When data is lost, the focus is always on how to get it back. This is natural. But, given the time and the money it takes to recover data, it is a better idea to prevent such an occurrence in the first place; and one way to do so is to avoid overheating.

Overheating results from the spinning of the drive. Modern disks spin at an amazing 7200-10,000 RPM. This causes heat to build up; internal temperatures often reach 70 degrees Celsius.

Computers do have internal temperature sensors and inbuilt cooling but hard disk drives can withstand temperatures up to about 55 C. Anything more can seriously threaten your hard drive and data stored on it.

To understand why overheating is so dangerous for a hard drive, you need to take a close look at the drive and its various components. The parts that are likely to get damaged are:

The Platters: The data inside the drive is stored on the magnetic surface of platters called disks. When the temperature inside rises, the magnetic platter expands and develops micro cracks thereby damaging the data on the surface.

The Read/Write Heads: The read/write heads read from, and write data on, the platters. They float over the platter on a cushion of air. When the air inside heats up, the distance between the platters and the heads decrease and often results in a head crash.

The Head Actuator: The head actuator is a device attached to the heads that is responsible for their moving around the platters. Over heating damages it like it does all other hard drive components. Head actuator failure directly affects the hard drive performance.

Controller Chip: The circuit board attached to the outside of the Head Drive Assembly (HDA) has the Spindle Motor and Voice Coil Motor controller chip soldered into it. Even a small temperature jump can lead to the burning of SM and VCM controller chip thereby hampering internal movement and causing an inevitable crash.

That is why the best internal temperature for your machine is under 40C. It can work its way up to 50, but beyond that you enter danger zone. So it is important that you keep your drive properly cooled and ventilated. Even though manufacturers provide internal cooling with fans and coolers, it is always advisable to add on to the basic and increase the drive’s life. There are scores of coolers available at the computer stores. By helping your drive keep its cool, you increase its stability and eliminate the chances of a crash.

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