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    External HDD

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by Xirurg, May 20, 2008.

  1. Xirurg

    Xirurg ORLY???

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    well,i have couple of external HDDs and i want to know-is it ok to always keep them on or should i on/off them every time?thx...
     
    Xirurg, May 20, 2008
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  2. The_Observer

    The_Observer 9262 is the best:)

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    IMHO switch them off when not needed.Unlike processors they don't drop their speed much when not used.They would be hot when left running.

    My 2 cents.
     
    The_Observer, May 20, 2008
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  3. bubbatex

    bubbatex Notebook Deity

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    Yep, if you are not using them, turn them off. Otherwise they will just sit there and get hot as Rambo said!
     
    bubbatex, May 21, 2008
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  4. obsolete

    obsolete Notebook Evangelist

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    I disagree. Although I turn mine off when not in use, it's because it's noisy and will spin up every time I access "my computer." Otherwise, there's no harm in keeping them on all the time as they power down when not in use. Even your internal hdd isn't spinning all the time.
     
    obsolete, May 22, 2008
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  5. The_Observer

    The_Observer 9262 is the best:)

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    I don't think many external HDD will power down.My buffalo has a software to make it sleep when not used.But none of the Seagate or WD had it.
     
    The_Observer, May 22, 2008
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  6. obsolete

    obsolete Notebook Evangelist

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    My Seagate powers down. It's not running constantly.
     
    obsolete, May 26, 2008
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  7. PommieD

    PommieD Notebook Geek

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    Most cheap usb external drives don't automatically power down, there are exceptions, you usually have to pay a little more for that.
     
    PommieD, May 26, 2008
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  8. Oldman

    Oldman Notebook Evangelist

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    IMHO it depends on what are these external drives for.
    If someone use them occasionally (for back up for instance) it does not make sense to keep them connected all the time.
    I connect my external HD when I need it only
     
    Oldman, May 26, 2008
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