Should I leave external hard drive on?

[Regulator07]

was just thinking about it, but should i leave my external hard drive on all the time, or just turn it on and off as i use it? does turning it on and off each time hurt the drive or no? thanks.

 

[alcoholbob]

It will reduce the life of the drive just like turning any electronic component, such as your computer, on and off. That doesn't mean you should just keep it on all the time. Not only does that waste power, but also without a built-in fan you risk overheating it over time. Turning it on and off should be fine.

 

[CrispyFried]

If it has a fan, you could leave it on. Mine has one but I turn mine off as I only use it once a week or so. So it really depends on how you use it.

 

[Regulator07]

anyone know if the maxtor one touch 160g drive has a fan. this is the one i have