SMART data reading device?

[Logistics]

Is there a handheld device I can plug into an unpowered hard disk to get the SMART info like hours of operation, bad sectors, etc?

[Kiriakos GR]

Re: SMART data reading device?

Any ROM chip responds to software commands only when is powered up.

[Logistics]

Re: SMART data reading device?

Yes, but I mean without having to power up the mechanical portion of the drive.

[domas]

Re: SMART data reading device?

you mean by supplying 5V and not 12V to 3,5" drive?

[Logistics]

Re: SMART data reading device?

I suppose. I'm assuming the controller board only needs the 5V while the 12V is for the spindle?

Or if there is no device that does this, is there a bootable program that is soley for checking the SMART data on a drive hooked to a PC?

[domas]

Re: SMART data reading device?

there are many different pieces of software for reading smart data.. i use intel ssd toolbox, hdtune, sometimes seagate seatools, you name it.

As for hooking up 3,5 drive to my laptop over esata and not supplying 12V, the computer didn't see the drive at all, so i don't think this is possible.

[kc8adu]

Re: SMART data reading device?

i run speedfan on my test pc.
i just stuff em in the hotswap tray and look at the smart.

[noppa]

Re: SMART data reading device?

In modern drives pcb contains just a bootstrap code
that load the full firwmare from the platters and
allows the disk to full initialize.
SMART data are usually stored in a firmware module
so you won't get any info if disk is not spinning.
If you need to quickly test lot of disk for SMART
parameters i would suggest to download MHDD from here

http://hddguru.com/software/2005.10.02-MHDD/

http://hddguru.com/download/software...2ver4.5iso.zip

and use an old board with true ATA support.
It's just a matter of seconds to boot and check data.

[Logistics]

Re: SMART data reading device?

That's excellent; thank you. Just the kind of thing I need.