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    With a mSATA SSD + HDD combo, and the OS on the mSATA will the HDD be off until it is accessed

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Craig429, Sep 24, 2014.

  1. Craig429

    Craig429 Newbie

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    I am looking at purchasing a new laptop. My current laptop only has one SSD. When the OS is installed on the mSATA SSD and data is stored on the HDD, when the HDD has not been accessed, will the HDD be off to save power and reduce noise?
    If so is there a setting in the power management that determines the amount of time to turn off the data HDD drive?
     
    Craig429, Sep 24, 2014
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  2. alexhawker

    alexhawker Spent Gladiator

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    I believe the drive controller will choose if and when to park the head - mine will when idle - WD black 750GB. It makes a small noise when parking - just a little click. Not very loud.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
     
    alexhawker, Sep 24, 2014
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  3. Craig429

    Craig429 Newbie

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    When you are accessing the SSD only, will the HDD continue to spin? Or does the HDD stop spinning only when both drives are not being accessed.
     
    Craig429, Sep 25, 2014
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  4. RCB

    RCB Notebook Deity

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    Windows 7 / control panel / Power options / change plan settings / change advanced plan settings / hard disk / turn off hard disk after...

    Default is 10 minutes on battery / 20 minutes plugged in

    It should stop spinning. Just have to make sure that there is no program wanting to access it even for like a recently used file list etc.

    YMMV
     
    RCB, Sep 25, 2014
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  5. alexhawker

    alexhawker Spent Gladiator

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    Yes, it's based on usage of that drive. My OS and programs are on the SSD, so if I'm working on files on the network, it's often not spinning.


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    alexhawker, Sep 25, 2014
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  6. Craig429

    Craig429 Newbie

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    Great! Thank you guys for your reply's and time.
     
    Craig429, Sep 25, 2014
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