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Hard Drive In SUV Concerns

S

SAgosto

Limp Gawd
Joined
Dec 28, 2007
Messages
491
I picked up an Android TV box for my SUV so my daughter can watch movies. I want to use an external HD to expand the storage but concerned the vibrations will damage the HD. I won't be doing any offroading but can I get away with a basic SATA (non-SSD) HD? If so, does it matter if I use a standard 2.5 or 3.5 HD instead of a more expensive SSD? Also, would any HD work with a USB powered enclosure?
 
I really don't think the vibrations would be a concern, it wasn't that long ago that HHDs were the only existing technology. If you purchase an enclosure that can fit a 3.5" HHD, I'd imagine any drive would be OK, but why not just purchase an external drive w/ enclosure?
 
My understanding is the best orientation for a HDD in a vehicle is vertical, the tall way. This puts the least amount of shock on the heads in directions that might cause a platter strike and optimizes for the lesser amount on the servo-arm mechanism. They do produce HDDs for vehicular use, the interesting thing is that 95% of the difference is related to temperature handling, not so much a change in vibration/motion.
 
Bageland2000 said:
I really don't think the vibrations would be a concern, it wasn't that long ago that HHDs were the only existing technology. If you purchase an enclosure that can fit a 3.5" HHD, I'd imagine any drive would be OK, but why not just purchase an external drive w/ enclosure?
Click to expand...

What would be the diff?

alaricljs said:
My understanding is the best orientation for a HDD in a vehicle is vertical, the tall way. This puts the least amount of shock on the heads in directions that might cause a platter strike and optimizes for the lesser amount on the servo-arm mechanism. They do produce HDDs for vehicular use, the interesting thing is that 95% of the difference is related to temperature handling, not so much a change in vibration/motion.
Click to expand...

Why vertical? It would tip over. Most HD are mounted horizontally.
 
SAgosto said:
Why vertical? It would tip over. Most HD are mounted horizontally.
Click to expand...

I explained exactly why. Horizontal and every bump in the road is a movement of the head toward the platters. A great many servers and arrays mount them on edge and mass storage arrays (45+ drives) on end.

As for tipping over, don't leave 5lb hard cornered projectiles loose in a vehicle.
 
You should use some of those peel and stick velcrow pads. Put 4 of them in a square formation on the enclosure, and the other 4 in the same formation near the android tv. That way its both horizontal and and secure. Plus, those pads wont mar your interior in any way.
 
Consider the temps too. Flash storage is a lot more forgiving of being left in a very hot/cold car.
 
SAgosto said:
I picked up an Android TV box for my SUV so my daughter can watch movies. I want to use an external HD to expand the storage but concerned the vibrations will damage the HD. I won't be doing any offroading but can I get away with a basic SATA (non-SSD) HD? If so, does it matter if I use a standard 2.5 or 3.5 HD instead of a more expensive SSD? Also, would any HD work with a USB powered enclosure?
Click to expand...

you should be fine, I have a 2TB hard drive in my SUV for last 2 years and its working fine.
 
Velcro/zip ties sound like a good idea. I am sure I can find a way to secure it cleanly. Should I go with a HD enclosure or an external HD? I need a HD that is USB powered though.
 
Bageland2000 said:
There would be no difference, but why not just purchase the all-in-one? Then you know the HHD and enclosure are compatible.
Click to expand...

That's the preference but wanted to check first.

melk said:
Does it not have a SD card slot?
Click to expand...

USB 2.0 which I could use and have tested to fit my needs. I'd rather go with external drive as I could get a 2TB HD for the price of a 64GB USB flash.

Bandalo said:
Consider the temps too. Flash storage is a lot more forgiving of being left in a very hot/cold car..
Click to expand...

I live in NJ so both are possible. Flash storage is fine but don't think it will have the storage I need at a reasonable price point.
 
3.5" drive isn't recommended. 2.5" drives are preferable, and SSDs are the best option for cars.
 
Laptop drives are designed to take more vibration and moving the drive when powered. 3.5 drives should not be moved when powered.
 
You can even get 2.5" drives up tot 5TB now :O

But those ones aren't designed for laptop use specifically.
 
SAgosto said:
I'd rather go with external drive as I could get a 2TB HD for the price of a 64GB USB flash. ..... Flash storage is fine but don't think it will have the storage I need at a reasonable price point.
Click to expand...

You can buy a 2TB HD for $20? Because that's what 64GB SD cards cost. Here's a 256GB SD card for $80 after 2 seconds of searching.

I mean strap up a big clunky HDD enclosure with extra cabling if you want... but personally I'd pop in a SD card and call it a day.
 
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If you use Plex, WDC makes a wireless battery powered server, The My Passport Wireless Pro. $229 for 3TB. I have one and it gets banged about pretty well. Works with any device that supports Plex.
 
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