Which side to keep cool?

GuruJockStrap · 7 Feb 2006 at 00:03

My Maxtor HD is currently in my Shuttle's drive cage with a floppy drive sitting right on top of it.

Been thinking I don't need the Floppy drive so I'm going to remove it.

Do I move it up so the PCB underneath has some space and top of the HD is directly underneath the DVD RW Drive or do I leave it where it is so there is a gap between the top of the HD and the DVD RW drive?

Which side is it best to keep cool?

smids · 7 Feb 2006 at 00:16

I think the top, as this is the most heat conductive side (being made of metal). This is also where the actual platter and head expel their heat so keeping that cool ought to ensure a cooler platter and head. The base is plastic which doesn't conduct heat well so will have little effect. Similaraly, the PCB isn't as important.

GuruJockStrap · 7 Feb 2006 at 00:27

Cheers!

Will remove that floppy drive tomorrow. Hopefully the vacant space will allow some of the HD's heat to escape and be removed by the rear fan.

sunky · 7 Feb 2006 at 21:38

keep the top cool

GuruJockStrap · 7 Feb 2006 at 23:25

Removed the floppy drive on top and temps have dropped from around 47oC to 43oC.

Still toasty, but in a Shuttle with an internal case temp of 40-50oC, its as good as its going to get.