4 replies to this topic

[spel565]

So i have a little homemade micro-atx chassis which currently contains 2*2.5" and 2*3.5" harddrives/SSDs and I have another 2 3.5" HDDs outside the computer, and I move the computer <2 times a month.
(How much) Can the lifetime decrease on my harddrives which are outside the computer, laying on top oc each other(internal regular SATA 5200rpm harddrives)?
=Should I do something about it? ^^

[bbqroast]

I doubt it... The only difference would be air quality- and even that would be minute considering the air is blown through the case anyway. And in some setups the disks outside the case will run cooler than the disks inside. My only issue would be the fact that when the computer is off the disks may gather dust which could get inside! But probably a minute risk.

[Alexander]

If they are directly on top of each other, with no air flow in between there can be more than one issue:

• Drives often reach 40 centigrade due to internal friction with air against the platters.
  
• Vibration of the two drives together can reduce the life time variably.

You should at least provide an enclosure, or lateral area where dust is minimal, and air flow is adequate. Certain drives have holes to allow for air expansion during use, which should be clear from obstruction.

Your SSDs are probably rugged enough to not require much attention, your manufacturer sheets should show nominal/allowable temperature/humidity if you live in either extreme.

Alexander.

[JohnEric]

Hard drives contains micro electronic components that are vulnerable to force.
You say that you place your hard drive outside the casing this will certainly shorten the life of your component outside the shell.
Just make sure your hard drive is not placed near magnetic materials since this can corrupt the data inside.

[Alexander]

JohnEric said:

Just make sure your hard drive is not placed near magnetic materials since this can corrupt the data inside.

The amount of magnetomotive force required to disrupt the servo heads (and not corrupt the data) will be tremendous. If you were to remove a rare earth magnetic fixture from one of the drives and wipe it across the harddisk in use, it may ruin the servos, albeit leaving the data in an externally recoverable state.

Alexander.