How do external HDD power saving features work?

[kol12]

I've got a Seagate external hdd, AC powered which claims to have it's own power saving features. Does anyone know how they work? Do they have a spin down time similar to Windows hdd power options using the USB connection?

 

[Ralston18]

Which model drive?

Yes - all Seagate seems to indicate is some " built-in internal power management"....

Found the following link which indicates that spinning down is used.

https://unix.stackexchange.com/questions/343856/hard-drive-ignores-hdparm-settings

Would expect the same for any related drive models. Best to search and check the specifics for your drive model.

 

[kol12]

Hi,

Sorry for the delayed reply, been investigating overclocks!

Yeah it's the Seagate Expansion Desktop Drive 3TB, this one: https://www.amazon.com/Seagate-Expansion-Desktop-External-STEB3000100/dp/B00TKFEEJ4

The included brief manual gives no indication as to it's power saving features... It's powers down with the PC. Usually I can feel the drive and know. It's quite noticeable when spinning but appears to have a constant type of hum.

Checking the link now.

P.S. It's got quite a loud read or spin up noise, not sure whether to consider it normal.