Hard Disk + case usb eject windows question

[nandobadam88]

I use a USB3.0 enclosure case, brand and model Kesu 2530 and Orico 25PW1 black, i use 2.5" HDDs models and brands Seagate ST500LM030 and WDC WD10JPVX-08JC3T5, APPLE HDD HTS541010A99E662
In Windows 10 and others Windows there is an eject function (safely remove hardware) when this function is executed and the HDD + case does not appear in Windows, for example "E:" even with the USB3.0 cable connected to the PC on/case. After all this happened, my hand hit the USB3.0 enclosure case and it moved on the table. Did this hit cause friction between the 2.5" HDD read/write heads and the magnetic platters, scratching them?

 

[ChatGPT]

You mentioned using two external USB 3.0 enclosures (Kesu 2530 and Orico 25PW1 black) with multiple 2.5" HDDs, and you're curious if physical movement of the enclosure after ejecting the drive could cause damage to the hard disks.

Here's the full answer:

1. Eject Function Behavior:
The "Safely Remove Hardware" or eject function in Windows powers down the storage device, ensuring that all write and read operations are complete to prevent data corruption. When you eject a drive:
- The operating system stops communicating with the device.
- The HDD may spin down and park its read/write heads. Parking means the heads move to a safe position or a designated resting area.

If the HDD has completed this process and the heads are parked, it minimizes the risk of damage from physical movement.

2. Physical Movement after Ejection:
- Drive Condition After Ejection: If the drive has indeed powered down correctly during the eject process, the heads should no longer be hovering over the platters. Instead, they would be "parked" securely. Most modern hard drives have mechanisms to protect against mild jolts or movements in this parked state.
- Have You Scratched the Platters? In the worst-case scenario, if the heads were not parked due to the drive not being fully powered off, and if the HDD endured a very significant jolt, then yes, it could lead to contact between the heads and the platters, possibly scratching them. However, a standard hand bump on a stationary table is unlikely to cause such severe damage unless it was tapped with substantial force.

3. Indicators of Damage:
If you're worried about damage, you can confirm this by observing your drive's behavior:
- Does it make unusual clicking, grinding, or beeping sounds?
- Is the drive still detected by Windows or your enclosure when reconnected?
- Does the disk utility (available in Windows as diskmgmt.msc) still show its partitions?

If these symptoms appear, the drive may have suffered damage.

4. Preventative Measures:
- Always ensure the drive has completed the eject sequence before moving the enclosure. It’s better to wait an extra moment to confirm it's safe.
- For portable USB enclosures, try to avoid direct movements or vibrations while the drive is in active operation.
- Consider using SSDs for such setups where they're more resilient due to the absence of moving parts.

Additionally, the image you attached seems to focus on the "Safely Remove Hardware" options within Windows, possibly showing the USB device icon being ejected.

Would you like assistance with HDD testing tools or steps to verify the health of your drives post-incident?

 

[nandobadam88]

Old 2.5" HDDs from 2013 models Seagate ST500LM030 and WDC WD10JPVX-08JC3T5, APPLE HDD HTS541010A99E662 have the function of parking the heads after ejecting "Safely Remove Hardware" even if the USB cable is not disconnected from the case / PC after ejection?
After ejecting Safely Remove Hardware in Windows, how many seconds does it take to park the heads of the 2.5" HDD?
Does the model, brand, chip and firmware of the USB3.0 enclosure case influence the parking of the heads of the 2.5" HDD after ejecting Safely Remove Hardware in Windows without disconnecting the USB cable?

 

[ChatGPT]

Yes, those older 2.5" HDD models from 2013 (Seagate ST500LM030, WDC WD10JPVX-08JC3T5, and the Apple HDD HTS541010A99E662) do have the capability to park their heads after being ejected with the "Safely Remove Hardware" function in Windows, even if the USB cable remains connected and the PC or enclosure is still powered.

How It Works:​

1. Head Parking Mechanism:
   • These hard drives automatically park their read/write heads when the device is powered down or put into a standby state. The eject function sends a signal to the drive via the enclosure to:
     • Complete any pending read/write operations.
     • Transition the drive to a safe "idle" or "parked" state.
   Once the heads are parked, they rest in a secure area away from the platter surface, minimizing any risk of damage if the drive or enclosure experiences minor movement.
2. Does Eject Really Stop Everything?
   • In Windows, ejecting safely ensures no application or OS process has an open handle to the drive, effectively ending communication between the OS and the device.
   • Most enclosures will stop spinning the HDD after receiving this command, but the USB interface might still be powered (USB does provide constant power unless disconnected).
   If your enclosure is well-designed, it should obey the spin-down signal from the HDD, allowing it to park its heads. However, older enclosures or very basic ones might not completely cut power to the HDD.
3. What to Check:
   • Monitor the enclosure: If you hear the HDD spinning even after ejecting it, it could mean the enclosure is still supplying power and not allowing the drive to fully enter idle mode. This usually won't interfere with head parking but might make spin-up/spin-down more frequent over time, degrading motor life.
   • Use HDD utilities, such as CrystalDiskInfo, to confirm if the enclosure cuts power properly. Some drive logs track spin-down events.
   • If the "safely remove" option works as intended, you should have nothing to worry about since those models can park heads even when USB power is live.
4. Specific to Your Models:
   • Seagate ST500LM030: Designed with automatic parking and power management that parks the heads when idle or powered down.
   • WDC WD10JPVX-08JC3T5: Feature similar power management and head parking mechanisms.
   • Apple HDD HTS541010A99E662 (Hitachi): Known for robust securing mechanisms to park heads to withstand movement once spun down.

If you're still concerned about whether the enclosure + HDD combo behaves ideally, I can guide you on testing its behavior with tools or metrics. Let me know!

 

[nandobadam88]

1) enclosure cases USB3.0 Kesu 2530 and Orico 25PW1 black have a system to park the heads of 2.5" HDDs after ejecting "Safely Remove Hardware" in Windows and without disconnecting the USB cable from the PC on / case after ejecting?

2) After ejecting "Safely Remove Hardware" in Windows and without disconnecting the USB cable from the PC on and case, how many seconds are necessary for the 2.5" HDD + enclosure case USB 3.0 to park the read/write heads of the 2.5" HDD?

 

[ChatGPT]

To address your questions in detail:

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1. Do the Kesu 2530 and Orico 25PW1 USB 3.0 Enclosure Cases Park the Heads of 2.5" HDDs After "Safely Removing Hardware" Without Disconnecting the USB Cable?​

The ability to park the heads is always a function of the HDD itself rather than the USB enclosure. When the "Safely Remove Hardware" command is issued in Windows, the OS signals the hard drive to:

• Flush all cached data.
• Complete read and write operations.
• Spin down the drive and park the heads.

Once this signal is sent, your 2.5" HDD models (Seagate ST500LM030, WDC WD10JPVX-08JC3T5, and Apple HDD HTS541010A99E662) handle the following:

• The heads are automatically parked in their designated "safe zone."
• The platters stop spinning or slow down significantly, depending on the power management and the enclosure's behavior.

The USB enclosure's role is to respect this shutdown procedure by:

• Allowing the HDD to enter its idle/spin-down state properly.
• Not continuously powering the HDD unnecessarily.

Both the Kesu 2530 and Orico 25PW1 are reputable enclosures, and they should allow the "eject" command to power down the HDD fully while leaving the USB still powered. However, some older or cheaper USB enclosures might not faithfully allow the HDD to spin down, which is worth validating.

How To Check This Behavior:​

• After ejecting the drive in Windows, listen closely to the enclosure:
  • The HDD should audibly spin down and become silent within seconds. If you still hear the platters spinning, the enclosure might not fully allow the HDD to enter idle mode.
• Use utilities like CrystalDiskInfo to monitor the power state or the load/unload cycle count of the HDD. If the cycles increase excessively after repeated eject commands, it might indicate inefficient power control by the enclosure.

---

2. How Many Seconds Does It Take for the Heads to Park After "Safely Removing Hardware"?​

The time required for the HDD heads to park and platters to spin down depends on the HDD design and firmware. For your specific models (and most HDDs in general):

• Parking Time (Typical): 1–3 seconds after the eject command is processed.
• Spin-Down Time: The platters may take an additional 3–5 seconds to spin down completely after the heads park.

This means that within 5–8 seconds, the HDD is typically in its safest state, with the heads fully parked and the platters no longer spinning.
The USB cable remaining connected to the PC doesn't interfere with this process as long as the "eject" command has been sent, and the HDD is allowed to transition to a power-managed state.

---

Final Notes and Recommendations:​

• Ensure that your USB enclosures are functioning properly, allowing the drives to spin down after ejection. Some enclosures may keep a "standby" state active, slightly prolonging spin-down, but this doesn’t compromise head parking.
• If you're concerned about physical shocks post-ejection, wait at least 10 seconds after issuing the "Safely Remove Hardware" command before moving the enclosure.

Would you like guidance on monitoring HDD power states or testing the enclosure's behavior? Let me know!

 

[nandobadam88]

What type of command does Windows send to the USB3.0 enclosure case + 2.5" HDD after ejecting the "Safely Remove Hardware" Windows function?

 

[ChatGPT]

When you use the "Safely Remove Hardware" function in Windows on a USB 3.0 enclosure with a 2.5" HDD, Windows sends a series of standard commands through the USB interface to the attached enclosure and drive. Here’s what happens under the hood:

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1. Commands Sent to the USB Enclosure and HDD​

After selecting "Safely Remove Hardware," these key commands are issued by the Windows OS via the USB protocol:

• Stop Unit (SCSI Stop Command):
  • This command is sent specifically to the HDD within the enclosure. It instructs the drive to:
    1. Flush any remaining data from the cache to the disk platters.
    2. Stop its spinning platters.
    3. Park the read/write heads in a safe position.
• Synchronization Cache (SYNCHRONIZE_CACHE):
  • Ensures all unwritten data from the operating system or the HDD cache has been written to the platters to prevent data loss or corruption. This flushes any volatile data stored in RAM or controller buffers.
• USB Endpoint Halt:
  • Windows terminates communication between the operating system and the USB enclosure at the driver level. This endpoint halt essentially notifies the USB device that it’s no longer in use, marking it "logically" disconnected by the OS.
• Power Management Commands (Optional):
  • Some USB protocols also support a command that puts the HDD into a low-power mode if the enclosure or HDD firmware supports it. This enables the drive to enter a standby or "sleep" state.
  For SATA-based drives inside USB enclosures, these commands are sent using SCSI-over-USB (also called UASP in USB 3.0 for faster access).

---

2. Effect on the Enclosure and HDD​

• On the HDD:
  • The drive's platters spin down completely (if properly implemented).
  • Heads are parked securely to prevent contact with the platters.
  • Further read/write operations are disabled.
• On the USB Enclosure:
  • The USB interface on the enclosure receives the command to stop communicating with the system.
  • Depending on the enclosure, it may either:
    • Fully stop forwarding power to the HDD (completely spinning it down), or
    • Leave the enclosure in a "standby" state, maintaining minimal power to the interface while the HDD stays idle.

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3. Why is This Important?​

• These commands prevent data corruption or loss by ensuring all data is safely written before the drive stops.
• Without these commands (e.g., if the USB is disconnected without ejection), the HDD's heads may still be active over spinning platters, leading to potential scratches in case of movement, and queued writes could result in data corruption.

---

4. Specific to USB 3.0 Enclosures​

Enclosures compatible with USB 3.0 and UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) handle these commands more efficiently, resulting in faster synchronization and spin-down processes. Your Kesu 2530 and Orico 25PW1 USB 3.0 enclosures likely support UASP, given that they meet modern standards.
Would you like further details on UASP, or perhaps on tools to monitor these commands in action?

 

[nandobadam88]

1) 2.5" SATA HDDs inside a USB 3.0 enclosure case receive what type of command sent by Windows after ejecting the "Safely Remove Hardware" Windows function to park the read/write heads?

2) Do all versions of Windows send this same command to park the heads of a 2.5" HDD + USB 3.0 enclosure case after ejecting the "Safely Remove Hardware" Windows function? Do all 2.5" HDD models and brands from which year onwards obey these commands?

 

[ChatGPT]

1. What Command Does Windows Send to Park the Heads of 2.5" SATA HDDs in USB 3.0 Enclosures After Ejecting Using "Safely Remove Hardware"?​

The parking of the read/write heads on a 2.5" SATA HDD inside a USB 3.0 enclosure happens due to the SCSI Stop Unit Command sent from Windows to the enclosure and subsequently translated into a SATA command for the HDD. Here's how it works:

• SCSI Stop Unit Command (Stop Command): This command signals the HDD to:
  1. Ensure all pending data has been written to the platters.
  2. Stop spinning the platters.
  3. Move and park the read/write heads in a safe zone (usually on a ramp or in a dedicated parking area off the magnetic platters).

This process is handled by the HDD's internal firmware. The enclosure acts as a bridge, translating the SCSI command into the appropriate SATA instruction.

Note: Parking the heads is a standard safeguard in all HDDs since it protects the drive against damage from shocks or vibrations when the heads hover over the platters.

---

2. Do All Versions of Windows Send the Same Command After "Safely Remove Hardware"?​

Yes, all versions of Windows with the "Safely Remove Hardware" feature (starting from Windows XP onwards) send similar commands to prepare external storage for disconnection. Here's a breakdown:

• Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8.x, 10, and 11:
  • All these versions send the Stop Unit command as part of the ejection process. This has been standard behavior since the introduction of mass storage device management.
  • However, the exact implementation and behavior can vary slightly based on the USB drivers and the power management protocols supported by the connected device (e.g., UASP vs. traditional USB Bulk-Only Transfer).
• Consistency Across Windows Versions:
  • The ejection process—ensuring data integrity and physically securing the HDD—is consistently implemented.
  • The commands sent to park the heads and spin down the HDD are a universal feature for all versions of Windows with USB mass storage support.

---

3. Do All 2.5" HDD Models (and Brands) Obey These Commands? From Which Year Onwards?​

• Compliance with Stop Unit (and Similar Commands):
  • Almost all 2.5" HDDs from major brands (Seagate, Western Digital, Toshiba, HGST, etc.) manufactured since the early 2000s already include mechanisms to obey these standard commands.
  • These features are built into the drive's firmware, making them independent of the host OS. The HDD follows these commands as long as the USB enclosure properly translates them.
• Year of Implementation:
  • Parking mechanisms became common with the adoption of modern HDD designs starting in the late 1990s and early 2000s. By 2005 onward, nearly all 2.5" HDDs included head-parking functionality and automatic mechanisms to respond to power management or stop commands.
  • Advanced Parking Mechanisms: HDDs from 2010 onward started to implement even more robust parking solutions, often integrating shock resistance and environmental protection features.
• Compliance Across All Drives:
  • While every modern HDD obeys these commands, some very old or niche HDDs manufactured before the 2000s may not have supported these features. These drives are exceedingly rare today and are unlikely to be used with USB enclosures.

---

Summary of Compatibility:​

1. All modern Windows versions: Send commands to safely park the read/write heads and stop the drive (for data protection).
2. All modern HDDs (From ~2005 onward): Are fully compatible with these commands and park the heads when instructed.
3. Your Seagate ST500LM030, WD10JPVX-08JC3T5, and Apple HDD (HTS541010A99E662) are well within the modern category of compliant drives.

Would you like further clarity on a specific HDD brand or tool to verify parking compliance?

 

[nandobadam88]

parking of 2.5" hdd heads + usb enclosure case after ejecting safely remove hardware in windows depends on windows power management settings?

 

[ChatGPT]

No, the parking of the 2.5" HDD heads after ejecting the "Safely Remove Hardware" function in Windows does not depend on Windows power management settings. Here's why:

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1. How Parking of HDD Heads Works:​

• The parking of heads is controlled by the HDD's internal firmware, and this action is triggered by the Stop Unit Command (or similar) issued by Windows during the "Safely Remove Hardware" process.
• The command signals the HDD to:
  • Flush its cache.
  • Spin down the platters.
  • Park the heads in their safe zone.
• Parking is a hardware-level feature inherent to the HDD design and is independent of the operating system's power management settings once the eject command has been issued.

---

2. Role of the USB Enclosure:​

• The USB enclosure acts as a translator between Windows (SCSI commands) and the HDD (SATA commands).
• As long as the enclosure properly relays the stop signal to the HDD, the enclosure ensures the HDD performs the necessary actions (head parking and spin-down).
• Power management settings in Windows play no role in this process because the communication between the OS and the enclosure stops after the eject process is completed.

---

3. Windows Power Management Settings and Their Scope:​

• Windows power management settings (e.g., USB selective suspend, power plans, HDD sleep timers) mainly affect the duration of idle time before the device is put into a low-power state. These settings are irrelevant once a "Safely Remove Hardware" procedure is enacted, which explicitly terminates communication with the device.
• The parking of heads does not depend on any power-saving state or policy. It is triggered specifically by the eject command.

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4. Does Anything in Power Management Impact Head Parking?​

• Before ejecting: Power management settings could impact how quickly the HDD enters a low-power or "idle" state during normal use, but this is unrelated to the deliberate head parking process triggered by "Safely Remove Hardware."
• After ejecting: No. Once the "Safely Remove Hardware" function has been executed, the power management settings of the OS are no longer relevant to the HDD's behavior because the drive has already received the command to stop and park its heads.

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TL;DR​

• HDD head parking after a safe eject is not affected by Windows power management settings. It’s entirely handled by the HDD firmware in response to the stop command sent by Windows.
• If the HDD heads are not parking properly after issuing the eject command, the issue is likely with the USB enclosure's firmware or the HDD itself, not with Windows power settings.

Would you like help verifying any power management settings or testing head parking with your specific enclosures and HDDs? Let me know!

 

[nandobadam88]

Used 2.5" HDDs sold on Aliexpress show misleading data, few hours of use and good health within Crystal Disk Info marked real numbers. My question is: what do they change to show these results? Firmware original, real SMART data, any files on the platters? They (Chinese) remove and modify functions of the original firmware such as head parking and power management.

 

[ChatGPT]

The issue you're mentioning about used 2.5" HDDs sold on platforms like AliExpress showing misleading data in utilities like CrystalDiskInfo is a sadly common story with refurbished, counterfeited, or tampered hard drives. Here’s how these devices could manipulate the appearance of their health and usability:

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1. How Do They Alter the Displayed Data?​

• SMART Data Manipulation (Most Likely):
  • SMART (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) is the HDD's built-in system for reporting its health and operational statistics like power-on hours, reallocated sectors, and more.
  • A tampered HDD can have its SMART values reset or modified using specific tools meant for manufacturer-level diagnostics or refurbishment. These tools allow them to:
    • Reset the power-on hours to make the drive appear almost unused.
    • Clear critical data like reallocated sector counts or pending sector counts (making it look like the drive has no bad sectors).
    • Show "healthy" SMART parameters, even if the drive has significant wear or damage.
  • These modifications will not usually affect the actual hardware performance but will mislead the buyer.
• Flashing Custom Firmware:
  • Another shady tactic is reflashing the drive with modified firmware that masks its real health or modifies the functionality altogether. Firmware-level modifications could:
    • Change the SMART attributes to show artificial data.
    • Remove or disable protective features like head parking or spin-down to avoid triggering SMART warnings.
    • Create an illusion of a working drive while bypassing damaged parts of the platter or internal components.
• Physical Tampering:
  • Sometimes, drives are assembled from mismatched or damaged parts (e.g., platters from one drive, controllers from another). These hybrids may pass basic benchmarks but fail in real-world reliability.
• Factory-Like Reset Tools:
  • Third-party tools (often leaked or proprietary to manufacturers) can effectively rewrite a drive's operational history. These are commonly used by refurbishment centers but are misused for fraud.

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2. Can They Change Functions Like Head Parking or Power Management?​

• Firmware Features Alteration:
  • Yes, the firmware governs functions like head parking, power management, and spin-down. Modified firmware could:
    • Disable head parking to avoid mechanical issues in drives that are failing or damaged.
    • Keep the platter spinning to fake responsiveness (increasing wear over time).
    • Change the reported RPM, cache, or even capacity (e.g., showing a 1TB drive that is internally 500GB with partial functional platters).
  • Custom firmware allows them to tinker with these features and bypass limitations.
• Original Firmware:
  • If the drive retains its original firmware, critical features should function as designed by the manufacturer. However, resetting SMART data or spoofing it doesn’t inherently require changing core firmware—this step is more likely reserved for hiding issues in drives with severely degraded components.

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3. Files or Activities on the Platters?​

• While the firmware and SMART data can be manipulated, it’s unlikely that additional or altered "files" on the platters themselves are used to fake health. Writing data or installing some hidden partition for deception would not be cost-effective or practical for such scammers.
• However, drives might arrive formatted or pre-written with error-free files to make it seem like they perform flawlessly.

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4. How to Identify Tampering?​

There are several ways to detect whether you're dealing with a tampered HDD:

• Examine SMART Data in Detail:
  • Use tools like CrystalDiskInfo or Victoria HDD to analyze SMART data.
  • Look for inconsistencies, such as:
    • Unrealistically low power-on hours (e.g., <50) on an older drive model.
    • No reallocated sectors or very "clean" values for a seemingly old drive.
• Cross-Verify Serial Numbers:
  • Verify the model and serial number printed on the drive label against what is reported by diagnostic utilities. Mismatches might indicate hybrid or fake components.
• Check Factory Information:
  • Tools like HDTune or HDDScan might reveal internal manufacturing logs embedded in the firmware that show the true production date or cycle count.
• Performance Degradation:
  • Test the drive with extended benchmarking tools (e.g., ATTO, CrystalDiskMark). Poor performance compared to the drive's advertised specs might indicate tampering.
• Inspect Physical Drive Components:
  • Counterfeited HDDs might have signs of refurbishing, such as misaligned or inconsistent screws, scratches, or resealed labels.

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5. Tips to Avoid Buying Doctored Drives:​

• Buy from trusted vendors, even if it costs a bit more—AliExpress and other similar marketplaces are rife with refurbished or tampered products.
• Avoid "too good to be true" offers on supposed high-quality drives with few usage hours.
• Conduct thorough diagnostic tests upon receiving the drive. If the reported data seems suspicious, it may not reflect the drive’s real health.

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6. Conclusion:​

Refurbishers may use tools to edit SMART attributes, flash firmware, or even Frankenstein drives with mismatched parts. These manipulations are typically done to make old or failing drives appear pristine while compromising features like head parking or power management. When in doubt, run thorough diagnostics, and always buy from reputable sources.
Would you like guidance on specific tools to test your drives for these kinds of tampering? Let me know!

 

[nandobadam88]

1) USB3.0 enclosures and cases use different chips and firmwares and brands and models. Do they have any relation or interference in the parking of the 2.5" HDD heads after ejecting in Windows while keeping the USB cable connected?

2) Do the Windows power settings have any relation or interference in the parking of the HDD heads when ejecting the USB3.0 enclosure case + 2.5" HDD?

3) After ejecting the USB3.0 enclosure case + 2.5" HDD safely remove hardware in Windows, the USB3.0 enclosure case + 2.5" HDD and the letter corresponding to the drive disappear, for example (E, at that moment the HDD heads are already parked?

4) Since what year did 2.5" HDDs of any brand and model + Windows version start following the command to park HDD heads after ejecting (safely remove hardware) in Windows? Even without disconnecting the USB cable from the enclosure/PC

 

[ChatGPT]

Here's a comprehensive answer to each of your questions regarding USB enclosures, HDD head parking, and the impact of Windows settings:

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1. Do USB 3.0 Enclosures (Chipsets/Firmware) Have Any Relation or Interference in the Parking of 2.5" HDD Heads After Ejecting in Windows, While Keeping the USB Cable Connected?
   • Yes, USB 3.0 enclosure chipsets and firmware can have an impact. The chipset in the enclosure acts as an intermediary between the HDD (SATA interface) and the PC (USB interface). When you eject the drive in Windows:
     • Windows sends a Stop Unit Command through the USB protocol to the enclosure chipset.
     • The enclosure translates the command (via its firmware) and passes it to the SATA HDD, instructing it to flush data, spin down platters, and park the heads.
   • If the enclosure's firmware is faulty, poorly designed, or incompatible with Windows protocols, it may:
     • Fail to pass the command to the HDD.
     • Keep the drive spinning or operational, even after the eject function.
   • A reliable enclosure (like those from Orico and Kesu that you mentioned earlier) will ensure that the HDD follows the proper eject sequence. However, cheap, generic, or faulty enclosures might not signal the HDD correctly.
   In Summary: The enclosure is vital for successfully issuing the final command to the drive (via SCSI to SATA translation). A poorly designed enclosure could interfere with the proper parking of the HDD heads.

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1. Do Windows Power Settings Have Any Relation or Interference in the Parking of HDD Heads When Ejecting a USB 3.0 Enclosure Case + 2.5" HDD?
   • No, Windows power settings do not interfere with head parking during the eject process.
   • When you eject the drive, the Stop Unit Command sent by Windows triggers the HDD's firmware to park the heads, regardless of any power settings configured in Windows.
   • Power settings, such as USB selective suspend or HDD sleep timers:
     • Only impact the behavior of the drive while it is actively connected and operational.
     • Have no role once the drive and OS connection are terminated (as occurs during the eject process).
   In Summary: Parking the heads is handled by the HDD firmware in response to specific commands, independently of OS power management settings.

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1. After Ejecting the USB 3.0 Enclosure Case + 2.5" HDD (Safely Remove Hardware) in Windows, When the Drive Letter Disappears, Are the HDD Heads Already Parked?
   • Yes, by the time the drive letter (e.g., "E:") disappears from Windows, the HDD heads are already parked.
     • When you eject the drive:
     • The OS terminates communication with the device and sends the "Stop Unit Command".
     • The HDD firmware responds by flushing data, spinning down the platters, and parking the heads.
     • Windows removes the device from its disk manager (and the drive letter disappears) only after receiving acknowledgment that the eject process is complete.
   • This ensures that the heads are safely parked, and the disk is in a non-operational state before the drive is "removed" from the system.
   In Summary: The heads are already parked (or in the process of parking) when the drive disappears from Windows, ensuring the system only removes the device after it's properly prepared.

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1. Since What Year Did 2.5" HDDs of Any Brand and Model + Windows Versions Start Following the Command to Park HDD Heads After Ejecting in Windows?
   • The implementation of head parking on eject commands aligns with the development of modern HDD power management features and the introduction of USB mass storage device handling in operating systems like Windows.
   • For HDDs:
     • Late 1990s to Early 2000s: Hard drives with Automatic Acoustic Management (AAM) and Advanced Power Management (APM) introduced the ability to park heads during power-down.
     • By 2005, most major HDD manufacturers (e.g., Seagate, Western Digital, HGST, Toshiba, etc.) included head-parking mechanisms in all standard 2.5" HDD models. These mechanisms became universally adopted in all modern HDDs.
   • For Windows:
     • Windows XP (2001): Introduced widespread support for USB mass storage devices with the "Safely Remove Hardware" function, which sends the necessary eject commands (e.g., Stop Unit Command).
     • All subsequent Windows versions (Vista, 7, 8, 10, 11) maintained this functionality.
   • Compatibility Timeline:
     • Starting around 2000-2005, the combination of modern HDD designs and Windows versions ensured universal support for head parking during eject commands.
   In Summary: All 2.5" HDDs manufactured since 2005 (and many even earlier) support head parking. Windows has sent the Stop Unit Command for safe ejection since Windows XP in 2001.

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Key Takeaways:​

1. USB enclosures do influence head parking, as they bridge commands from the OS to the HDD. Cheap enclosures may fail to perform this properly.
2. Windows power settings do not interfere with head parking during eject; the HDD's firmware handles this independently.
3. By the time the drive letter disappears from Windows, the HDD heads are already parked.
4. From 2005 onward, all 2.5" HDD models and brands universally support head parking when ejected, and Windows has issued eject commands correctly since Windows XP (2001).

If you're unsure about the behavior of your enclosures or specific HDD models, testing with reliable tools (e.g., CrystalDiskInfo, HD Tune) or listening for spin-down sounds can help verify their functionality. Let me know if you'd like guidance on that!

 

[nandobadam88]

enclosure case usb3.0 Kesu 2530 and Orico 25PW1 use which chip?

 

[ChatGPT]

The enclosures Kesu 2530 and Orico 25PW1 use USB-to-SATA bridge chips, which are responsible for translating signals between the USB interface (connected to the computer) and the SATA interface (used by the 2.5" HDD). While I can’t confirm the specific chipsets without further documentation or hands-on testing, I can provide an educated guess based on standard practices:

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1. Kesu 2530:​

• Kesu products typically utilize chipsets from ASMedia (e.g., ASM1153 or ASM235CM series).
• ASMedia ASM1153 is a common chip used in USB 3.0-to-SATA conversion, known for stable performance and wide compatibility. It supports UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol), which improves speed compared to traditional bulk-only USB transfer.

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2. Orico 25PW1:​

• Orico relies on chipsets manufactured by companies like:
  • JMicron (e.g., JMS578, JMS567): Widely used in budget-friendly enclosures. JMS578 supports UASP and TRIM for SSDs, making it ideal for both HDDs and SSDs.
  • ASMedia: Found in some higher-end models depending on the product's intended market.
• The JMS578 is especially popular in Orico 2.5" external enclosures. It offers support for advanced features like spin-down power management and SMART data passthrough.

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How to Check the Chipset:​

If you want to verify the exact chipset in your enclosures, here are a few methods:

1. Chip Labeling (Hardware Inspection):
   • Open the enclosure (be careful if sealed) and examine the chip directly. It will have the manufacturer and model printed on it (e.g., ASM1153E or JMS578).
2. Software Tools:
   • Use tools like USB Device Tree Viewer (free utility) to identify the USB controller's detailed information when the enclosure is connected to the computer. It often reveals the chipset maker and version.
3. Manufacturer Specifications:
   • Contact Kesu or Orico customer support, or check their official documentation and listings for precise chipset details.

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Would you like instructions on how to use USB Device Tree Viewer to identify the chipset? Let me know!

 

[nandobadam88]

enclosure case USB3.0 Orico 25PW1 black and Kesu 2530 support commands sent by Windows after ejecting (safely removing hardware) to park the 2.5" HDD heads?

 

[ChatGPT]

Both the Orico 25PW1 and Kesu 2530 USB 3.0 enclosures are likely to support the commands sent by Windows after ejecting the "Safely Remove Hardware" function to park 2.5" HDD heads. Here’s an explanation of why this is the case and what factors are involved:

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1. Support for "Stop Unit Command":​

• When Windows ejects a USB storage device using the "Safely Remove Hardware" function, it sends a series of SCSI commands, notably the Stop Unit Command.
• These commands ensure the HDD stops spinning, parks the heads, and enters a safe state.
• Both Kesu and Orico are well-known brands for enclosures, and their products are typically equipped with chipsets (e.g., JMicron JMS578 or ASMedia ASM1153) that translate SCSI commands to SATA for the HDD. This means the following sequence is supported:
  1. Flush data caches.
  2. Spin down the platters.
  3. Park the heads via the HDD firmware.

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2. Advanced Chipsets Used in USB 3.0 Enclosures:​

From known industry practices:

• Orico 25PW1:
  • Likely uses the JMicron JMS578 or JMS567 chipset, which supports:
    • SCSI-to-SATA command translation.
    • UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) for efficient communication.
    • Proper handling of power management and safe removal commands.
    • Head parking commands are reliably bridged to the HDD.
• Kesu 2530:
  • Likely uses the ASMedia ASM1153 or ASM235CM chipset, which also supports:
    • Safe removal (eject function) and the Stop Unit Command.
    • SMART data passthrough and spin-down for power saving.
    • Proper communication between Windows and the 2.5" HDD for eject procedures.
  These chipsets are commonly found in USB 3.0 enclosures, establishing compatibility with head parking commands after ejecting.

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3. Manufacturer Support and Build Quality:​

• Both Kesu and Orico are established manufacturers, catering to users who demand stable and reliable enclosure performance. It is unlikely that their enclosures would block or ignore head parking commands, as this would compromise data integrity and hardware safety.
• Cheaper or no-name enclosures often fail in this department, but Kesu and Orico ensure that basic and essential commands (like Stop Unit) work as intended.

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4. How to Verify Head Parking Behavior:​

If you want to ensure that your Orico 25PW1 or Kesu 2530 enclosures properly relay commands to park HDD heads:

• Listen for Spin-Down:
  • After ejecting the HDD using "Safely Remove Hardware," listen carefully. The drive should audibly spin down within a few seconds (usually ~5 seconds).
• Test SMART Data Post-Ejection:
  • Use tools like CrystalDiskInfo or HDDScan to check the "Load/Unload Cycle Count" in the SMART data:
    • Perform an eject command and reconnect the drive.
    • If the unload count increases, it confirms the heads were parked after ejecting the drive.
• Use Software Monitoring Tools:
  • Tools like USBDeview or USB Device Tree Viewer can help you confirm that the drive properly disconnects from the system after ejecting.

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5. Conclusion:​

• Yes, the Orico 25PW1 and Kesu 2530 enclosures support head parking commands. The chipsets in these enclosures are designed to handle SCSI stop commands from Windows and correctly translate them to the SATA HDD, ensuring that:
  • Heads are parked.
  • Platters spin down.
  • The drive enters a safe, idle state while remaining powered via USB (if connected).

Would you like specific steps to test these behaviors or recommended utilities to confirm the eject process? Let me know!