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Want to have HD on its own power switch


feetfats

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I can attest to (multiple times, really) an occurrence data corruption from hot-swapping HDD's. It happens. Test your luck if you wish, but I wouldn't be using that switch while the PC was powered on. You will experience failure, it's only a matter of time and luck.

 

atx-psu-pinouts.gif

 

If you're using a 'two pin' on/off switch, you're going to need more than one switch. You'll need to interrupt both the +5v and +12v lines (or their respective grounding wires) in two separate switches. There might be another option (using the switch as an interrupt for the ground of the +5v line only), but I don't feel comfortable recommending it as I don't know what possible damage powering the HDD motor without the logic board (what the +5v line powers) being powered on could cause.

 

This is all assuming you're using a 4-pin molex power cable on your ide/sata hard disk.

 

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Quick Edit

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I'm going to reinforce that you should only operate such a switch when your PC is powered off.

Edited by MasterRex862

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I can attest to (multiple times, really) an occurrence data corruption from hot-swapping HDD's. It happens. Test your luck if you wish, but I wouldn't be using that switch while the PC was powered on. You will experience failure, it's only a matter of time and luck.

 

atx-psu-pinouts.gif

 

If you're using a 'two pin' on/off switch, you're going to need more than one switch. You'll need to interrupt both the +5v and +12v lines (or their respective grounding wires) in two separate switches. There might be another option (using the switch as an interrupt for the ground of the +5v line only), but I don't feel comfortable recommending it as I don't know what possible damage powering the HDD motor without the logic board (what the +5v line powers) being powered on could cause.

 

This is all assuming you're using a 4-pin molex power cable on your ide/sata hard disk.

 

-----

Quick Edit

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I'm going to reinforce that you should only operate such a switch when your PC is powered off.

 

 

I'm gonna use a 4 pin molex to sata adaptor and hook the switch up to that as it will be easier to work with.

I suppose that the 2 switch idea could work,,, but i'll try to find something better. My whole idea here is to store my files and have them backed up onto this hd that i can shut off so that if i get a crazy virus or something I don't have to worry about it being infected cause its not on... Perhaps I am being over cautious but it seemed like a cool idea,, plus it wont burn any power when off.

 

And thanks for the pic that is very helpful

Edited by feetfats

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So just keep your files on a HD independent from your OS and executable programs. Should solve your problems. I've recovered (repartitioned and reinstalled OS) a drive after a virus infection and, keeping my files on a separate HD never missed a beat. Why you would need to power off this second drive, however, is beyond me. Perhaps there are viruses that can infect themselves across multiple HDs but I've never had the pleasure of contracting one...

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So just keep your files on a HD independent from your OS and executable programs. Should solve your problems. I've recovered (repartitioned and reinstalled OS) a drive after a virus infection and, keeping my files on a separate HD never missed a beat. Why you would need to power off this second drive, however, is beyond me. Perhaps there are viruses that can infect themselves across multiple HDs but I've never had the pleasure of contracting one...

 

well if there is no risk of the virus getting across then I wont bother with the switch,,, can anyone else assure me that this is an unlikely problem?

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Don't get me wrong - I very much so enjoy the idea of a switch to power a single HDD - but it isn't practical for what your reasoning is. I thought you wanted to store all of your porn on a 'safe drive' that would only be active should you choose it to be. As others have mentioned, if viral infection is your only quandary it's better to leave it alone and use an e-condom. I support RJR's recommendation of ESET NOD32.

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