Korean Job Discussion Forums

MixtecaMike · Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2005 5:48 pm Post subject: External HD question

A friend has just got a new external case for a 3 1/2 inch 120 GB Seagate (I think) drive. The case is a Neo Q with USB and Firewire connection, he connects it to his Mac powerbook.

The old case had a fan, the new one doesn't and doesn't have space to stick a fan inside. Does anyone see any problems with this, and if so, have any suggestions? Main concern is leaving the drive on all day for torrents. (Sharing the wealth.)

Industrial Strength · Joined: 02 Dec 2003

My external gets really hot when it's on. The box has a fan. If it didn't I would be more worried.
That's all I know.
IS

Demophobe · Joined: 17 May 2004

Do you have to close the case to use it? I mena, does it have to be sealed up to run? I doubt it....

Yes, the drive will get hot and that can be a bad thing, dpending on how hot. They are meant to have some circulation, so it's a good idea

MixtecaMike · Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2005 7:48 am Post subject:

He told me he can leave the case open, I was wondering if that would cause problems with dust.

I guess dust would be less of a worry than an HD meltdown.

Demophobe · Joined: 17 May 2004

Yeah...well, a hard drive can easily be wiped off. I wouldn't worry about the dust if it means keeping the drive alive.

billyg · Joined: 16 Feb 2005

Also, it depends on how fast the HD spins. You can buy bus powered 4200-5400rpm HD's that get hot but still run wonderfully... I have a couple I brought with me... no problems whatsoever. I also have a 7200rpm, fanless, external, that gets pretty warm but I've never had a problem with it... just my two

keninseoul · Joined: 09 Mar 2004 Location: Seoul

if it gets hot (you say 'ouch' after putting your fingertips on it for 10 seconds (or so) after it has been running for 30 minutes)

just make sure there is air circulating around the unit - rig something up if u have to; a small house fan, or a box fan using the CPU's PS, or whatever.

You can buy the compressed air cleaner in a can - W 2,500 or so to blow off the dust.

rumpolestitskin · Joined: 12 Jun 2005

I don't think your going to have any problems with it.

I ahve an ext HD with a fan, teh casing is plastic. A ext housing that has no fan and no room for a fan is designed to be sued without a fan.

From what I see of teh ext hd market most designs which dont us a fan have the casing made of metal. So in effect what you proberbly have is a giant heatsink.

Don't think your'l need to worry about a fan form it, leave it on for a day and touch it periodicaly to check it in order to reassure yourself.

Demophobe · Joined: 17 May 2004

All of these opinions...seems to me that just leaving the case open is of no consequence whatsoever, so just do that. Rolling Eyes

Gord · Joined: 25 Feb 2003

Bulsajo · Joined: 16 Jan 2003

If there's no fan then the case is probably aluminum anyway.

Demophobe · Joined: 17 May 2004

Pretty obscure way to lose a drive Gord....right out of a bad comedy. Shock? Well, yes....if one places it on the edge of a desk or in other peril, precarious places, I suppose the case is a good idea.

However, I really doubt that there would be water or shock concerns for most people. Put it safely on the desk and use it.....no more danger then anything else on the desk.