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The Top 3 Ways To Extend The Life Of A Hard Drive

The Top 3 Ways To Extend The Life Of A Hard Drive

Have you ever pondered the question of how you could extend the life of your computer system’s hard drive? The idea that the hard drive in your computer will continue to function for as long as the computer itself is not an uncommon thought, but is indeed a fantasy. Depending on how they are used and how their files are managed, mechanical hard disk drives (or HDDs) typically have a lifespan of between three and five years on average. On the other hand, you have the ability to significantly lengthen the lifespan of your HDD by paying careful attention to how you use it and how you handle it. So the question is, what causes hard drive failure?

The lifespan of mechanical hard disk drives is determined by a number of factors, the most important of which are the workload, the conditions of the surrounding environment, and the upkeep of the hardware. The following is our top 3 ways that can help you increase the lifespan of your mechanical hard disk drive and steer clear of typical errors.

There is no such thing as a completely fault-proof hard disk; however, there are a number of things that can be done to extend the life of your hard disk drive. This post will provide you with a number of helpful hints that can assist you in safeguarding your data and extending the lifespan of your hard disk.

Hard drives are mechanical devices, which means that they contain moving parts on the inside. Even with careful use, they are susceptible to wear and tear because they have moving parts, just like any other device with moving parts. Here are three ways to keep those drives rockin’!

1. Hard drives should be handled with extreme caution at all times

Hard drives are extremely sensitive to sudden jolts and can be easily damaged as a result. Dropping them can mean brutal data destruction, and it is in your best interest to keep them from being moved around an excessive amount. Keep them on a clean, level surface where they won’t be disturbed by vibrations and where the temperature won’t be allowed to fluctuate. Even though they are built to withstand the damaging effects of dirt and water, you shouldn’t store hard drives in places where there is a lot of moisture in the air or where there is a chance that they will get wet.

The majority of hard drives installed in desktop computers are not moved around very frequently. However, some older laptops may be equipped with a mechanical drive. Because laptops and portable hard drives are moved around more frequently, you should exercise additional caution when transporting them. Remember that the mobility factor is great when you need it, but can be a curse if you drop your computer.

If you must carry a laptop or portable external hard drive, you should always use a padded bag, case, or container that is specifically designed for carrying such items. Check that the device can be contained within its carrier without causing too much wiggle room so that it doesn’t get damaged while being transported.

2. Keep your hard drives in a clean and safe working environment.

It should come as no surprise that hard drives can become unstable when they are located in any proximity to water, dampness, or humidity. Additionally, they don’t like to function well when the temperature around them is too warm. The majority of components in a computer, including hard drives, can have the ability to produce an excessive amount of heat.

On the other hand, the longevity of your hard drive can be significantly increased by your active efforts to maintain a cool operating temperature within your computer. You can prevent your hard drive from running too warm by taking the following precautions:

  • When the hard drive is not being used, make sure that it is turned off.
  • In general, work to improve the airflow in and around your computer.
  • Reduce the temperature of the room that your hard drive is stored in to bring the ambient temperature down.
  • You should routinely remove any dust that has accumulated on the enclosure of your hard drive, but you should never open it up to clean the inside!

3. You should only ever purchase high-quality hard drives.

The quality of a hard drive is the single most important factor in determining how long it will remain operational. Drives that are less expensive tend to fail more frequently than those that are more expensive because they are constructed to lower standards and because they are frequently made from inferior materials. When testing the durability of their products, hard drive manufacturers frequently employ methods that are not standardized. As a consequence of this, a one terabyte (TB) drive manufactured by one company might be rated for a certain number of hours before it fails, whereas a one TB drive manufactured by another company might last significantly longer than that. If you want to know how long a specific hard drive will last, the only way to do so is to look at the warranty and return policies offered by the manufacturer.

You can also read various reviews of hard drives. When doing so, be sure to read reviews written by both regular customers and technology writers, as the latter are more likely to investigate the complexities of the hardware in greater detail. This provides you with a useful glimpse into the overall quality of the hard drive that you are planning to purchase.

If you need help with a failed hard drive, please contact us for a free hard drive recovery evaluation!