Can a too cold drive work OK?

[Elixer]

Since it is rather cold here, and I know UPS trucks aren't heated in the back, I was wondering what effect the cold temps would have on a HD?

The specs say:
Operating 32° F to 140° F
Non-operating -40° F to 158° F

Since it is 0°F outside now... I am assuming the motor would work harder than it has to, to get it moving, not to mention whatever lube they are using for the bearings.

Just one of those curiousity things, since I more than likely will wait for it to hit room temp before I turn it on.

 

[yh125d]

When they're off, they can be pretty cold without negative effects, as the specs relate. Just be sure you let it warm up a bit before you fire it up (haha, no pun nintendo)

 

[Blain]

Every bit of advice I've ever read on the subject, is allow the components to warm up to room temperature before powering up.

 

[CoinOperatedBoy]

I would assume the specs mean that the drive is not intended to be actively used in an environment colder than 32°F or to be stored in an environment colder than -40°F. Unless it's a refrigerated truck, I don't see the storage compartment of a UPS vehicle getting that cold. And unless your computer is in a completely unheated room, you probably won't be operating in an environment below freezing temperatures.

I don't think you should see any issues with the drive as long as it's been at room temperature for a little while.

 

[Idontcare]

Really your biggest concern here would be moisture condensation on that 0°F when you bring it inside your house with it's 30-40% RH at room temp.

So yes definitely let it warm up to room temp before powering it on, that won't take more than 15-20 minutes though...but consider leaving it inside that air-proof ESD back they package them in until it does warm up just to keep the condensation off the drive's electronics.

 

[Yellowbeard]

If you have to operate it at those temps, you may want to look at an SSD. No spinning motor to worry about.

 

[Elixer]

It just arrived, and what does UPS do? Leave it outside on top of the trash container, and zoomed off. My trusty thermometer says it is 4°F.

This could turn into a UPS rant now, but WTH is up with them? They used to have good service, and they would actually bring stuff to your door. Now, they toss it on top of the trash can, just because it is closer to the road and he doesn't want to walk in 0°F temps? :|

Heck, the driveway is clean, and it is only another 45 feet. Sheesh.:disgust:

 

[Yellowbeard]

The specs say:
Operating 32° F to 140° F
Non-operating -40° F to 158° F

Mebbe the UPS guys has the same spex?

 

[Blain]

Life is too short dude. Warm the drive up and be happy.

 

[Idontcare]

Originally posted by: Elixer
It just arrived, and what does UPS do? Leave it outside on top of the trash container, and zoomed off. My trusty thermometer says it is 4°F.

This could turn into a UPS rant now, but WTH is up with them? They used to have good service, and they would actually bring stuff to your door. Now, they toss it on top of the trash can, just because it is closer to the road and he doesn't want to walk in 0°F temps? :|

Heck, the driveway is clean, and it is only another 45 feet. Sheesh.:disgust:

Some advice, do NOT lodge a complaint...those guys keep the same routes just like mailmen do and if/when you complain not only do they not lose their job but they get to read/hear of the complaint and they will "spit in your burger" so to speak the next time you have a package coming...just saying be happy it wasn't beat to sheet before it was left on your trash can because they can do that for you next time if felt the service was lacking this time...

 

[Elixer]

Originally posted by: Yellowbeard

The specs say:
Operating 32° F to 140° F
Non-operating -40° F to 158° F

Mebbe the UPS guys has the same spex?

hehehe

Well, after waiting around for it to warm up, it took 3:13:25 to format it.

 

[finite automaton]

Originally posted by: Elixer

Originally posted by: Yellowbeard

The specs say:
Operating 32° F to 140° F
Non-operating -40° F to 158° F

Mebbe the UPS guys has the same spex?

hehehe

Well, after waiting around for it to warm up, it took 3:13:25 to format it.

Quick format would have worked just fine.

 

[Elixer]

Originally posted by: finite automaton

Originally posted by: Elixer

Originally posted by: Yellowbeard

The specs say:
Operating 32° F to 140° F
Non-operating -40° F to 158° F

Mebbe the UPS guys has the same spex?

hehehe

Well, after waiting around for it to warm up, it took 3:13:25 to format it.

Quick format would have worked just fine.

Define 'worked'.
I rather give the HD a good workout when I get it, rather that to see it has bad blocks at some point later.