External HDs with on/off switch?
August 14th, 2013
If you just unplug an external or turn it off without using safely remove Hardware – chances are you will damage the MFT on it (Master File Table).
I use USB Safely Remove, pretty good little app
http://safelyremove.com
externals are not designed to run continuously, even the good ones with fans, it reduces the lifespan of the hdd. Only connect when you need it.
Actually my WD Elements external hard drive has a power switch. It is at the back where the cables come in..
A tip here, when not using it for a while, turn it off at the wall.This will give the power adapter a rest too (They get hot and dry the caps out..I have repaired mine twice).
Me, I just turn all power off when not using the PC.
the Meerkat replied: If you just unplug an external or turn it off without using safely remove Hardware - chances are you will damage the MFT on it (Master File Table).Thats my reasoning, I don’t want it running all the time. My old Comcast (or whatever its called) had an on/off switch on the back which allowed me to shut it down when I wasn’t using it.
I use USB Safely Remove, pretty good little app
http://safelyremove.com
externals are not designed to run continuously, even the good ones with fans, it reduces the lifespan of the hdd. Only connect when you need it.
Its a bugger getting to plugs, etc. where I keep my computer, not overly user friendly thats why I want to have it up on my desk with just a switch I can flip.
You can get remote wireless sockets here in the UK, like 4 for £20, I have a few around the house in hard to reach places, and the fact I am lazy
Not sure where you are or if you can get them ?
Just an example, not a recommendation
http://www.amazon.co.uk/REMOTE-CONTROL-MAINS-WIRELESS-SOCKET/dp/B001SQ8VTM
I hav around 4 Iomega external hardrives and 1 freecom external hardrive
Both brands “Iomega” and “freecom” hav on/off switches
I have a Fantom drive, and it has an on/off switch. The ratings are good as well.
Actually, there’s a lot of debate as to what actually decreases the lifespan of a HDD.
There are many that claim that spinup and spindown of a HDD (also poweron and poweroff) put most tear and wear on the harddrive, they say it’d be better to have them run continuously than powering them on and off on a per-need basis.
I see external HDs all that same style without an on/off switch, I don't want to have to remember to always unplug the HD to turn it off
I suggest you just remind yourself to power the HDD off in whatever way appropriate. I simply can’t see why it’s more difficult for you to remember to power off the HDD when it does not have an on/off switch…
Iam with the meerkat
Buy an external case, put hard drive in separately, they usually always have a on/off switch. I hate the pre-made external drives, they almost never have a switch.
.GhostShot. replied: Actually, there's a lot of debate as to what actually decreases the lifespan of a HDD.
There are many that claim that spinup and spindown of a HDD (also poweron and poweroff) put most tear and wear on the harddrive, they say it'd be better to have them run continuously than powering them on and off on a per-need basis.
But most prebought externals do not have fans built in, so the hdd’s overheat – use lateral thinking man.
The suggestion of buying enclosures (with a cooling fan) with seperate hdd, is a good idea, I do this most of the time.
The stated lifespan for a hdd is 50k hours, if not faulty, or overheats.
Do the maths – I would rather turn mine off.
Like most UK people I do think of my carbon footprint, unlike Yanks who just invade another Middle Eastern Country when they need more oil to power their electronics, and then moan when their soldiers are killed.
No, your statements are as speculative as those reported by me. I don’t know which side to take, because I have never seen any real evidence favoring either side.
As for your carbon footprint: The only thing that considerably lowers it is buying less harddrives. Powering them off when you don’t need them is useful, if it preserves the life of the HDD. If, however, it tends to decrease the life because of the powerup/powerdown cycles, you shouldn’t do it.
.GhostShot. replied: No, your statements are as speculative as those reported by me. I don't know which side to take, because I have never seen any real evidence favoring either side.
As for your carbon footprint: The only thing that considerably lowers it is buying less harddrives. Powering them off when you don't need them is useful, if it preserves the life of the HDD. If, however, it tends to decrease the life because of the powerup/powerdown cycles, you shouldn't do it.
About 15 years ago that “theory” was floating about, ie. is it better to leave your pc on 24/7 rather than boot it up and turn it off regularly
I must admit, at that time I was a little niaive, especially as a 256MB stick of RAM was aboout £300, and the 8GB hdd’s were very expensive considering. I did do quite a lot of research, and to be honest could find no conclusive evidence either way, apart from the fact that powering off saves electricity.
Obviously not buying hdd’s or any other electronic items would reduce my carbon footprint. But when you need things for work to be able to earn money, then it’s obvious you need to get them, or change lifestyle and go and live in rural countryside with no electricity, but by turning things off when you are not using them does cut your carbon footprint down.
OMG, I am turning into one of those nut job posters from Serious Discussions section
I didn’t mean to suggest not to buy an HDD, just that the longer you can keep one, the better for your carbon footprint
An HDD needs like 10W under load? (What’s the proper verb when speaking about Ws?) It’s probably more worthwhile replacing a high-wattage light source with an energy-saving one …
Anyway, we’re deviating from the topic … (yes, it’s my fault, I know)
OP: You could also consider getting a power strip with an on/off switch. You can then operate it with your foot
Turning a hard drive off/no several times a day, is of course not good, and is worse than leaving it on all day.
BUT, If you only use the drive for backup a few times a week then turning if off will most definitely make it last longer.
It all depend on what you are doing with it.
OverBurn replied: Turning a hard drive off/no several times a day, is of course not good, and is worse than leaving it on all day.Thats what it would be, only a couple times a week. I just want to backup music and then when I want to swap it around on my phone/ipod then I can just boot it up.
BUT, If you only use the drive for backup a few times a week then turning if off will most definitely make it last longer.
It all depend on what you are doing with it.