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"Put hard disks to sleep when possible"
- Thread starter ric22
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Well, the article does state:
However, it seems you're saying it used to be there with this same Mac before 13.2.1, is that correct?
I also can't find that option on my 2020 Mac Mini M1 running 13.2.1 FWIW. I know the option at least used to be there on my 2019 Intel iMac, but I haven't checked recently. It never seemed to work anyway, as every time I go to use Spotlight or access any files on my external HDDs/SSDs (connected via an external dock) after I hadn't for a while, it takes forever because they all have to spin/wake up again. Very annoying.
However, it seems you're saying it used to be there with this same Mac before 13.2.1, is that correct?
I also can't find that option on my 2020 Mac Mini M1 running 13.2.1 FWIW. I know the option at least used to be there on my 2019 Intel iMac, but I haven't checked recently. It never seemed to work anyway, as every time I go to use Spotlight or access any files on my external HDDs/SSDs (connected via an external dock) after I hadn't for a while, it takes forever because they all have to spin/wake up again. Very annoying.
Pre-Ventura it was an option certainly... I can't recall if it was an option since Apple re-jigged (buggered up) the settings menus. I often used to toggle the option on and off.
iMac Late 2014 running Big Sur, no longer see that option available. Still see it on the El Capitan install on the same machine.
Agreed. Maybe the option doesn't appear if there are only SSDs present.
That's just a wild guess, because I don't have anything running that OS rev, so I can't check it here.
That is true. At the same time, I have never really seen the point in it. I would be more concerned about disks not getting ejected properly. I could be wrong but, I think the setting being asked about is nothing more than Apple's old energy saving mantra.
I don't recall seeing the option in Ventura with just my stock SSD. I may be remembering wrong.
Energy Saver is called Battery on battery powered devices. These are the options I get:
This page - https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/mac-help/mh35848/mac
Suggests it's hidden behind the Options button bottom right
It does, indeed. It isn't, however. My screen grab shows when hides behind the options button.
Same here on my 2019 iMac running 13.2.1. I also have non-SSD volumes (3 HDDs) attached via a USB docking station, however, even though I do NOT have the "Put hard disks to sleep when possible" option enabled, they constantly go to sleep every few minutes and then I have to wait a long time for them to all spin up again when I go to access one of those drives or do a Spotlight search. Very annoying. Wish I knew how to keep those HDDs "awake" 24/7. It really messes with my workflow. Oh, and I also have an external HDD connected directly to my iMac's USB-A type port that also constantly goes to sleep, so I know it's not as issue of the others being connected via a docking station, as it also happens when directly connected.
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System settings > Battery. "Options..." at the bottom right and then you will get a pop up modal with what you are looking for at the top of those options. 
