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Post by marck on Mar 24, 2014 22:24:42 GMT -5
What is better unplugging my usb run external hard drive when I don't use it, or should I leave it running when the pc is on?
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Post by drmark on Mar 25, 2014 6:11:23 GMT -5
Your external drive does not have an on and off switch? I leave mine on simply because it handles my backup process. I think it depends a lot on how often you are using it. Generally speaking most external drives spin down when not in use for some time so the real issue is one of energy wastefulness.
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drcard
Software Review Panel
Posts: 581 
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Post by drcard on Mar 26, 2014 18:46:57 GMT -5
Hi marck,
Actually, unplugging and plugging repeatedly to a USB port is the worse choice to make. Why? The USB ports on a PC are supported by some very weak plastic/thin metal sheet. While the port may be stable, the support housing is weak. In my profession I have seen numerous USB port become unusable because the port housing has cracked or bent. This becomes even worse if the USB port is on a laptop.
While leaving the external drive on all the time does use some energy, turning it off and on does little to extend its life. Most platter type HDDs die due to #1) wear on the bushings of the armature of the platter motor causing the motor to spin at an uneven speed or #2) the laser light wears out and gets weaker until it can no longer read the platters. Both these items only come into play when the drive is being accessed (used). Thus, how long an external HDD will last generally depends upon how much it is used, not how long it has power to it.
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