Best Drive for Performance and Capacity?

[k4show]

I'm looking to buy a drive for my 2010 base 15" MBP for under $100. I was looking at the 500gb or 750gb WD Scorpio Black, but my question is whether the jump to 7200rpm is noticable? I cannot afford an SSD. I have also heard of some problems with the Scorpio Black.
Thanks!

 

[yusukeaoki]

I would buy the WD Scorpio Black 750GB with 7200rpm.
It isn't loud, and it uses just as same power as the 5400rpm.
So why not get the more powerful one?
I have the Hitachi 500GB 7200rpm stock from Apple and compare it with my friends 750GB 5400rpm, its actually faster.

In my case I had to lose extra 250GB but it was worth it.
But since your putting it on your own thats something different.
Btw, you will lose your warranty for changing your HDD even once.

 

[Tydog07]

I'm looking to buy a drive for my 2010 base 15" MBP for under $100. I was looking at the 500gb or 750gb WD Scorpio Black, but my question is whether the jump to 7200rpm is noticable? I cannot afford an SSD. I have also heard of some problems with the Scorpio Black.
Thanks!

Have you thought of the Hybrid SSD? Seagate?

 

[k4show]

Btw, you will lose your warranty for changing your HDD even once.

But in the warranty manual it states "Your MacBook Pro does not have any user-serviceable parts, except the hard drive and
the memory. "

 

[yusukeaoki]

But in the warranty manual it states "Your MacBook Pro does not have any user-serviceable parts, except the hard drive and
the memory. "

I know you can replace the memory and when you need it to be serviced, you just put the old one in and your good to go.
For the HDD if you replace it once apparently it kills your warranty.

 

[Krafty]

For the HDD if you replace it once apparently it kills your warranty.

I've never had that problem. My previous MB went through 8 repairs through AppleCare with an aftermarket RAM & HDD.

 

[AML225]

I know you can replace the memory and when you need it to be serviced, you just put the old one in and your good to go.
For the HDD if you replace it once apparently it kills your warranty.

This is NOT true:

http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/MacBook_Pro_15inch_Early2011.pdf

From page 37:

"You can upgrade the hard disk drive in your MacBook Pro. When you open the back of your MacBook Pro, the hard disk drive is located next to the built-in battery."

The manual DOES state that any damage caused by replacing your HDD is not covered under warranty.

 

[awer25]

I know you can replace the memory and when you need it to be serviced, you just put the old one in and your good to go.
For the HDD if you replace it once apparently it kills your warranty.

False. It's a user-replaceable part and the included user guide shows you how to do it.

 

[k4show]

Okay now that that's out of the way, what drive would you guys recommend? I'm leaning towards a 500gb or 750gb WD Black and put the stock 320gb HD in an enclosure. Is there a big difference between 5400rpm and 7200rpm in terms of speed?

 

[awer25]

Okay now that that's out of the way, what drive would you guys recommend? I'm leaning towards a 500gb or 750gb WD Black and put the stock 320gb HD in an enclosure. Is there a big difference between 5400rpm and 7200rpm in terms of speed?

Well, larger generally means more dense (2-platter 750GB will be faster than a 2-platter 750GB, all else equal). I would recommend this 750GB 7200RPM drive since it's a name brand and on sale ($75 shipped). A 7200 RPM 500GB drive is only $10 cheaper, and a 5400RPM 500GB drive is $15 cheaper.

 

[Dark Void]

definitely go with the scorpio black. it is a well reviewed drive and it more than fits your budget.

 

[k4show]

definitely go with the scorpio black. it is a well reviewed drive and it more than fits your budget.

Okay, now the question is do I spend the extra $30 for the 750gb version instead of the 500gb one? ($70 vs $100)

 

[awer25]

Okay, now the question is do I spend the extra $30 for the 750gb version instead of the 500gb one? ($70 vs $100)

The WD drive isn't worth $25 more than the Seagate one. The Seagate gets you 750GB and 7200RPM for $75.

 

[Dark Void]

Okay, now the question is do I spend the extra $30 for the 750gb version instead of the 500gb one? ($70 vs $100)

sorry, i was just throwing my support behind it in your reference to it having problems. the space is for you to decide. if 500gb is enough for you then get the 500gb, if not, go for the 750gb.

 

[lavrishevo]

I would go with the Seagate Momentus XT. Very fast drive.