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    Does a 2nd HDD make noise when not in use?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by laptopnoob678, Apr 20, 2016.

  1. laptopnoob678

    laptopnoob678 Notebook Consultant

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    So if I have an SSD and then a HDD (in a caddy) will it make a noise only when I read/write to it (or open my computer) or will it spin up every so often?

    Or since it will just be used for storage/backup, is there a way to disable it in device manager?
     
    laptopnoob678, Apr 20, 2016
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  2. kosti

    kosti Notebook Virtuoso

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    You can go into power management and select after how long the drive is turned off.

    Some drives are quiter than others. Besides noise, I'd be concerned about vibration in a laptop. 5400RPM drives generally vibrate less than 7200RPM drives.
     
    kosti, Apr 20, 2016
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  3. tilleroftheearth

    tilleroftheearth Wisdom listens quietly...

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    If you don't move the appropriate User folder's contents from the SSD to the HDD, then having an HDD 'onboard' a mobile system is not recommended and certainly not user friendly. If you do move the User folders; then the drive will be kept spinning. If you don't? Then the drive is using power (needlessly) and the user is required to specifically chose that destination whenever a file needs to be saved or accessed (not ideal nor intuitive).

    If really just used for backup purposes... an external enclosure (USB 3.1) is highly recommended instead.

    Otherwise, the system as a whole will have less than 100% of the benefits of an SSD (as responsive/snappy and robust/durable as possible) and less than 100% of the benefits of a bigger (onboard) storage capacity (if the User folders are not moved).

    When the User folders are moved (as they should be...), then the HDD will not be going into the 'sleep' you desire. It will be constantly kept awake and spinning/vibrating just from normal O/S interaction. And this reliance to the HDD will also take away from the snappiness that the SSD offers a platform too. ;)

    One thing people seem to be forgetting more today: HDD's are still a lot more fragile than SSD's... even if it is powered off, users today are much rougher with their mobile systems than what is good for a mechanical drive.

    Considering opting for a bigger SSD instead... (just keep saving longer for one)... rather than building a frankenbuild mobile platform with an SSD and an HDD together that negates the benefits of both.

    Good luck.
     
    tilleroftheearth, Apr 20, 2016
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