http://pcug.org.au/info/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=External_Drives 2026-04-26T18:01:46Z Revision history for this page on the wiki MediaWiki 1.39.17 http://pcug.org.au/info/index.php?title=External_Drives&diff=637&oldid=prev 2012-09-25T00:46:03Z

<p>added suggestions to avoid overheating</p> <p><b>New page</b></p><div>HDD are always at risk of overheating, with attendant catastrophic failure, if inadequately cooled<br /> *older 3.5&quot; drives consume up to 10 W<br /> *contemporary eco/green model drives consume up to 6W<br /> *low wattage models, such as WD Caviar Red, consume only ~ 4W<br /> <br /> Suggested practice is to do one of:<br /> <br /> #use a packaged external HDD<br /> #*relying on maniufacturer&#039;s assessment of cooling requirements<br /> #*but they might not have tested in Canberra summer<br /> #put HDD in metal generic cases only (3.5&quot; drives, in particular) <br /> #*contemporary 2.5&quot; drives typically consume &lt;3W and might be OK in plastic cases<br /> #if using a plastic case try to find one having a fan<br /> #*will be noisy, but typically is only for occassional backup anyway<br /> <br /> HDD have been known to overheat in main boxes as well as in external cases. Good practice is:<br /> #pick a drive bay which appears to have good airflow through the front of the case<br /> #leave an unoccupied bay above &amp; below HDD<br /> #*failing that, mount the highest wattage HDD via its base, in lieu sides, so that it is in contact with more metal<br /> <br /> Specialised NAS &amp; server cases are generally designed for multiple HDD and do not require any special practice<br /> *other than ensuring unobstructed airflow at front &amp; rear of case. <br /> <br /> [[User:Rpeters|Rpeters]]13:25, 24 August 2012 (EST)<br /> [[Category:Technical Info]]<br /> [[Category:Recommendations]]</div>

Rpeters