Hi there.

I am currently running my Linux server (Openmediavault 6) on a mini PC but need to somehow connect my 14TB WD HDD to it.

Ideally, I need an enclosure that can allow me to spin the HDD down after 10 minutes of inactivity, plus I want one without a push button to start it - these are toherwise a pain if you get a powercut and you have to manually turn the hard drive on again.

Any advice on what to get would be much appreciated.

I tried this but am having to return it:

https://origin-smile.amazon.co.uk/RS...ps%2C84&sr=8-6

Not only did it have the push button but if refused to ever spin down.

Have you considered just using a USB to SATA cable, (would need to add power for a 3.5"), that is what I use nowadays with 2.5" - I think spinning it down could be set in software.

1 members found this post helpful.

Thanks.

I am struggling to find a decent way of powering HDDs independently.

Here's my exact issue:

I have two HDDs that I need to connect to mini PC:

A 14TB WD that I use for all my Data

A 6TB WD that I want to use for essential backups

The 14TB was shucked from an Elements External Case.

Ideally, I could do with having a single device that I could plug both into - there are docking stations but I am not quite sure whether they are designed for constant use (i.e. I am not quite sure how stable they are). Is it a possibility of perhaps laying the hard drives flat and connecting them to the docking station via SATA extension cables?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Female-Powe...4232414&sr=8-5

My other option might just be to put the back in its original case, sell my 6TB WD RED and buy a small 2.5 HDD for backups instead.

Seems a bit of step back to buy another HDD but I find the USB-only option so much more convenient.

If you want to continue to use them, a USB docking station is one option, but you would likely need two, or a dual, if you need to back up from one external disk to another, which is probably impractical, let alone expensive.

The problem with 3.5" external disks is the need for a power supply, most people I think use 2.5" these days, which of course can be powered from a USB socket. You may be able to find a powered Molex setup, but you would still need a molex to SATA cable, plus a SATA data cable.

Easiest way, I´d guess, is to get two external powered drive enclosures.

Yes, another vote for a docking station.

And drives are cheap in bulk packagings...