Questions on External Hard Drives

[GrimReepr]

Is it better to leave it on all the time or turn it off and on only when using it?
(I leave my computer on 24/7)


Do things like constant powering on and off or power outages hurt it?

For instance, the other night the power went out and as soon as it comes back on the external hard drive will also spin up at the mercy of the power since it doesn't have an atx switch like everything else.


Thanks,
Ryan

 

[WackyDan]

Originally posted by: GrimReepr
Is it better to leave it on all the time or turn it off and on only when using it?
(I leave my computer on 24/7)


Do things like constant powering on and off or power outages hurt it?

For instance, the other night the power went out and as soon as it comes back on the external hard drive will also spin up at the mercy of the power since it doesn't have an atx switch like everything else.


Thanks,
Ryan

You worry too much 🙂

I leave mine off most of the time. I only use it to store data I don't need every minute of the day....So I fire it up when I need that data and in under 20seconds I have access. Keeps the drive from getting toasty.

 

[GrimReepr]

yeah i probably do... heck its a maxtor and if it starts to die i can rma it... oh well thats just me being anal with computer stuff

 

[AWhackWhiteBoy]

i use mine only for backup. i turn it on weekly, back everything up overnight,then turn it off.

 

[eelw]

I also only turn on my enclosure when I need it. I've had it for almost 2 years now without any problems.

 

[corkyg]

@4/7 operation this time of year is not good - many areas are facing power limitations and there are good reasons to save power. Triple digit temperatures are a daily norm, and A/C is essential to life - computers can be safely shut down when not needed - especially home ones when one is at work, etc., during peak power load periods. Being a power hog is not cool. 🙂