NationStates Jolt Archive


To All Computer Hardware Peeps

Kyronea
06-05-2007, 09:20
I need to know what kind of potential damage to a harddrive or other hardware multiple power outages can do, especially if something like a download or other disk-writing action were occuring at the time of power outage. We've had several as of late thanks to recent storms and I am worried about my computer being damaged, because I simply cannot afford to replace any part.
Posi
06-05-2007, 09:42
I need to know what kind of potential damage to a harddrive or other hardware multiple power outages can do, especially if something like a download or other disk-writing action were occuring at the time of power outage. We've had several as of late thanks to recent storms and I am worried about my computer being damaged, because I simply cannot afford to replace any part.
Worse case scenario (for your HDD at least), your head lands on its platter and kills itself (and the HDD). It could land and only strip a bunch of the magnetic film off the disk, which would still leave you with a functioning disk. You'd lose allot of data and some of your disk space, but it should still function. Usually, your current write is aborted (with whatever file left as a string of garbage), and your head lands nicely on its little rest place.
Kyronea
06-05-2007, 10:35
Worse case scenario (for your HDD at least), your head lands on its platter and kills itself (and the HDD). It could land and only strip a bunch of the magnetic film off the disk, which would still leave you with a functioning disk. You'd lose allot of data and some of your disk space, but it should still function. Usually, your current write is aborted (with whatever file left as a string of garbage), and your head lands nicely on its little rest place.

So, it is unlikely for there to be much damage? Okay, good...I'll just have to keep from writing anything until I'm sure there will be no more power outages...whoo boy.
Rejistania
06-05-2007, 10:38
get a USV and shut down your PC normally? :)
The Alma Mater
06-05-2007, 10:41
So, it is unlikely for there to be much damage? Okay, good...I'll just have to keep from writing anything until I'm sure there will be no more power outages...whoo boy.

There exist quite a few accesoires that can protect expensive hardware from sudden powerfailures. Usually they allow the computer to function for a few more minutes, giving you sufficent time for a clean shutdown...
Rubiconic Crossings
06-05-2007, 10:46
Look for UPS - Uninterruptable Power Supply.

Originally for servers and mainframes and the like there are quite a few on the home market that are inexpensive and robust.

APC is a reputable manufacturer.

Then just buy a new HDD. Someone recently started selling a 500Gb HDD for $99...
Kyronea
06-05-2007, 11:04
Look for UPS - Uninterruptable Power Supply.

Originally for servers and mainframes and the like there are quite a few on the home market that are inexpensive and robust.

APC is a reputable manufacturer.

Then just buy a new HDD. Someone recently started selling a 500Gb HDD for $99...

UPS, huh? I once considered one of those a while ago, back when I was deciding what parts to buy...I'll look into it, certainly.
Rubiconic Crossings
06-05-2007, 11:07
UPS, huh? I once considered one of those a while ago, back when I was deciding what parts to buy...I'll look into it, certainly.

Heres a link to the HDD

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=2949364&sku=THD-500A2&CMP=EMC-TIGEREMAIL&SRCCODE=WEM1351V
Kyronea
06-05-2007, 11:11
Heres a link to the HDD

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=2949364&sku=THD-500A2&CMP=EMC-TIGEREMAIL&SRCCODE=WEM1351V
Ah, yes, a Seagate...the one currently in my computer is a 320 GB...I've been considering a second hard drive for quite some time. I may purchase this, though I will probably purchase one from New Egg instead...calm me a devoted customer, but they're the only ones I trust when it comes to computer parts.