should i be turning my external hard drive off on freezing nights

**Sonicxtacy02** · 11-09-2004, 03:12 PM

as the topic suggests i was just wondering if its better to shut the drive off or leave it on standby during freezing nights? Last nite it was 30 and didnt have any issues leaving it on but im just curious

**falconey** · 11-09-2004, 03:21 PM

why not just hibernate?

**Sonicxtacy02** · 11-09-2004, 03:26 PM

hibernate what? Its an external self powered usb 2.0 drive. It doesnt go into hibernation when windows hibernates (as far as i know, the drive light stays on). Its plugged into my converter which is always on.

**falconey** · 11-09-2004, 03:39 PM

Ok I gotcha, I guess I was confused by the 'it's in stanby comment' thinking you were placing the pc in stand by. Well I'm sure no one will have a definite answer for you. My advice would be to not take chances. If it's possible to completely shut it down then I'd do it. I'm sure the drive will be ok, but the winter is long and gets colder than it is now, so leaving a drive on in those conditions for months straight would be something I'd try my best to avoid.

**BassBinDevil** · 11-10-2004, 08:12 PM

If draining your car battery isn't an issue, then I'd vote for leaving the drive on. That way it'll keep itself warm and dry, and there won't be such a huge temperature swing when you power the system up.

If you know what model of hard drive is in the caddy, check the manufacturer's specs and see what they recommend.

**xBrady** · 11-10-2004, 08:19 PM

Doubtful that your hard drive would have any problems in 30 degree weather. Mine has yet to have problems in 20 degree weather nor do I expect it to when it gets colder.

**kiltjim** · 11-11-2004, 09:14 AM

If you have a choice (meaning your battery isn't going to die) then I think I would vote to leave it on. Its going to stay warm, and the bearings aren't going to have any issues with freezing up.

Some of the new drives have some sort of fluid bearings (I can't remember the name right now) and they apparently have issues with getting cold. But I don't think you'll have any issues iif the hard drive is always on.

**Sonicxtacy02** · 11-11-2004, 09:31 AM

I've left the car with the hard drive on for 10 days and had no battery issues. I spose it does make sense to let it heat itself. Luckily it doesnt get TOO cold around here

**volvo9** · 11-11-2004, 01:09 PM

I'd leave it on, like others say it'll keep itself warm. If it's going to get REALLY cold, then just put some cloth over it, like a folded shirt or something to keep some heat in.

It's good to know the battery has enough power to run the drive for that long. Does the drive constantly spin? or does it **** down after X minutes of inactivity?