staggered spin up

L

lightp2

Gawd
Joined
Oct 28, 2009
Messages
672
1. i understand there are some low-level disk utilities that can set PowerUp-On-Standby and the resulting horror/failure to detect/spin-up disk on next reboot.

2, WD has a jumper on the disks to set Staggered spin up.

I am not sure how relevant the above 2 items. I wanted to set the jumper for staggered spin-up using method 2. However, I am worry it may become point 1 stated above and resetting jumper may not help.

I am trying to minimize the risk of bricking new hard disks so would like to hear from experienced users of staggered spin-up.

The disks will be connected to motherboard SATA. Either Intel-ICHx/JMICRON-363/AMD-790GX

thanks
 
I tried setting that up on my array abnd 3ware controller As I wanted to use the PicoPsu with it, but never managed for it to work...

What are the reasons you want staggered spinup?
 
1. I have 8 new disks to test
2. My planned PSU upgrade is about next year. My current PSU is entry-level cooler master extreme
3. I have unstable power in my testing/deployment area so would like to minimize the power need to as little as possible.

I do not have any spare old disk to test and afraid of bricking new disks, that's why I try to solicit some info 1st.
 
This is an update to my own post. I have search the datasheets and also developer documents. Failure could mean a dead PSU or failed drives. :) I specifically disclaim all responsibility.

1. This info is for motherboard SATA. Does not apply for add-on card.
2. According to Intel ICH7/ICH8/ICH9/ICH10 datasheets staggered spinup is supported (hardware-spec). However, I think it still depends on motherboard bios properly implements them.
3. According to AMD SB7xx reference, it seems (Support Staggered Spinup SSS) register bits 27 is cleared to 0 implying no-support by default. I am not sure about other chipset series.

I will test 1st using very old smart-failed sata disk in the workplace on 945-chipset-based system. The other resolution is to buy high-wattage PSU for many drives config. I hear good PSU will auto-shutdown to protect itself from overloading, however, it is better to be sure.
 
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