Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Can MB support 7200RPM HDD?

J

Jak3

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jul 11, 2008
160
0
K, so I was thinking that when I get my MB, I'll get the midrange one and just upgrade the ram and HDD myself...but then I got to wondering...why would :apple: use 5400RPM HDD when they can be using 7200, other than the fact that they can't.

So now I'm wondering, is this the reason they put 5400 HDD in the MB, because they can't handle 7200RPM ones, or simply to improve battery life?

Has anyone installed 7200RPM HDDs into their MBs?

This is most likely just misplaced nervousness and there isn't a single thing leading me to believe that it can't handle them, but it does beg the question why does :apple: use 5400RMP HDDs?

I know 10 000RPM HDD cost an arm and a leg for even the lowest of storage capacities, but 7200 is very cheap these days...
 
Yes they can and mine is 7200rpm. Supposedly, the 7200rpm drives use battery, vibrate, get hot (causing fan) but I have not noticed these symptoms myself. -GDF
 
Every laptop maker uses 5400 RPM drives, you usually only get 7200 ones optionally in more expensive models. Just like most desktop drives are 7200 RPM and some more expensive ones are 10k, most laptop drives are 5400 and better ones 7200.

Faster models do use slightly more power, but it's not too problematic really. You probably won't even notice it.
 
what about the ibook g4?

hello, I was just about to ask the same question about my ibook G4, which currently has 4200rpm. Would 7200 be ok? Or would it require frequent trips to the mains and/or the burns unit? What kind of speed bump could I expect from a 5400 or a 7200? Any help much appreciated!
 
I also like the idea of a 7200 to replace my 5400. However, the power consumption does concern me, as with this being a laptop, I want it to last as long as possible away from the mains.

Despite most people mentioning that 7200 drives draw more power than 5400 counterparts, is it not fair to assume 7200 drives will be use less given they are quick to read and write?
 
Just this last week in the OWC newsletter, they were talking about
a new model Hitachi 7200rpm 320GB drive which NOW uses the same power as the 5400.
 
Sweet, yeah because I was planning on doing some light gaming, and a fast read speed is always good.

Imagine SAS on a laptop :eek::D:rolleyes:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back