I’ve read numerous posts about checking a new hdd, SMART tests, writing data and checking etc. but this is about damage to the mechanical part (bearings etc).
Situation: New hdd comes in delivered by Amazon or other seller, visual inspection is ok (of course one would return if sign of physical damage is evident).
How can I check if the hdd has sustained an impact or a drop that has left no external damage but could limit its durability? I’m thinking about small internal damage that would be no apparent after power-on, but that would limit durability.
Would I use the same tools to check read/write functionality (SMART, Badblocks etc.)?
You generally don’t. If it pass a read/write test, that is probably about as good as you can get.
Have good backups, and redundancy, and don’t worry about it.