Questions for SSD and HDD users

[lsquare]

I'm currently using a small SSD as a boot drive and a large HDD to store my files. I think this is a good setup, but there is an issue that bugs me. The problem is that if the HDD isn't accessed in a while, there will be a slight lag as I want to go and access the files on the drive. It's not a big deal, but it can get annoying especially when I want instantaneous responses. Is it possible to force the HDD to constantly spin in Windows 7 Professional? Do you guys do something like this or you just deal with the lag?

 

[LOUISSSSS]

maybe u can try to index the storage drive?

 

[blackangst1]

maybe u can try to index the storage drive?

+1 This is what I do.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Is it possible that you have the power management set to power down the drive after 20 minutes?

 

[Snapster]

Sounds like power management to me. Change it to 0 mins to keep the storage drive spinning.

 

[lsquare]

Is it possible that you have the power management set to power down the drive after 20 minutes?

Yea, I think that's it. Do you bother keeping your secondary HDDs spinning constantly?

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

After I found out that was the problem I was having, yes.

 

[H20cooled]

Anyone know if it shortens the HD life any noticable amount by keeping it spinning? I have mine set to spin down on my arrays after 2 hours of non access. I am not worried about power, but I figured the WD VR's in a raid 0 would be better off if they were not spinning at 10k all the time.

 

[LOUISSSSS]

no, it doesn't hurt them to keep spinning, what hurts ur hdds is the action of starting and stopping them. which is why people can leave their PCs on 24/7/365 for 2-3 years straight and still not have problems with hdds.

 

[Swivelguy2]

It could be just the head parking, which is like a very minor version of powering down the disk (less so than spinning it down). There's no setting for that in Windows, but some HDD makers have tools that allow you to tweak the head parking settings.

 

[lsquare]

Anyone know if it shortens the HD life any noticable amount by keeping it spinning? I have mine set to spin down on my arrays after 2 hours of non access. I am not worried about power, but I figured the WD VR's in a raid 0 would be better off if they were not spinning at 10k all the time.

AFAIK, there are no cons except for using more power and contributing to global warming, which I could care less. I'll gladly pay up to keep the drives spinning.

 

[Scotteq]

AFAIK, there are no cons except for using more power and contributing to global warming, which I could care less. I'll gladly pay up to keep the drives spinning.

Yah - But I found a way to make up for 'excess' usage. Apparently Cow Pharts and Belches introduce a significant percentage of carbon gasses into the environment. A percentage which, according to some studies, nearly rivals that of automobiles! So I am making a personal commitment ending global warming by eating as many of the delicious critters as I can.



Yes - Horrifying, I know. But it's a sacrifice I'm willing (for the cows) to make.



As a matter of fact - I can envision an entire INDUSTRY dedicated to eliminating the Cow menace through controlled harvesting, processing, and delivery into our homes for consumption. In this manner, millions of people all over the world can UNITE in this grand effort to reduce Global Warming!