Stupid question about external HD

I just got a 320 gig western digital external USB hard drive, and I read in reviews that it can get pretty hot after having files loaded onto it for more than half an hour at a time or so, yet I'm backing up all 200 gigs of stuff on my computer at once, so it'll take a while. I was wondering, my computer is right next to an air conditioner and I have the HD sitting on top of a vent so it's very cold, but is performance affected if it is too cold? Obviously we're not talking about freezing temps, but it's quite chilly to the touch and I just wanted to make sure I'm not harming it.

 

One word, cause the forum won't let me post it by itself: No.

 

your hard disk should not over heat even if it is not position by the ac unit. hard disk will stop working (properly) once you go below 32 or 0 Celcius


PS: no question is stupid, as long as it is an honest question.

 

There are published #'s about the ambient temps the HDD can be operated in. The heat your HDD is going to produce is going to more than offset the AC so it will work fine. But double check and maybe move a foot away. I checked a HDD to get an Idea, if when in use HDD gets colder than a beer 5C/41F too cold, when not in use -40C/-40F.

 

Oh no, there are stupid questions. Like the next time someone asks if they can upgrade their IGP to a 8x00m.

 

OK that's the one question but all the rest!