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Getting a new HD...7200 or 5400?

wgilles

wgilles

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Feb 21, 2008
315
0
I'm going to be getting a 320GB drive (running out of room due to so many large RAW pictures). Anyway, I've been looking at the new WD Scorpio black which is 7200 RPMs. They also have the regular scorpio which is 5400 RPMs. Will I notice a big difference and is it worth it? It's almost 100 dollars more for the 7200 drive...should I just get the 5400 drive if I am happy with the performance of my 250GB 5400 RPM drive right now?
 
It kinda depends on size. Large drives (320GB) are about the same speed as a 200GB 7200RPM because (correct me if I am wrong) the platters are closer together. But, I havent heard of a 320GB 7200RPM being used by anybody here on MR. I would think that drive might be pretty fast, faster than a 200GB 7200RPM. If there is a $100 price difference I would just get that 5400RPM and use the savings for gas!:rolleyes:
 
Garemz said:
In the computer world there is no such thing as to much power.

go for the faster speeds "ALWAYS"
Click to expand...

I disagree. A higher density 5400 RPM drive could easily be faster than a lower density 7200 RPM drive, especially if the 5400 RPM drive had perpendicular recording.
 
Neil321 said:
you are aware that there are 500GB drives out? ie

hitachi travelstar ( but only fits in 17'' pro's )

samsung spinpoint m6

as your from the states you can get them from OWC
Click to expand...

not sure if you were talking to me or the OP:p

but the only samsung OWC has is a 320, unless im missing something:confused:

i knew about the 17" drive but im assuming he wants something that will fit either machine especially since his sig states 15.4";)
 
squeeks said:
not sure if you were talking to me or the OP:p

but the only samsung OWC has is a 320, unless im missing something:confused:

i knew about the 17" drive but im assuming he wants something that will fit either machine especially since his sig states 15.4";)
Click to expand...

i meant both of you ( but not the op,for the travelstar )

Anyways i think your missing something as people have posted on here that they have bought the samsung m6 from OWC it comes in a caddy if that helps

edit there you go linky
 
wgilles said:
I'm going to be getting a 320GB drive (running out of room due to so many large RAW pictures). Anyway, I've been looking at the new WD Scorpio black which is 7200 RPMs. They also have the regular scorpio which is 5400 RPMs. Will I notice a big difference and is it worth it? It's almost 100 dollars more for the 7200 drive...should I just get the 5400 drive if I am happy with the performance of my 250GB 5400 RPM drive right now?
Click to expand...

I've got the exact drive (5400) you're looking at. I don't really notice any sort of slowdowns, so I'd save my money and get the 5400. Anything that spins faster is likely to eat more battery.

You could also consider buying one of those WD Passport drives. It's basically the same thing as the Scorpio except it's in a case that you plug in externally. Plop your photos on it. Cases run you about $15 if you want to make your own with the Scorpio, or it's about $20 more for the Passport (which has a nicer case than most other external cases I've seen). You don't need a power supply (USB-powered), which is suh-weet.

But if you are using RAW files, speed on an external could be an issue. Things to consider! :)
 
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