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HDDs with NO power consumption!

Spinning things is always a bad idea. In a Computer Transport, each HDD involves 2 motors for spinning disk platters and moving read/write heads. Although BLDC motors have come a long way, they still put back power noise into the system. Of course, as pointed out previously, this can be minimized by sourcing power from non-mobo 12V rail. However, not having such power pollution in computer is preferred.

I’ve been keen to get SSD technology (as no motors are involved) but found this to be difficult and in computer terms expensive – it’s still a few months away. I’ve been searching to find another way to eliminate such noise using conventional HDDs. SATA technology lends itself to external use (called eSATA) and this is where my journey started. I wanted to power my 2 laptop HDDs from another power source.

I didn’t have to look far at all! Here’s the solution (ViPowER’s VP-9101P):





For a princely sum of 2 x $33 this power supply unit connects directly to my laptop HDD. SATA cable in turn connects to mobo (it’s shielded and long - be careful routing within case making sure connectors don’t accidentally dislodge). Simple.





Each HDD requires a dedicated power unit. In my setup, these 2 tiny ‘bricks’ lie on floor with power lead going into Zalman case. All dirty power components (LCD screen, 2 HDDs) are isolated to a dedicated line filter (basic variety). Computer has its own same dedicated line filter.

This means computer PSU sees no HDD load, i.e. HDDs with NO power consumption! Finally, no more spinning things interfering with music playback (no PSU fans, no CPU fans and HDD motors powered externally).

After allowing for burn in time, it was time to play. Sound improved on what was already brilliant! Music is more involving & emotional with richer harmonics, improved micro dynamics, cleaner highs & mids, and tighter cleaner bass. If you have desktop drives, improvements would also be audible (although standard desktop drives are noisy and generate terrible vibrations which negatively impacts jitter).

I’m going to start a change log for version 0.3 as this is a must do!

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