HD Advice

Tommy B · 6 Apr 2006 at 13:17

My current setup is:

1X80GB Seagate (System + Programme Files)
1X160GB Maxtor (Multimedia)

However, I also do a lot of video editing and I want to buy a drive dedicated for exactly that.

Should I consider an external drive for this? I might be getting a Macbook Pro in the future, and it'd be great if I could transfer files between my home PC and that easily.

Cheers

Tommy B · 7 Apr 2006 at 13:26

After considering your reply, I've decided to go with the Samsung SpinPoint P SP2004C 200GB SATA-II 8MB Cache - OEM (HD-017-SA)

Good choice?

With HDs - I can't remember - is it just a case of plugging in the mains lead and the SATA cable. Or do you need to format/set up the drive letter in Windows?

Cheers

Tommy B · 7 Apr 2006 at 13:30

Would I be better off with the Maxtor DiamondMax Plus 10 NCQ 250GB 6V250F0 SATA-II 16MB Cache - OEM (HD-088-MD) as it's 16MB cache? Will that actually improve speed?

Cheers

Tommy B · 7 Apr 2006 at 13:41

smids said:
Most likely it would help but the DM10's have had poor reliability comparatively with other drives. So long as you backup often, I don't see why not, but do bear this in mind.

No I won't backup. This would be a VERY important drive. If anything, reliability is the most important factor. It'll be storing all the final versions of films I've made. Could you recommend an alternative?

Tommy B · 7 Apr 2006 at 13:48

OK. I'll get a Samsung SpinPoint P SP2504C 250GB SATA-II 8MB Cache - OEM (HD-018-SA).

I've no idea about Raid tbh. With the other two I just wired them in.

Tommy B · 7 Apr 2006 at 13:56

One last Q: What about the WD 250GB one with 16MB cache - reliable?

Is there actually a benefit with having the 16MB cache when using the drive to solely for storage purposes.

Tommy B · 7 Apr 2006 at 14:03

smids said:
The 16MB cache wouldn't benefit storage whatsoever, however if you are also doing to video editing on the drive itself, then it would give a performance increase as there is a larger read/write buffer.

All live video captures (including HD) would go straight on the drive, and be edited from there. They would then be stored there, or moved to the multimedia storage drive where I put all my music/photos (and films atm)

On a different matter, I've no idea what Raids are. I know the one where you can get 2 identical drives and have them appear as one in Windows, but I really don't know anything else. What "Raid" is my current setup. Both drives are completely separate.

Tommy B · 8 Apr 2006 at 00:20

Here's what I ordered:

£2.95 x 1 - Akasa Serial ATA 45cm DAYGLO Blue Data Cable (CB-001-AK)
£55.50 x 1 - Western Digital Caviar SE16 250GB 2500KS SATA-II 16MB
Cache - OEM (HD-046-WD)
£2.95 x 1 - Akasa SATA Y Adapter Cable (CB-017-AK)

Is there anything else I need?

Tommy B · 8 Apr 2006 at 00:33

smids said:
Nope - though you didn't need the Serial ATA power cable as all WD drives have both power connectors. DON'T connect both SATA and molex at the same time though!

What?

The SATA goes form the SATA port on the HD to the SATA socket on the mobo.
The power adaptor goes from the port on the HD to a 4-pin Molex connector.

You're confusing me

I'd rather use the cables I bought because they're both UV reactive. What do I need?

Tommy B · 8 Apr 2006 at 00:46

smids said:
Nope - though you didn't need the Serial ATA power cable as all WD drives have both power connectors. DON'T connect both SATA and molex at the same time though!

Oh right. I understand. So where I'd use a Sata<>Molex connector on my other 2 HDS, that isn't necessary with the WD drive. But I can use my fancy Blue LED connector I bought anyway, right?

Thanks for all your help btw. Really appreciated. I trust OCUK are open on Saturdays so it should be with me on Monday.