Various illustrative aspects are directed to a data storage device comprising one or more disks; a spindle motor for rotating the one or more disks, wherein the spindle motor comprises a plurality of magnetic pole-pairs, and wherein the spindle motor is configured to operate in a plurality of modes, including at least a first mode and a second mode; and one or more processing devices configured to select a reference point for spindle motor interrupt service routines (ISRs), determine a delay time, wherein the delay time is based at least in part on a number of magnetic pole-pairs and a mechanical revolution period of the spindle motor, start a timer at a first ISR, and when the timer is equal to the delay time, switch operation of the spindle motor from the first mode to the second mode.