Next best thing to a Spinpoint F1 320gb?

Cutshaw · 30 Apr 2008 at 16:10

I've been hunting everywhere for one and no luck at all. I was hoping to order it today. I really don't want to go much larger than 320gb as that is more than I'm likely to need as it is. Basically a smallish and well performing drive. Cheaper the better. £50 is about my limit at the moment.

Cutshaw · 30 Apr 2008 at 19:05

Tosk said:
does a drive using less platters make any sort of difference in performance ?

tomshardware stats
HD642JJ, HD502IJ, HD501IJ. all use 2 platters

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/samsung-overtakes-a-bang,1730-5.html

Was just about to link that.

Cutshaw · 30 Apr 2008 at 19:10

D.M said:
How about this Seagate http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-138-SE&groupid=701&catid=14&subcat= It has a single platter, very quiet & fast, also has a 5yr warranty if that interests you? I have one myself and am very pleased with it

That does look good. My options seem to be this or bump my budget and get the F1 500gb. As was asked before, will going from one platter to two platters make a significant difference in performance?

Cutshaw · 1 May 2008 at 01:11

As far as I've seen, the 500GB F1 is 2x250 platters, and the 750 is 3x250. So, if I'm getting Rpstewart right, the drives in the F1 family to go for are the 320gb and 1TB. The both use the higher density 3xxgb platters. There's a 640gb on it's way to fill the gap, which would have been ideal, but I've decided I'm going to get the Seagate.

Cutshaw · 2 May 2008 at 17:51

Why would Samsung put together a 500gb drive with two 3xx platters and go to the trouble of limiting them? I understand the higher density platters will prove faster, but then wouldn't they just market it at it's actual size?

Cutshaw · 2 May 2008 at 18:12

I'm sure if it was the larger platters in the 500gb, and subsequently the fastest one around, then they would surely make that a selling point, or at least be more than happy to divulge the information. The fact they are being cagey about the info sounds like it's the 250 platters and they are hoping to sell units on the strength of the 3xx platters in the same drive family. I would love to be wrong, because I would surely buy one.

Cutshaw · 2 May 2008 at 23:13

I'm back to the drawing board.

Can anyone confirm if the WD3200AAKS OcUK have in stock is the 1x320gb or 2x160gb?

I can see myself just getting the 1Tb F1 to save the hassle... I have no idea how the hell I could make use of all that space, though.

Cutshaw · 3 May 2008 at 13:28

I'm interested in the WD 320gb, but it seems to be a toss up if you get the newer single or older double platter. I guess it should be a case of phoning up and asking.

Cutshaw · 5 May 2008 at 15:43

Thanks, Beh*

It's safe to assume the WD6400AAKS is 2x320GB, right? There wasn't a 640GB drive previously, as far as I'm aware.

I wish I hadn't got this larger platter size thing in my head, I doubt I will notice much difference in "real world" performance.