Abstract: To provide enhanced operation of data storage devices and systems, various systems, apparatuses, methods, and software are provided herein. In a first example, a data storage device is provided. The data storage device includes one or more rotating storage media configured to rotate at a first rotation rate. The data storage device also includes a processing system configured to enter a performance pacing mode for the data storage device and alter performance of the data storage device based on at least a second rotation rate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disk drive having a spindle motor, a disk that is rotated by the spindle motor, and a movable actuator arm that carries a read/write head. The head physically engages a parked, or home, position at the Inner Diameter (ID) of the disk when the spindle motor is not energized and the disk is stationary. The electrical energization that must be applied to the spindle motor in order to breakaway the head from the disk (i.e., the breakaway current), and the energization that is necessary to cause the motor to achieve a stable spinning state (i.e., the spin current) are monitored. Possible future failure of the disk drive is predicted as a function of any changes in these two-electrical parameters, as these parameters may change over a period of time; i.e., may change over a number of disk drive stop/start events.