includes a drive housing, a disk assembly, an actuator assembly, a fluid passageway and a fluid source. The drive housing defines a housing internal chamber which contains the disk assembly and the actuator assembly. The fluid passageway extends through the housing internal chamber near the disk assembly and the actuator assembly. The fluid source provides fluid flow through the fluid passageway to cool the housing internal chamber. This allows the disk drive to operate at cooler temperatures. As a result thereof, the disk drive is less affected by thermal expansion and the operational life of the components of the disk drive are increased.