Can hard drives become defect from not being used?

[ArcticApe]

Hello!

I recently rebuilt my pc but I want to keep the harddisk and SSD safely stored, is it safe to just let it sit in a box in an attic (it can get pretty cold, is that an issue?) or will that break it somehow?

[Cr33ps]

How long will it be there because hard drives will deteriorate if not lubricated after a period of time and the magnetic field can wear it down because hard drives are mechanical.

[Eigenvektor]

Aside from the lubrication problem mentioned by @Cr33ps, large temperature swings are unfavorable for long term storage. An uninsulated attic probably isn't the best place. I would be worried about moisture buildup and maybe even tiny dust particles slowly making their way into the devices over time.

 

Ideally you'd want to store them in a cool (not cold), dry place that is sealed/dust free. But as was mentioned above, the oils that are used for lubrication can break down with time, preventing the hard disk from spinning up once removed from storage. An SSD should be less susceptible to mechanical failure, however flash storage does slowly lose data over time, so depending on how long we're talking you could come back to an "empty" drive.

[Moonzy]

are you talking about the data or the function of the hard drive?

[ArcticApe]

13 minutes ago, Moonzy said:

are you talking about the data or the function of the hard drive?

both really

[Moonzy]

4 minutes ago, ArcticApe said:

both really

data rot can occur for long term unplugged hard drives

functionality wise, as long as it's not humid with moderate temps, it should be fine

[ArcticApe]

1 hour ago, Moonzy said:

data rot can occur for long term unplugged hard drives

functionality wise, as long as it's not humid with moderate temps, it should be fine

noticeable temps is how much?

[Moonzy]

43 minutes ago, ArcticApe said:

noticeable temps is how much?

i cant really say as im no expert in that field, unfortunately

 

here's a quick google result

[ArcticApe]

26 minutes ago, Moonzy said:

i cant really say as im no expert in that field, unfortunately

 

here's a quick google result

I see, thx for help!