In comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.storage Timothy Daniels <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:
> Seagate makes some of its "external HDs" with eSATA
> interfaces, specifically the "Free Agent Pro"
> (http://www.seagate.com/www/en-us/pro...o_data_movers/)
> and the "eSATA External Hard Drive"
> (http://www.seagate.com/www/en-us/pro...ta_hard_drive/).
> Unfortunately, calls to Seagate's pre-sales reps in India don't
> result in information of any certitude. <understatement>
> Does anyone know if these external enclosures include
> a cooling fan and and how they get their power?
> *TimDaniels*
It will have some brick-type PSU. USB ports can deliver up to 2.5W
each (high-power ports), while even lean 3.5" HDDs go up to 15W
or so on start-up. So unless they tie 8 high-power ports together
(add two for the DC-DC converters) and put in 5-to-12V step up
converters for 20W (expensive) this is a complete no-go. Technically
feasible though, but unworkable in practice.
As to cooling, unless they explicitely claim a fan, it is safe to
assume there is none. At least eSATA lets you monitor the temperature,
but I think currently you cannot trust any pre-packaged drive at
all and external an DIY enclosure only if somebody has reviewed its
thermal characteristics.
My current approach is to be prepared to throw it away
if it does not work out. A sad state of affairs, I know.
Arno