What 320gb hard drive for my MacBook?

[Forgeron]

I am in doubt between:

- Samsung SpinPoint hm320ji (80 euro)
- Western Digital Scorpio WD3200BEVT (100 euro)

Both are 320gb and 5400rpm.

I would like to know where I can find the info concerning:

-speed
-noise
-power consumption (would I get a lot of extra battery life with one of these?)
-compatibility with my MacBook White 2.4Ghz?

I am not a power user, just browsing et cetera, but it would be nice to keep booting fast. However, I care more about the noise and power consumption, and perhaps saving the 20 euros.

Thank you for your help!

 

[cyclingplatypus]

Can't speak for the Samsung but I have that WD drive and have been pretty impressed with it, quite and fast and battery seems to be roughly the same as the stock 80GB drive that came in my MB.

 

[Eidorian]

Stick with the Western Digital.

 

[Forgeron]

Sms

What I also learned today is that the WD has that Sudden Motion Sensor that for some reason annoys the one in the MacBook. So I would have to shut that off in the terminal I guess.

I am a little hesitant though to mess with that. And I would lose MacSaber.

Anyone experience with the Samsung?

 

[iToaster]

The Western Digital motion sensor hasn't been a problem with me at all. I swear by WD, all of my hard drives are from them and I strongly recommend them.

 

[cyclingplatypus]

I (like iToaster) can't say I've ever had a problem with the motion sensor and I've used both a 160GB and 320GB WD.

 

[Flore]

I have the Samsung and can't complain at all.

Noise is non-existent, speed and battery life did not seem to change.

 

[cluthz]

WD 3200BEVT here, perfect in my MBP for two months now.
It's faster and more quiet than my original 120GB (which was a fujitsu i think)

 

[RedTomato]

I am having the same decision. Rather than start a new thread on the same topic, I'll add some more info that might help the OP. I'd also like the same advice.

I am having to choose between:

- Western Digital Scorpio WD3200BEVT as mentioned by the OP (£70 here)

- Formac Disk Mini 320GB 5400rpm USB+FW400 enclosure (£110-120)

Formac have told me this is a 9.5mm disk which will fit in my macbook, but they won't tell me which model it is (anyone know?). It comes in a lovely white enclosure with firewire ports, which I can use for my current 120GB.

- OWC / Macsales Samsung Spinpoint M6 500GB + USB enclosure

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other World Computing/HM500JIMU2/

Yes this is the mythical Samsung 500GB 9.5mm! Apparently Samsung have requested that it only be sold with enclosure. Cost is pretty steep: $287, plus postage $322 = £163 plus whatever Customs slap on it.

- WD Scorpio Black 320GB 7200rpm - £120 from OverClockers UK

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-225-WD

Yup 320GB 7200rpm drives are starting to come out - there's one from Fujitsu too but both probably won't be here for another 4 weeks.

Conclusion: I am leaning towards the Formac drive + FW enclosure, but I have no idea what model drive is in it, which really puts me off.

Opinions?

 

[Neil321]

I have a 320GB BEVT in one of my MBP's bought it the day after they were released so there good to go ( no probs )

 

[Indohottie]

Go with Western Digital.. i love their drives..

 

[Forgeron]

Since nobody seemed to have any problems with either one of the drives I decided to go for the cheapest: Samsung. Total including shipping 84 euros.

I'll let you guys know what I think.

 

[macman7002]

I would go Western Digital, the reasons:
1: I have used a lot of hard drives over the years, and the WD has always seemed to be the best.
2: I only trust the WD & Sea Gate name in hard drives.

Hope that helps!