SimpleTech drive and Time Machine

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Level 1

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SimpleTech drive and Time Machine

I am a new Mac and Time Machine user. I have an external hard drive (a SimpleTech drive) that I am using for my Time Machine backups. When the external HD is plugged in, it is spinning, even when backups are not happening. Is this normal? I have also noticed that the drive continues to spin even when I shut the lid of my MBP and the computer goes to sleep. Shouldn't the drive go to sleep as well? Or is it supposed to continue to spin? Thank you!

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.4)

Posted on Aug 1, 2010 11:05 AM

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Answer 1

baltwo

Level 9

62,386 points

Aug 1, 2010 11:11 AM in response to MC1220

System Preferences->Energy Saver->has a setting for sleeping HDs. However, I never sleep HDs when they're connected. Contact SimpleTech for details on their HD.

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Answer 2

MC1220 Author

Level 1

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Aug 1, 2010 11:30 AM in response to baltwo

What's the rationale behind not sleeping them? I am still new to this and assumed it would be better for them to "rest" when not in use. Thanks!

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Answer 3

baltwo

Level 9

62,386 points

Aug 1, 2010 11:35 AM in response to MC1220

Just a personal preference. I don't use TM, so the only timeMy ext HDs are up and running, I'm using them and don't want them to spin down/spin up while I'm doing stuff. Stopping and starting electronic things is what kills them—ever notice that light bulbs only go when turned on? The only thing I sleep are displays. As for laptops, I don't use them.

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