Load_Cycle_Count and hdparm

dtw · 2012-04-23 15:09:00

This is not exactly a question but rather a "confirm what I think is true".

My Load_Cycle_Count on my Asus 1005PX is approaching 900 in just 15 hours uptime - which is super high.

I know that the best way to resolve this is using hdparm (and that controlling this with laptop-mode-tools is probably wise).

However, I just want to confirm a couple of things:

1) Load_Cycle_Count is JUST a count of how often the heads are parked NOT a count of spin-ups/downs?

2) hdparm -B (not -S) controls how often the heads are parked. This can be set between 1 and 255 with 255 being 'off' (never parked). I understand that 254 is a good setting on AC power as they will park eventually. I have also read that 128 is a decent compromise for battery power but when I set that today I still saw Load_Cycle_Count increase about once a minute (which is about my average already). I have seen it stated that 128 is the "default" - I guess that means the BIOS APM defaults? So do I need to use hdparm to set between 128 and 255 if I want to see some reduction?

However, apparently it is risky to set this too low because if you are on battery you're potentially mobile and hence there is a risk of jolting unparked heads. Just how great is that risk on, say, a train ride? I'm thinking not that great.

Last edited by dtw (2012-04-23 15:25:30)

ewaller · 2012-04-23 15:58:45

1. Yes.
2. I have used 254 for years on my HP. I don't run for extended periods on batteries, and I hate spin down / spin up delays. I have never had a problem and always use it sitting on my lap, often being set down on and picked up from a desk. I would not worry about it.

dtw · 2012-04-23 16:45:18

Seems like 128 might be the default set when APM is enabled in the kernel (rather than the BIOS)?

Arch Linux

#1 2012-04-23 15:09:00

Load_Cycle_Count and hdparm

#2 2012-04-23 15:58:45

Re: Load_Cycle_Count and hdparm

#3 2012-04-23 16:45:18

Re: Load_Cycle_Count and hdparm

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