5400rpm vs 7200rpm?

[MarkW19]

I recently returned my MBP 2.2 that had a custom 7200rpm HD drive in it (waiting for the Penryn). Doing my usual audio stuff in Logic and Mainstage, even with a LOT of samples/software instruments playing, the HD meter never really registered. It only registered when I was playing back one of the demo songs that had a lot of AUDIO tracks on them.

So, is it safe to say that if I'm mainly just using software instruments (which I am/was), that the HD speed isn't all that important? If so, I may get a larger capacity 5400rpm HD in my next MacBook Pro.

And, what about standard OS use (Finder, playing high definition movies, Safari, Final Cut Express/iMovie etc.), is there any noticeable speed difference between the 2 drives in normal situations?

What does anyone think?

Thanks.

 

[faintember]

In my experience, when recording/editing audio I prefer faster drives (7200rpm+) that are no running the OS (either external drive via FW or a separate internal drive).

For what you seem to be doing, I think a 5400rpm drive is acceptable. For everyday activities as well as audio you may notice a slight difference, especially when doing heavy reading/writing to the HD.

 

[Drumjim85]

it also matters (a lot) what sample and bit rate you record at ...

i doubt you'll be able to do much at 24/96 ... but 24/48 or lower you'll probably be fine ....

Also, track count is going to be another big factor ...

 

[djejrejk]

Re: Dock Pics

I upgraded MBP from a 120gb 5400rpm drive to a Hitachi Travelstar 7k200 and I can feel the difference. I use Logic 8, Photoshop, Aperture, InDesign, and Pro Tool LE. It was a worthwhile upgrade in my opinion.

 

[MarkW19]

Thanks for the replies everyone, it looks like I'll be going for another 7200rpm in my new one!

BTW, anyone notice a noise increase when going from 5400 to 7200? I noticed a sort of random (but regular) 'tink tink tink' sound coming from my HD a lot. It wasn't the normal read/write clicking, very odd! It happened all the time directly before shutdown as well. Parking the heads or something?

 

[Drumjim85]

Thanks for the replies everyone, it looks like I'll be going for another 7200rpm in my new one!

BTW, anyone notice a noise increase when going from 5400 to 7200? I noticed a sort of random (but regular) 'tink tink tink' sound coming from my HD a lot. It wasn't the normal read/write clicking, very odd! It happened all the time directly before shutdown as well. Parking the heads or something?

all models make different noises ... i have one from samsung thats a "quiet drive" .... and it is indeed, quiet ... (but the fans are still loud) ...
And i had one harddrive that made a really high pitch squeal ... (10k or so)

 

[faintember]

And i had one harddrive that made a really high pitch squeal ... (10k or so)

I tossed a 10k drive because of this. The whine it made finally pushed me over the edge after a stressful week.

My two Toshiba drives (one 5400 and the other 7200) are about the same volume, with the 7200 being slightly louder. Neither exhibits any "tink" type noises.

 

[gotzero]

I would highly recommend making the switch if you are recording onto the system drive.

I use an internal 7200 RPM travelstar, but this would not be the first on my list of upgrades. Maxing out your RAM would be a much better first choice.

 

[MarkW19]

I would highly recommend making the switch if you are recording onto the system drive.

I use an internal 7200 RPM travelstar, but this would not be the first on my list of upgrades. Maxing out your RAM would be a much better first choice.

I've got 4GB RAM waiting for my new MBP Abd I'm not actually 'recording onto the system drive' as 95% of my music is just using software instruments.

But yeah, I'll go 7200 again, it just means waiting for the CTO, but I'll sort something for the meantime.

Thanks guys.