To Cool or Not to Cool ...THAT is the question.

[Jeff68005]

First: Do you do anything to cool your Hard Drives?
Do you mount them in the 3.5 inch bays or 5 inch bays with the metal mounts that come with the HD acting as heatsinks?
Fans for HD heat reduction?

I've seen these double fans on a mount to attach to the bottom of a Hard Drive. Do they add vibration and possiblely affect stability / lifetime of my HD?
Are they worthwhile.
I've also seen a mount that adds heatsinks to all sides of the HD and has a fan too. Overkill?
For HD units with fans do they blow into the case or exaust outbound?

Every working computer must be improved .... or replaced ...

 

[Arrow]

Extra cooling usually isn't required for IDE hard drives. I have mine in a mobile rack, with a fan at the back of the tray.

Rob
Please visit <b><A HREF="http://www.ncix.com/canada/about.php?affiliateid=319048" target="_new">http://www.ncix.com/canada/about.php?affiliateid=319048</A></b>

 

[kief]

Do you need a fan? Give your hard disk a workout then pull off the side of yer case and touch it. If its more then slightly warm it wouldnt hurt to blow a fan on it =)

Jesus saves, but Mario scores!!!

 

[Porkloin]

Keeping a whirring clicking mechanical thing cool can't hurt. I have one of the cheetah 15k drives and noticed a 10 degree (F) difference between a light breeze blowing over it versus not. As I have case fan holes up the ying-yang, I was able to situate an 80mm fan blowing air over the top and another on the other side sucking it over the top. I ducted air from below from another 80mm fan and turned them all down with a rheostat to cut down on the noise.
What the hell, it's fun and it will more than likely increase the lifespan of the drive. I would however, avoid doing it if you have to make your case one of those monstrosities that I've seen on those "Lookee My Case Mods" sites ("Yes, I let a chimp with a Makita do my case mode and it's 2 degrees cooler!")

Sweating like a rancid chunk of pork

 

[Jeff68005]

Not to worry. A screwdriver to attach a fan .. I can handle. Cutting a hole in a $100.00 full tower case and my hands shake too much ... _Never_happen_.

Every working computer must be improved .... or replaced ...