Hard Drive in AirPort Time Capsule Spinning Down while Idle

[timidhermit]

I know the Apple AirPort is outdated technology. But I am using a fifth-generation AirPort Time Capsule 3TB (A1470) for my home network and am very happy with its performance.

Recently, I have been reading on whether or not the Time Capsule's internal hard drive will automatically spin down when left idle for a while. Supposedly, spinning down will help to improve the longevity of the mechanical drive.

However, I am reading conflicting comments on whether or not this spin down is being blocked if I also attach an external USB portable hard drive (I am using a WD My Passport) to the Time Capsule. Somehow, by having an USB drive attached, the internal hard drive will stop spinning down so it will be constantly running.

I have tried to do some tests on my own but could not tell at all if the above is true or not. If this is true, then I will remove the USB drive from my Time Capsule as I do not want to stress the Time Capsule's internal hard drive that is now more than 10 years old.

Can someone with knowledge in this area chime in and clarify? I am so confused.

 

[Fishrrman]

I'd suggest you give things a try, but use a USB FLASH drive instead.
Just something plugged into the USB port.

It will work, or it won't.
So... just try it.

 

[timidhermit]

I'd suggest you give things a try, but use a USB FLASH drive instead.
Just something plugged into the USB port.

It will work, or it won't.
So... just try it.

I don't understand what you mean at all. How will this help? How can I detect a drive spin down? I am a newbie on this.

 

[Apathist]

How can I detect a drive spin down?

I'm still using a couple of 4th gens (the last model shaped like a candy box) and can hear the internal drives when they're active. I'd have guessed those in the later tower models were audible as well when placed close to your ear.

In any case, I have an old USB hard drive attached to one of the TCs connected to my network and its internal disk seems to remain spun down when not in use.

 

[timidhermit]

I'm still using a couple of 4th gens (the last model shaped like a candy box) and can hear the internal drives when they're active. I'd have guessed those in the later tower models were audible as well when placed close to your ear.

In any case, I have an old USB hard drive attached to one of the TCs connected to my network and its internal disk seems to remain spun down when not in use.

Thanks for the advice. I agree the design difference in the 5th gen makes it difficult to detect. I tried to put my hand on the plastic shell to detect the subtle vibration from spinning up but this does not work to reliably detect disk activity.

 

[Bigwaff]

as I do not want to stress the Time Capsule's internal hard drive that is now more than 10 years old.

FYI... The hard drives in these models are relatively easy to replace.

 

[jz0309]

I know the Apple AirPort is outdated technology. But I am using a fifth-generation AirPort Time Capsule 3TB (A1470) for my home network and am very happy with its performance.

Recently, I have been reading on whether or not the Time Capsule's internal hard drive will automatically spin down when left idle for a while. Supposedly, spinning down will help to improve the longevity of the mechanical drive.

However, I am reading conflicting comments on whether or not this spin down is being blocked if I also attach an external USB portable hard drive (I am using a WD My Passport) to the Time Capsule. Somehow, by having an USB drive attached, the internal hard drive will stop spinning down so it will be constantly running.

I have tried to do some tests on my own but could not tell at all if the above is true or not. If this is true, then I will remove the USB drive from my Time Capsule as I do not want to stress the Time Capsule's internal hard drive that is now more than 10 years old.

Can someone with knowledge in this area chime in and clarify? I am so confused.

if you are using a 10 year or so old hard drive as a backup, I sure hope you have more than just that 1 backup ...

 

[jz0309]

FYI... The hard drives in these models are relatively easy to replace.

I tried to open mine and was unable to do so, don't remember the exact model

 

[venom600]

I have one like that in use at my Mom's house. It serves it's purpose as a very basic time machine backup. I had no intention of replacing it, but it seems they may not support it anymore after this year, so I need to find another option.