Hey people, I just bought my first external Hard Drive, but it doesn't have a fan. So im confused. Is it safe to have it running 24/7? Because my computer is. And im not sure if it has any kind of sleep mode. And im going to be launching videos straight from the drive a lot because the reason i bought the drive is to put my video collection on it. So is there anything wrong with that? Reply Soon people, reply soon!
I wouldn't run the external 24/7 without a fan. Check it when it's running to see if it get's hot, if it's cool to the touch it might be OK. Most externals will be spinning from the time you turn the power on until you turn the power off. I have a small NAS external that I run 24/7 for the past 9 months but it has a fan, and the NAS software put's it in standby mode (drive not spinning) when it's not being used. When I use one of my externals for extended periods or leave it on overnight I usually have a room fan blowing on it.
You went ahead and bought the LaCie, didn't you? Well, have fun since it is a consumer grade unit and not designed for 24/7 operation. I hope you bought two (one for backup).
What? Why? I've run several external HDD boxes without fans 24/7 with no issues at all, it depends on how well they're designed. LaCie aren't the only company to produce fanless enclosures.
All 3 of the ones I own don't have a fan, and I had one of them running 24/7 for about 3 months before turning it off.
I have two Vantec external enclosures and have never had a problem with the HDs over heating. I've had them running for weeks at a time, in fact they barely even get warm. I agree with sammorris, you shouldn't have any issues.
Meh... no problems. I run my externals and desktop without turning off for years and no serious issues ever come up.
wow thanks. That takes a LOAD off my chest. I was getting all worried and thinking that i can only turn it on when i want to use it. And even that made me worry because all i have on there are TV shows, so i would always be watching them. anyway, thanks!
