Single platter better than multiplatter?

[Sarduk]

Could someone explain why this is the case, if this definitely is the case (I may have got wrong impressions from reading here).

 

[jbloggs]

It is not the number of platters that is most important in data transfer speeds BUT the actual density of the platter(s) used, ie. the higher the density (of the platter), the higher the (potential) data transfer, as the read/write heads have less distance to travel in a high density platter, than that of a lower density one.

 

[clocka]

this is true, a single 320gb platter is faster than 2 * 160gb platters, this is because you have a higher disk density per square inch so for the same amount of movement it can read twice as much data. Well kind of, but thats a layman's explanation for you. Also no need for mechanical operations moving between each platter.

 

[Stonedofmoo]

Just to add to that above

Also another benefit of single platter is lower power consumption, less heat produced, weight of the drive (important in laptop drives!) and the random access times which can be slightly lower on single platter drives.
Finally the cost; if you can get 2* 320Gb drives, 1 of which uses 2* 160Gb platters, and the other 1* 320Gb platter the single platter drive will always cost less.

 

[Yemster41]

Just to add to that above

Also another benefit of single platter is lower power consumption, less heat produced, weight of the drive (important in laptop drives!) and the random access times which can be slightly lower on single platter drives.
Finally the cost; if you can get 2* 320Gb drives, 1 of which uses 2* 160Gb platters, and the other 1* 320Gb platter the single platter drive will always cost less.

Absolutely spot on.
the only other thing i can add is:- less moving parts alos hopefully equates to better reliability.

 

[mr_jmm]

Single platter vs Multiple - How to tell?

Is there an easy way to know without going to the manufacturers website?

 

[Stonedofmoo]

Unfortunately no, and usually not even the manufacturers website will tell you either. It's either a case of learning from somewhere like these forums or using google!