HDD sets for Performance BUT quiet as well

Mr Jones · 25 Jun 2006 at 22:07

I wanna keep the pricing as low as possible but will divert more money into HDD IF it does provide siginificant increase in performance.

Got a couple sets for OS + Storage for a new rig:

Western Digital Raptor 74GB WD740GD 10,000RPM SATA 8MB Cache - OEM
+
Western Digital Caviar SE16 250GB 2500KS SATA-II 16MB Cache - OEM
=£164.39 inc VAT

or
Just 1 HDD but partitioned for OS and stoage...
Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 320GB ST3320620AS SATA-II 16MB Cache - OEM
=£78.67 inc VAT

Better off with the Barracuda or the Western Digi set - tho I've heard the Raptors are noisey :/

Mr Jones · 26 Jun 2006 at 18:11

Hmm... will the extra 8mb cache be worth the extra ££?

So the 16mb version is "quiet"?

Mr Jones · 26 Jun 2006 at 20:33

Hmm... thanks, I'll probably do a set up similar to yours, a 74GB Raptor 16mb cache + a Barrucuda 7200.10 but I'll get the 250GB version, that'll be more within my budget coz of the extra £17 on that 8mb cache

Mr Jones · 27 Jun 2006 at 14:10

Well, that's my trouble, the decision is to have something "quiet" so when my system defrags in the middle of the night on occasions, it wouldn't wake me.

Yet I want speed for quick OS/game/program load...

Mr Jones · 29 Jun 2006 at 14:36

Hmmm... thanks, I'm rather used to my Maxtor 120gb making noises, only because my intel stock cooler and Gamebomb 92mm fan is making an annoying hummmm.

I'm only worried in my new rig with many things on "silent" (CPU fan maybe a Mine or Ninja and an IceQ 1900xt), the harddrive "cracking" noises will drive me nuts.

Mr Jones · 29 Jun 2006 at 14:58

Hmm, think I'd take on the Raptor, if it does make too much noise - I'll save up for Silentxx... thanks!

Mr Jones · 29 Jun 2006 at 18:28

Anyone used a "suspend bungee treatment" for their Raptor? is it any good?

Mr Jones · 29 Jun 2006 at 21:35

Guys, just having a thought now...
What if I keep my current 120GB HDD for storage and get myself that Western Digital Raptor 150GB instead, worth the money (it's just over my budget)?

Mr Jones · 29 Jun 2006 at 21:59

okay, thanks.
I'll just wait till the conroe mobos to be benchmarked then see my budget for HDDs, right now it's £150ish, may go higher if mobos are cheaper.