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    Please do not post a support request without first reading and following the advice in https://retropie.org.uk/forum/topic/3/read-this-first

    External Hard Drive Issue

    Help and Support
    external hdd external hard d psx emulation lag
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    • edmaul69
      edmaul69 @KnightZ87 last edited by

      @KnightZ87 i think wd has a program to disable the sleep feature.

      KnightZ87 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
      • GoldManSex778
        GoldManSex778 @KnightZ87 last edited by

        @KnightZ87 Something else to consider would be getting a generic hdd usb enclosure with an off-the-shelf hdd.

        KnightZ87 edmaul69 2 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 0
        • KnightZ87
          KnightZ87 @edmaul69 last edited by

          @edmaul69 They do, but unfortunately it doesn't support that specific hard drive. I downloaded the software and it wouldn't pick it up. Unless there is some hack then no joy I'm afraid.

          1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
          • KnightZ87
            KnightZ87 @GoldManSex778 last edited by

            @GoldManSex778 Yea I had thought of that but luckily the HDD I'm using now seems to work. So for now I will use that.

            1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
            • edmaul69
              edmaul69 @GoldManSex778 last edited by edmaul69

              @GoldManSex778 the case doesnt matter. The sleep function is a hardware feature built into the drives.

              GoldManSex778 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
              • GoldManSex778
                GoldManSex778 @edmaul69 last edited by

                @edmaul69 Exactly, but with a universal enclosure it would be easier to find and use a drive that doesn't have that in the firmware. Unless you are saying that ALL drives have those features?

                1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                • omen_peter
                  omen_peter @KnightZ87 last edited by

                  @KnightZ87 i read this post with interest as I also use a WD Elements HDD using the retropie-mount method, but I don't recall having this issue of it spinning down and causing games to pause. Looking online I realised my drive is one of their 'portable' versions. Whilst this means it isn't compatible with any WD Utilities software, it also means it doesn't actually appear to have a sleep mode! Reading reviews this is seen as a bad thing but for retro gaming I guess it's a plus!

                  Here's a link to the one I use:

                  https://www.argos.co.uk/product/8262778?cmpid=GS001&_$ja=tsid:59158|acid:532-198-3455|cid:200223050|agid:12488287010|tid:pla-673747715232|crid:66128552210|nw:g|rnd:9181106723415787951|dvc:m|adp:1o1|mt:|loc:9045795&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5aWezLvv4AIVCpP

                  Raspberry Pi3 Model B V1.2
                  16 GB Micro SD Card (OS), 4TB WD Elements Portable HDD (Roms)
                  5V 3.0A Power Supply
                  RetroPie V4.7.7, EmulationStation V2.9.6RP, RetroArch V1.8.8
                  1 x Sonnics i8 Mini Keyboard (Wireless), 4 x Wii U Pro Controllers (Bluetooth)

                  KnightZ87 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                  • omen_peter
                    omen_peter @KnightZ87 last edited by

                    @KnightZ87 i should add that my drive is NTFS formatted.

                    Raspberry Pi3 Model B V1.2
                    16 GB Micro SD Card (OS), 4TB WD Elements Portable HDD (Roms)
                    5V 3.0A Power Supply
                    RetroPie V4.7.7, EmulationStation V2.9.6RP, RetroArch V1.8.8
                    1 x Sonnics i8 Mini Keyboard (Wireless), 4 x Wii U Pro Controllers (Bluetooth)

                    1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                    • KnightZ87
                      KnightZ87 @omen_peter last edited by

                      @omen_peter heres a link to the one I was using. https://www.amazon.co.uk/WD-Elements-Desktop-External-Drive/dp/B00H7TBBSW/ref=mp_s_a_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1551975904&sr=8-10&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=western+digital+2tb

                      I didn't try NTFS. Maybe I could have given that a whirl.

                      I've swapped that drive with my dad though and the one I'm using now is working fine. So I probably won't bother trying it now. In hindsight 2TB is overkill for the library I will have on it. He backs up alot of music. So the swap has suited both parties.

                      The one I'm using now is a verbatim 1tb but I can't seem to find it online. It's a few years old now but was rarely used. Works a treat.

                      schnickalot 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                      • schnickalot
                        schnickalot @KnightZ87 last edited by

                        I bought WD Elements 2 GB (w/o extra power Adapter) a few days ago and saw this thread yesterday and immediately tested ISS Pro Evo Soccer II from HDD and from SD and I can confirm there are minimal freezes playing from HDD. From SD Card everything is fine. I also tested a racing game (Porsche Challenge) but this was ok even from HDD.

                        I would like use a HDD w/o extra power adapter - can someone suggest which HDD to buy?

                        1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                        • backstander
                          backstander @KnightZ87 last edited by backstander

                          @KnightZ87

                          Have a look at this article about hdparm! There are many settings you can tweak!

                          Tune Your Hard Disk with hdparm:
                          http://www.linux-magazine.com/Online/Features/Tune-Your-Hard-Disk-with-hdparm

                          You could also set the sleep/standby timer to a longer time!

                          Change hard drive's sleep/standby mode timer to reduce power consumption:
                          https://linuxconfig.org/change-hard-drive-s-sleep-standby-mode-timer-to-reduce-power-consumption

                          Spin Down and Manage Hard Drive Power on Raspberry Pi
                          https://www.htpcguides.com/spin-down-and-manage-hard-drive-power-on-raspberry-pi/

                          1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
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