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I know the Apple AirPort is outdated technology.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.