harddrive TTL unplugged

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issicus

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• Sep 17, 2011

• #1

has any one stored a drive unplugged for a long time? is it better the dvds?

 

moz_21

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• Sep 17, 2011

• #2

I believe a magnetic hard drive has nearly infinite data retention when unpowered, assuming you keep it safe from damage and larger magnets. A SSD has a limited time to remain unplugged, in the factor of years, but not permanent. Why are you wondering??

 

Automata

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• Sep 17, 2011

• #3

It isn't "nearly infinite". The drives uses magnetism to retain data and that does "rot" over time. I'm unsure how long this is, but I wouldn't store data I needed on a drive for more than a year or two.

If you are going to frequently writing data to the disk, using a hard drive will probably be easier. Otherwise, get good DVDs and a good burner. If you store it in a dry cool place, it should easily last 10+ years.

http://arstechnica.com/civis/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=132680
http://www.backupcentral.com/mr-bac...reliable-than-disk-for-long-term-storage.html

 

Last edited: Sep 17, 2011

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issicus

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• Sep 18, 2011

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• #4

yea i have used dvds. burning 500gbs to dvds takes awhile tho. hard drives are cheaper then dvds now, unless you get the really cheap dvds. has anyone tried storing a HD a long time ? maybe blue ray is the best option.

 

RGone

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• Sep 18, 2011

• #5

An interesting thought here of why a platter type hard drive might not be such a good idea.


Does an unplugged hard drive used for data archival deteriorate?

 

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issicus

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• Sep 18, 2011

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• #6

I read you should spin the drive up ever few weeks/month. here is a thought , a hard drive that has never been taken out of the plastic wrap, it has an expiration date like a steak or eggs a bit longer though i would expect.

 

RGone

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• Sep 18, 2011

• #7

issicus said:

I read you should spin the drive up ever few weeks/month. here is a thought , a hard drive that has never been taken out of the plastic wrap, it has an expiration date like a steak or eggs a bit longer though i would expect.

Click to expand...

Yes although I have never checked the external writing regarding shelf life of a hard drive in its' original shipping bag. But once it is out of that bag...well I would think it is all bets off.

So far non-rewritable CD/DVD media are the best bets for the average consumer with a life of about 20 years when not exposed to ultraviolet light. Flourescent lights included as a no/no.