What is worse?

[Benjamindaines]

Which is worse for the hard drives? Spinning 24x7 (but not always accessing data) or having them set to spin down when inactive, but the way I work would make them be constantly starting and stopping when I use them? So basically should I have them always spinning or an on off on off on off type of thing?

 

[robbieduncan]

Probably spinning continuously as this will generate a lot of spindle heat leading to eventual bearing problems.

 

[firestarter]

Probably spinning continuously as this will generate a lot of spindle heat leading to eventual bearing problems.

This is wrong.

A properly cooled hard drive will survive very well spinning continuously. The stress to the HDD is primarily caused during spin-up.

 

[maxp]

I would say 24/7 better. Fluctuating HDD temperatures will cause more damage.

 

[robbieduncan]

This is wrong.

A properly cooled hard drive will survive very well spinning continuously. The stress to the HDD is primarily caused during spin-up.

Seagate say I'm right, and therefore you are wrong. Heat is the major killer. Spinning down a drive that is not in use will result in lower heat thus longer life.

 

[Warbrain]

This is wrong.

A properly cooled hard drive will survive very well spinning continuously. The stress to the HDD is primarily caused during spin-up.

Geez, it's fairly common knowledge that heat is the worst thing for HDD and other components in computers. Keeping something constantly moving will generate more heat and cause the HDD to fail.

 

[Benjamindaines]

I think I should add that these drives run very cool. The aluminum case only ever gets warm to the touch.