How can I add cooling options to this external piece of trash?

Question

I have this hard drive:

http://www.medion.de/md8820/nl/_content/zusprodukte/hdd2go_ultra_01.jpg

In my model though the only difference to this picture is the screw holes in the back of my unit have been covered over. Theres really not much way to open the case up unless I wanted to risk breaking it.

The thing is, the aluminum case can get hot enough to fry an egg... and according to the manufacturer it is "not harmful to your Hard Drive" ...idiots. Short story is that the company that makes it will not say much to the fact that they have built and sold a dodgey piece of trash - though in fairness it was remarkably cheap to suit.

I'd rather not buy another one so please don't suggest it - I just want to know if you know of anything I can add on to the case, like a fan or heatsink, and where I might attach it onto this particular drive.

Thanks in advance

Dimensions are roughly 9x5x1.5 inches and there is no internal cooling present in it at the moment: though looking at the image you would think there would be a fan in it - there is not.

when its not being 'used' the hard drive goes into standby mode and generates little or no heat. Standby mode only kicks in 10mins after idle though...and theres no power switch.

Answer 1

No cost option= place it standing upwards so that there is better natural air flow. Hot air goes out on top and cool air gets in at the bottom. Also shut it down when not in use.
Cooler option= point a small fan towards it.

Answer 2

Keep the room at a low tempurature, and put the harddrive someplace cool, like under the bed or in a black box. I have problems in Texas with my computer and external harddrives getting too hot. You are not supposed to run computer equipment in Tempuratures over 93 degrees. Also, don't keep your hard drive on when you aren't using it. The heat will do more damage than turning it off and on will.

Answer 3

No, there's nothing you can do to add cooling to it except place a small fan next to it and point it at it. That's all you can do. Opening the case could void the warranty and if you have any problems, you're out of luck. Sorry.