You're not the first to have vibration and noise issues from that particular drive. I seems to be inherent to the design. The HDD doesn't have any bearing on the fan speed. It isn't going to run faster because the HDD is warmer. You can d/l a tool like iStat Pro to check the HDD temps yourself to see if there is a temp difference. You can also d/l an app like SMCFancontrol and bump your fan speeds up with the old drive to see if you can duplicate the vibration and noise. I doubt you'll see a temp difference and since you've already exchanged the drive before the chances of getting two duds is low. If everything checks you'll know the answer.
I did the same thing, and ended up with a 500GB WD Scorpio Blue and it's quieter. I don't know if another 7200 RPM drive would make the same amount of noise, but the black sure did for me (and many others).
You're not the first to have vibration and noise issues from that particular drive. I seems to be inherent to the design. The HDD doesn't have any bearing on the fan speed. It isn't going to run faster because the HDD is warmer. You can d/l a tool like iStat Pro to check the HDD temps yourself to see if there is a temp difference. You can also d/l an app like SMCFancontrol and bump your fan speeds up with the old drive to see if you can duplicate the vibration and noise. I doubt you'll see a temp difference and since you've already exchanged the drive before the chances of getting two duds is low. If everything checks you'll know the answer.
Already done the istat checks, showing stable temps and correct fan speeds (oddly) at idle, yet the noise persists.
Had no idea this might be inherent to this drive. But it can't explain how others have fitted it trouble free.😕
Idea of fitting a Seagate is looking all the more appealing.