Cache Size

Jeeva · 2 Dec 2010 at 08:08

Hey guys,

Just about to consolidate several drives to a single 2TB drive, looking at the Samsung SpinPoint F4 2TB, as I've had a good experience with the brand before.

I was just wondering (hoping to order this morning but have to run to work, grr) if anyone would say if they would recommend going for a similar size drive with a 64MB cache instead. Primary use for drive is file storage, and archiving.

I would research it myself, but as I said, I'm just nipping off to work and our internet usage policy there is abysmal (whereas I can get this on my phone).

Zarf · 2 Dec 2010 at 08:43

There's nothing wrong with the Spinpoint F4, cache means very little in todays mechanical drive market, 32MB is plenty.
Bear in mind it is only 5400RPM though, so you'll see better performance from a Samsung F3. If you're just throwing a load of media on it though it'll be fine. 5400RPM means less noise, power usage and lower temps.

jbloggs · 2 Dec 2010 at 11:01

There would be a performance increase noticed in going from a cache of 8MB to 16MB, but an increase in cache from 16MB onwards yields no real noticeable improvement...

Big performance increases are generally linked to higher platter (rotational) speeds and platter density...

Jeeva · 2 Dec 2010 at 20:23

Thanks for the feedback guys, went with the F4. Looking forward to it, now. =)

rush_syndrome · 2 Dec 2010 at 23:00

Post us a follow up. I would be interested in hearing what you think. I'm about to upgrage my server with 2TB drives in place of the 1.5's

Duke · 2 Dec 2010 at 23:05

jbloggs said:
There would be a performance increase noticed in going from a cache of 8MB to 16MB, but an increase in cache from 16MB onwards yields no real noticeable improvement...

Big performance increases are generally linked to higher platter (rotational) speeds and platter density...

Yep