Fastest 2.5" internal HDD NON-SSD for MBP

[xoggyux]

Hi, I've got an standard Fujitsu MHY2200BH 200Gb HDD that came with my 15" MBP that i bought aug 2008. This HDD is not very fast, and I have been thinking in changing it. I was looking for SSD however the cheapest I could find the 128gb (which is the minimum capacity I'd accept) is around the $250 so I think is too much, and I might wait a couple of months, however this HDD is annoying me already so meanwhile SSD prices drop i was thinking in buying a fast regular HDD and then when i get the SSD i'll just make it an external drive (I am planning doing the same to my current fujitsu.)
I'm looking for suggestion for VERY fast HDD (capacity is not a problem as long is more than 120 (I'd only put the system, apps, a few MP3s and thats it, and leave some 20~40Gb free so the system can play with it.)

Please post your suggestion, as well as links if you have one and benchmark?...

 

[Moriarty]

The fastest one currently available is the Seagate 7200.4 500GB. Second to that is the Western Digital Scorpio Black 320GB (also 7200rpm).

Higher capacity = faster because of a higher data density, and 7200rpm drives are faster as well (but run a bit hotter, cause more vibration, and are louder).

 

[isaki87]

The fastest one currently available is the Seagate 7200.4 500GB. Second to that is the Western Digital Scorpio Black 320GB (also 7200rpm).

Higher capacity = faster because of a higher data density, and 7200rpm drives are faster as well (but run a bit hotter, cause more vibration, and are louder).

+1 for the Seagate 7200.4 500GB

 

[amitdoc2b]

The fastest one currently available is the Seagate 7200.4 500GB. Second to that is the Western Digital Scorpio Black 320GB (also 7200rpm).

Higher capacity = faster because of a higher data density, and 7200rpm drives are faster as well (but run a bit hotter, cause more vibration, and are louder).

+2 for Seagate Momentus 7200.4. But I have not noticed any vibrations, additional heat, nor noise.

 

[Quu]

The fastest one currently available is the Seagate 7200.4 500GB. Second to that is the Western Digital Scorpio Black 320GB (also 7200rpm).

Higher capacity = faster because of a higher data density, and 7200rpm drives are faster as well (but run a bit hotter, cause more vibration, and are louder).

I don't agree with this at all. In another thread a guy with the 500GB Seagate 7,200RPM ran xbench, and I ran xbench on mine using the Hitachi 320GB 7,200RPM from Apple (Basic BTO) and my HD Score was higher. Our CPU, RAM, Graphics Selection were all identical as was the computer (17" Uni MBP)

 

[929406]

5400 v 7200

How much faster is the 7200 vs 5400? Will I notice a significant speed difference during everyday use. I just replaced my original MBP HD with the Seagate 500 GB 5400. I've heard that SSD drives are amazing Was thinking of a SSD but too costly to justify the expense atm, as I would want at least 300 GB and 256 are selling for around $500

 

[Salty Pirate]

the hitachi 320 GB 7200 is no slouch and can be found online for 60 bucks including mail in rebate. Otherwise, you can pick them up all day at 80 bucks. I consider it transitional until the samsung 256 SSD ships

 

[srexy]

I have the WD 320gb Scorpio Black and it is v.quick.

My quickbench score on a mid 06 MBP 2.33ghz is 53.91 with plenty running.

 

[Abstract]

I don't agree with this at all. In another thread a guy with the 500GB Seagate 7,200RPM ran xbench, and I ran xbench on mine using the Hitachi 320GB 7,200RPM from Apple (Basic BTO) and my HD Score was higher. Our CPU, RAM, Graphics Selection were all identical as was the computer (17" Uni MBP)

I think most people have now seen professional reviews that have said otherwise. The Seagate 500 GB 7200 rpm harddisk is by far the fastest 7200 rpm 2.5" harddrive available, hence the repeated recommendations. 😉


I wouldn't expect extra heat or vibrations either, to be honest. I know people "expect" it, but if it's there, it's not noticeable.

 

[xoggyux]

other question, how much faster is the seagate 500Gb 7200rpm vs the same 500Gb HDD @ 5400? the thing is I've got $75 giftcard from bestbuy and they have only the WD black scorpio 320Gb @ 7200 rpm or the Seagate momentus but 5400rpm, I'd really would like to replace my stock one, since i feel it slugish, and i want to spend my giftcard.
EDIT: I also saw earlier a benchmark comparison between a 1TB seagate @ 7200rpm beating a 300MB WD raptor @ 10,000 (supposedly the faster HDD consumer oriented, expect for maybe SSD) and seagate won in almost all test (they were actually close in the overal testings by 1% more or less.) So i'd think there are other things that influence more the speed other than rpm such as platters density, cache, and technologies used.

 

[whateverandever]

I don't agree with this at all. In another thread a guy with the 500GB Seagate 7,200RPM ran xbench, and I ran xbench on mine using the Hitachi 320GB 7,200RPM from Apple (Basic BTO) and my HD Score was higher. Our CPU, RAM, Graphics Selection were all identical as was the computer (17" Uni MBP)

Everyone knows xBench is no "benchmark" by any means.

http://www.barefeats.com/note05.html

Actually disk-related benchmarks. The Momentus 7200.4 bests everyone.

 

[whateverandever]

other question, how much faster is the seagate 500Gb 7200rpm vs the same 500Gb HDD @ 5400? the thing is I've got $75 giftcard from bestbuy and they have only the WD black scorpio 320Gb @ 7200 rpm or the Seagate momentus but 5400rpm, I'd really would like to replace my stock one, since i feel it slugish, and i want to spend my giftcard.
EDIT: I also saw earlier a benchmark comparison between a 1TB seagate @ 7200rpm beating a 300MB WD raptor @ 10,000 (supposedly the faster HDD consumer oriented, expect for maybe SSD) and seagate won in almost all test (they were actually close in the overal testings by 1% more or less.) So i'd think there are other things that influence more the speed other than rpm such as platters density, cache, and technologies used.

You're better off using that $75 gift card at best buy on something else. If you're set on Best Buy, though...

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8993164&type=product&id=1218007082970

Looks like a good choice to me. Just pop open the case and pull out the drive. The 7200rpm 500GB drive is significantly faster, but it's also $140 online, whereas this would be $45 for you after the gift card.

 

[Patriks7]

+10932 (I lost count 😛) on the Seagate 7400. But it is highly advised to wait for an SSD 😛

 

[apolloa]

+10932 (I lost count 😛) on the Seagate 7400. But it is highly advised to wait for an SSD 😛

Yep, second that, I just upgraded the standard drive to the 7200RPM model on the options list because SSD has really just started to take off and in a year or two you'll fine some amazing SSD drives to be had.

 

[mbradyrn]

I just installed a WD Scorpio Black 320gb/7200 in my MBP 2.2 and am very happy with it. It speed difference is noticable -- it is dead quiet, and does not heat up anymore than the stock one did. I am getting a 10% decrease in my battery life, but that's the only negative I've found. I considered the Segate that others have mentioned, but went on a lower price I found for the WD.And I liked the name -- Scorpio Black...
Here is the Amazon site with the lowest price I found.

http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&ke...=aps&hvadid=2997402701&ref=pd_sl_3uzln2bx3v_b