Riddle me this....

[rabbid]

I think the too cold referred to phase change cooling, I cant remember details as it was a long itme ago and wasnt so interested at the time when i read it.
Most things have an operating temperature window, go below or above and they wont work so well if at all or behave erratically.

I prefer the dry joint or failing capacitor explanations, but was just asking to eliminate the possibility as the type of cooler wasnt mentioned
Cheers

[aidanjt]

I think the too cold referred to phase change cooling, I cant remember details as it was a long itme ago and wasnt so interested at the time when i read it.
Most things have an operating temperature window, go below or above and they wont work so well if at all or behave erratically.

That's due to moisture condensation shorting things out, not because semi-conductors don't like cold, there *is* a point where they become conductive rather than semi-conductive, but that's more like -190C, not just <0C.

[rabbid]

Ahh makes sense if its condensation causing issues at low room temps along with higher viscosity of hdd fluids
Thanks

[aidanjt]

Yes, plus the metal contracts at lower temps, which can cause other mechanical problems.