HDD in a Sugo SG05 - Should I use a 2.5" Disk

Gepetto

Gepetto

Gepetto

Associate
Joined
5 Apr 2008
Posts
1,993
Location
Deepest, Darkest, Essex.
I've bought a Sugo SG05 and I've seen from a build log that using an SSD means you can remove the 3.5" HDD bay which seriously improves the airlow through the case.

My question is whether it would be worthwhile cloning the existing 3.5" drive to a 2.5" laptop drive to enable me to do the same and remove the 3.5" bracket?

I have absolutely no experience of laptop drives so (as I can't afford a 320GB SSD) would any heat that it generates outweigh the improvement in airflow. Any input would be welcome.
 
I'd be more worried about the performance of the 2.5" drives. I think unless you're buying the most expensive, they don't compete with a decent 3.5", so you'd be introducing a weaker component to the already present bottleneck in the system.
 
Wouldn't a 2.5" WD Scorpio Black at 7200rpm/16MB cache be the same speed as the 3.5" version?

I appreciate that it is the weak link in the system but as long as it's not slower than her current system SWMBO won't be unhappy. Saying that, perhaps I should get a small SSD for her OS and a larger external for backup?
 
Yes, the Scorpio Black drives are basically as fast as their bigger brothers, but they're pretty pricey for the storage you get in comparison, and even moreso when you consider SSDs are within striking range and would offer another world of performance. I would be sorely tempted to do that instead, but when running a small SSD and a large data drive, you have to manage what and where you install. If that's not a problem, then I would do that. I'm running something similar myself (see sig) and it's fine. I wouldn't ever go back to a HDD for my OS as it really is a massive bottleneck. My PC loads the browser, explorer, any applications on the SSD lightning quick, and boots fast. I think anyone can appreciate that, no 5 minute HDD grinding sessions after startup.
 
Cheers Alex. I'm going to have to ascertain exactly what's on her HDD and go from there. It's mainly a home business machine so has OS, MS Office, picture (loads of them) and her music library.

A WD black is about £50 for a 320GB which would be fine, but I'm now considering a 128GB SSD for her if she can get all of her regularly used stuff on it. Photos and product pics can go on an external, I suppose, although she won't like it. I'll have to sell it to her on the backup basis!

I cannot believe I'm thinking about setting her up a Sandybridge setup with an SSD when I'm still running a 1156 rig! :D
 
Yeah it's not a clear cut decision. It does really depend on the intended usage. What you can do is change the location of the 'My Documents', 'My Music' folders etc after installing Windows Vista or Windows 7, and you could then point it to an external drive. You just need to enter the properties dialogue for that current folder, and change the path on the location tab. Then, for all intents and purposes, the change in location is totally transparent to the OS and the user (unless they're exploring the C drive) and should play ball ok.

Still a nice setup you have there, outperforms mine!
 
What about somthing like the Seagate Momentus Hybrid drives.

Seagate Momentus XT 250GB Hybrid SATA-II 2.5" 7200RPM 32MB
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-235-SE

If the blurb is correct:

- Adaptive Memory™ technology

- 80% faster than traditional 7,200-RPM drives

- Boot within seconds of a laptop with SSD

- Work in any standard laptop with any OS

Could be alternative - little pricier than a standard 2.5" but some benifits of a SSD

Shopping around have found a Seagate 500GB Momentus XT 2.5" Hybrid SSD/HDD SATAII 7200rpm 32MB Cache for £85 so could find it cheaper still.
 
Last edited:
alex24 said:
Yeah it's not a clear cut decision. It does really depend on the intended usage. What you can do is change the location of the 'My Documents', 'My Music' folders etc after installing Windows Vista or Windows 7, and you could then point it to an external drive. You just need to enter the properties dialogue for that current folder, and change the path on the location tab. Then, for all intents and purposes, the change in location is totally transparent to the OS and the user (unless they're exploring the C drive) and should play ball ok.

Still a nice setup you have there, outperforms mine!
Click to expand...

Thanks Alex. I like it, although it's back in my X500 now with a 6950 instead of the Xfired 5850's. Must update my sig. Thanks for the info above and I'm also now going to have a good look at the hybrid that sypher has pointed out.
 
The hybrid drive is an interesting one. It seems like it'll work in the way the new Intel Smart Response technology works in caching frequently used files. I know those drives have been around quite a while in fact, but they don't seem to have taken hold in the enthusiast market for some reason. For the uses Gepetto mentions, it might well be ideal!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom