[Simon Abbott]

Hi

I want to install an extra hard drive, but it will contain stuff that I only rarely use, so I would like to be able to choose whether this hard drive powers up when I boot (to minimise noise and power use). Is there a way of having a hard drive that is permanently connected to power and motherboard, but that only turns on if I choose?

thanks for your time
Simon

 

[Tyree]

Any component connected will run when the PC is booted. A Hdd will be mostly silent except when it's actively in use and not make enough noise to be noticeable.
The other option would be to install the Hdd in an external enclosure that has an on/off switch. That would give you option of turning it on/off.