Leaving ExtHDD's power connected but not data (USB) connected)


  1. JDGiants
    Posts : 3
    WIN 10 PRO
       New #1

    Leaving ExtHDD's power connected but not data (USB) connected)


    Hi, all,

    I have been in the practice of simply disconnecting the USB cables to my backup external (external powered) hdd's, and leaving the power (AC) to them connected. These drives are only used when I perform a _manual_ backup of my internal data, at which time I re-connect the USB cables. Would it be better to also disconnect the power to these drives (a bit tedious, but...) or do they only spin up when there is a data connection? Time between _manual_ backup varies, but approximately 1/wk. Please elaborate as needed. TIA!

    -JD
      My Computer
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  3. Berton
    Posts : 14,005
    Win10 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home, Win7, Linux Mint
       New #2

    If an External USB drive used infrequently it probably would be best to disconnect the power, wouldn't necessarily need to unplug the USB cable. I have 2 External USB HDDs connected and leave them on but access them at least once a day, usually more.

    There is some truth that frequent cold starts with light bulbs can shorten their life versus leaving on but have to also consider the electric bill. The jolt of electricity on cold devices most likely affects any of them over time.
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  4. JDGiants
    Posts : 3
    WIN 10 PRO
    Thread Starter
       New #3

    MTBF for external HDD's


    Now I'm wondering what the ~weekly cold start/boots will do to the external hdd's versus leaving them connected to external power sources. Is it better to leave ext hdd's un-powered until ~weekly manual backups? And, am I correct that there is zero hdd activity when the power is cut, but the USB cable remains connected to the PC? Thanks, any/all, for your help...

    -JD
      My Computer
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