Comparing by just RPMs 5400 and 7200 is missing the details that make all the difference. Just because a HDD is 7200 doesn't necessarily mean its a faster HD than a 5400. You have to take into account buffer speeds, platter sizes, platter density, etc.
Stop just saying "zomg my 7200 is much better" or "5400s and 7200s are all the same and unnoticeable in speed." If you're saying anything like these two statements, do the OP a favor and just don't post. Try giving us your harddrive model and a quick spec list including the model #, platter size/density, buffer rate/size, RPM speed. From there, you should mention the boot time differences, application loading time differences, transfer rates (both burst/short and long 300mb+), and the price you paid.
Stop generalizing. I can't help but think half you guys don't know what the hell you're talking about because of it...
Also, SSDs are only quick with burstspeed transfers. After the initial data burst, the transfer rate drops significantly and can easily be overpassed by a decent dense plattered 7200 16mb. SSDs are continuously upgrading and there is no set standard yet besides the SATA bridge. The ones suffering from what I'd call reverse turbo lag are the now still-not-so-cheap-per-gig SSDs you find on newegg and such. I'm seeing $300 for a 120gig SSD OCZ Agility right now. The ones without the reverse turbo lag, and overall much better improvements are like the supertalents Shawny posted. Needless to say, they are stupidly expensive and only idiots will pay that price, for now.
Also, there is the question of power consumption and the benefits SSDs bring to this department. For now, they don't, particularly since they are inefficient and are constantly on (hence the fast bursts for quickloading apps and short transfers; While the SSD stays on sipping power, the HDDs would have to rev up, hence the slower initial transfer bursts).
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/ssd-hdd-battery,1955.html
SSDs are a sick option if you've wiping your ass with benjamins. Otherwise, its simply just not an ergonomical and economical decision. It is for the enthusiasts. So back to HDDs, I'm interested in the person above who posted of his switch to Scorpio Black from Blue--What differences can you estimate in terms of times?
Oh and OP, you might want to do a little more research. I am aware that some 5400RPMs are faster than some 7200RPMs, and also that some 5400RPMs take more energy than 7200RPMs. Its all in the details. I've never had issues with Western Digital's performance grade HDDs, and their warranty is pretty legit. Seagates are nice as well. Avoid Maxwells. Good luck finding what suites you best!
