Does HDD really need fans for cooling?

[Gipse]

Hi,

I cool my Samsung HDD with a 90mm Papst fan @ 4.5V (I call this silent)

Even under "load" the temperature is 28C, HDD cooling is a must:nod:

Gipse

[Hawk454]

Bearing temperatures are what kill harddrives most often. I usually have my drives last 2 or 3 years tops. Especially the high RPM drives. I bought a slow 7200 SATA recently for a change and notice it runs cool (40` Celsius). I think it is a good idea to place the drive near the major air path within the case for better longevity.

 

I do not think it necessary to have a fancy heatsink/fan or water cooling for a harddrive. Although if enough data is available I am always willing to be persuaded.

 

If one was to attempt to cool a drive, is the external case adequate for cooling bearing temps? I have not seen any real technical essays relating to this specifically other than the new hydro bearings within the mid-2005 drives.

 

I have seen enough data on Maxtors to believe them to have the worst heat problem of SATA/PATA drives.