External HD

[powermacj7]

Is it better to leave an External HD sleeping until needed or better to change the setting and keep it spinning all the time ?

:mac:

 

[mac57]

Well, most hard drive failures occur on startup. That is the most electrically and mechanically stressful period of a hard drive's life. If you are able to, I would advise leaving it running.

 

[Willem]

I've read the same thing. Hard drives last longer if they are left running.

 

[MaDDoG]

Unless you are accessing it often, I would save on the greenhouse emissions and leave it switched off. Mine is a backup and storage device so why leave it running for no apparent reason? Thats my two cents worth.