New drive for Win7

Grumbledook · 8 Dec 2009 at 13:18

Hey all, I've just filled up my external 1tb drive (mostly with raw files I could probably go through and delete a lot of lol)

Initially I was after getting another external drive but it is probably about time I got a newer and faster internal one. Just bought a copy of win7 as well so would be ideal for a clean install.

Was considering the Samsung SpinPoint F3 1TB SATA-II 32MB Cache - OEM (HD103SJ) at £66.99

Having had unreliable hard drives in the past though and not having kept up with tech I was wondering if they are fairly reliable and if there were any alternatives I should be considering?

The Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 1TB SATA-II 32MB Cache - OEM (ST31000528AS) is the same price and it is 6 quid more for the Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB SATA-II 32MB Cache - OEM (WD1001FALS)

Much difference between any of these drives? Thanks in advance.

ThriceNightly · 8 Dec 2009 at 17:58

the samsung is a popular choice at the moment & features 2 x 500gb platters and the best performer out of the drives mentioned.

the western digital caviar black does provide a longer warranty - 5years (as opposed to 3 with the samsung)

with regard reliability it's more luck of the draw than any particular manufacturer.

i have recently ordered the 500gb f3 for my operating system and the 1tb f3 for my main storage

Grumbledook · 8 Dec 2009 at 18:03

sounds good then

you mention 2x500gb platters though, what benefit is that?

ThriceNightly · 8 Dec 2009 at 18:39

Grumbledook said:
sounds good then

you mention 2x500gb platters though, what benefit is that?

A 1tb hard drive with 2 x 500gb platters provides higher performance than a 3 platter 1tb hard drive (western digital caviar black 1tb is 3 platter)

Grumbledook · 8 Dec 2009 at 18:45

good to know, cheers for the info