Buffer Sizes on External HD

Discussion in 'Macintosh Computers' started by Applespider, Jan 25, 2005.

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  1. Applespider, Jan 25, 2005

    Applespider macrumors G4

    Applespider

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    #1
    Can't find any advice on this except for one 'yes get the bigger buffer' but no reason given.

    I have a Powerbook and it's finally time to get a proper backup system in place rather than just dumping the iPhoto Library and Docs folders on the iPod every so often. The 10% off at the Apple Store tonight also seems like a good reason for doing it now.

    I'm thinking about a 200GB so that I can make a full back up of the PB and still have room for other stuff in the future (I plan on getting a camcorder in the next year but I doubt I'm going to turn into Spielberg with it) and with the slow drive in the PB, it would be useful to do it externally.

    I doubt I'll use it often over USB2 so I'm really looking at the Firewire 400/800 drives. The 'old' Lacie 400/800 is £30 cheaper than the Extreme one but has a 2MB as opposed to an 8MB buffer.

    What practical differences might I see between a 2MB and 8MB buffer?
    Am I likely to notice at all?
     
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  2. musicpyrite, Jan 25, 2005

    musicpyrite macrumors 68000

    musicpyrite

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    #2
    If the only difference between the two is 30 euros and a 2 or 8 MB buffer, I'd say just save yourself 30 euros and get the 2 MB buffer. Since your only using this for backup, it won't make much of a difference. 8 MB buffers are would be more appropriate for things like gaming computers that need fast hard drives.
     
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  3. varmit, Jan 25, 2005

    varmit macrumors 68000

    varmit

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    #3
    The buffer is a place where information that is being sent to the drive gets stored while it waits to get written to the drive. The larger the buffer, the more information can get sent to the drive at one time, the shorter amount of time it will take to copy large files or large groups of files, such as a backup. And when reading and writing to the drive will be quicker, since information can be read off the drive, will the stuff that needs to be written can go in the buffer to wait till a good time, such as when the read is done.
     
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