Should I Safe Remove My External HDD When Not Using It?

[Y0lo]

Hello,

As the title said. I am wondering if that makes a difference in mantaining the life of my hard drive. I use almost exclusively for recording footage.

The logic is this: If I disconnect it, the HDD won't be "Turn On" during the time I don't need it. It is like a car that I do not drive that often is going to last longer than a car that I drive 12 hours a day, or as I was told...

Please note that by disconnecting, I don't mean "unplugging". The external HDD remains physically connected with the computer. It is simply not in a state of working, nor is it detectable by my PC.

Thank you!

 

[Styxie]

Absolutely no difference.

 

[Marion Talavera]

Ofcourse, there's a risk that you might corrupt the hdd because it might be doing some processing and then you just remove it.

 

[Y0lo]

Well, I am not unplugging it, just disconnecting it. If it is using something or doing something, the HDD will let me know.

 

[MrWapk]

Well if it isn't in use, it won't be in use

 

[Xynudu]

Yes, it's a good idea to unpower the HD when not required.

Two reasons:

- reduces wear on the platter spindle bearings,
- saves power.

I always switch off mine when not used.

 

[babyteeth4]

Most drives have sleep settings to minimize wear and power usage, so I wouldn't worry about it. You're more likely to break something or cause a static electricity shock by constantly connecting and disconnecting it anyway.

 

[MrWapk]

Most drives have sleep settings to minimize wear and power usage, so I wouldn't worry about it. You're more likely to break something or cause a static electricity shock by constantly connecting and disconnecting it anyway.

I agree