How long should I wait to assemble and install a new HDD into a PC that's been in a fairly cold environment?

Metaphysx

Honorable
Feb 4, 2014
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10,530
An older rig and a brand new HDD had been next to a refrigerator in a particularly cold room for several days (without my knowledge) and now I am wondering how long I should be waiting before doing assembly work/powering it up in order to avoid condensation and ultimately, damage.

It's seen frequent use so it's accumulated some dustiness, I am uncertain if that is relevant to condensation or not but I'm mentioning it anyways.

I do not know the actual Temp of the room, (nor have a means of measurement), but as a general idea, how long should I keep it in a room temp environment or hotter before installing my new HDD?
 
Solution
Similar to the instructions for digital cameras etc. Seal the device in a plastic bag before bringing into the heated area. Allow to warm up sealed in the bag then open bag to allow final acclimatization. If you are concerned about it that is. I definitely would not power up for a day or so if no bag is used, removing case covers to allow max airflow while warming.

Traildriver

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Sep 10, 2010
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Similar to the instructions for digital cameras etc. Seal the device in a plastic bag before bringing into the heated area. Allow to warm up sealed in the bag then open bag to allow final acclimatization. If you are concerned about it that is. I definitely would not power up for a day or so if no bag is used, removing case covers to allow max airflow while warming.

 
Solution