Making an external HDD - SATA or IDE?

**Veovis** · 10-09-08, 01:50 PM

Well, I got the Vantec SATA enclosure and a 640GB WDC. It runs really hot though. My internal WDC runs at around 30C usually. My other external WD (purchased AS an external already in a WD enclosure) runs at around 42C and has a pretty crappy looking enclosure. So I figured the aluminum Vantec enclosure would be pretty good for cooling, but this new one runs at about 48C so far.

The spec for the HDD says its operating range is 5C-55C, so technically high 40's is ok. But there's really no reason to run so close to the max, and it would certainly be better for the drive's longevity to run it in the low 30's like I know it would if it had airflow over it. I originally decided against an enclosure with a fan, to keep it simple, small, and quiet. But now I'm considering changing to a fan based enclosure.

**RottnJP** · 10-16-08, 12:15 AM

I have this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817173042

There's also a silver verson- check them both, since sometimes one in on sale but not the other.

The fan has a separate toggle switch, so if the temp is o.k., light use, whatever you can leave it off. Turn it on for heavy-duty use or if you see your temps creeping up.