Noise on Barracuda 40gig vs 60 and 80?

Dru · Post by **Dru** » Mon Aug 12, 2002 2:32 pm

I've read that the Barracuda IVs have 40gig per platter. Do any of you "know" or think that the 40gig ones would be quieter since there's only 1 platter? And/or if the 2 platter ones would produce more heat?
 
 I've thinking about getting 2x40gig drives but it's only a few $$ more for the 60gigs.
 
 Any comments appreciated.
 
[addsig]

Post by **MikeC** » Mon Aug 12, 2002 2:32 pm

Check Seagate's site for specs -- I think the difference is 20dBA for single platter (20/40G) vs 24 dBA for dual (60/80G). Going by this, 2 single platter drives are about the same noise level as one 2-platter model. 2 platter models do produce a *bit* more heat but nowhere as much as 2 single-platter drives. I've only played with single-platter modles personally.
 
 The version V ones are rated to be noisier, 24 dBA for 1 platter don't know anyone who has reported on one...
 
 
[addsig]

Shmanky · Post by **Shmanky** » Tue Aug 13, 2002 6:14 pm

I own a 40GB Seagate Barracuda IV ST340016A hard disk. When I was making the choice between a 40 and a 60GB, I decided to go with the 40GB because I noticed on the PDFs on Seagate's website that the 40GB model with only one platter had slightly lower noise characteristics. I can't say if the 40GB is noticably quieter than the 60GB as I've never heard the 60GB model. I can just tell you that I'm pleased with my decision, as 60GB would have been overkill in size for me anyway. Although, I think I'd rather have one 60GB disc than two 40GB discs. My 40GB disc gets hot to the touch, and I figure two discs would increase the case temperature undesirably.

Dru · Post by **Dru** » Wed Aug 14, 2002 2:15 pm

I did purchase 2 Barracuda IV 40gigs after finding out the same as you did (40gig per platter). But, I want to get a boost in performance, too. So, I will be running the 2 40gigs in raid 0 (striping). This will definitely produce more heat but I already 2 WD drives in there and the system runs stable.

I sent in my 2 Barracuda IV drives over a week ago to Seagate to get the Raid 0 "friendly" ones. The RMA status says they got them -- I'm just waiting for the new ones.

Another option would have been to get the new single platter 60gig Barracuda Vs but those show slightly higher dbA even with only 1 platter. I want to minimize the noise as much as possible.

Ausone · Post by **Ausone** » Tue Sep 03, 2002 11:21 pm

I do have both 40GB and 60GB Barracuda IVs and have used each of them individually before. The noise specs difference between the two is perceptible enough, particularly when it comes to the seek noise.

Gxcad · Post by **Gxcad** » Sun Sep 08, 2002 12:32 am

I also have used both a 40 gig and a 80 gig cuda IV, but I haven't tested them side by side. From my unreliable experience, I would say I DID notice a small increase in noise and maybe ~3c hotter for the 80gig version. Pity the Cuda V is rated louder, coz I've filled my cuda 80gig to the brim and could sure use more space. I didn't realize the newer firmwares for the cuda IV had fixed the raid 0 problem, but recently went out with a friend for a 40gig cuda and noticed the firmware was up to 3.75 or so, mine is 3.05!

-Ken

da98 · Post by **da98** » Thu Sep 12, 2002 11:53 am

I have a 60G cuda IV, and my frind has a 80G. His 80G is more quiet and vibrates less then my 60G.
Nether of us have a 40G so i can't compare all three of them.

So are you in the choiceing between 60G ore 80G, take the 80G...

I eaven had my 60G repaced to a new one because it sounded and vibrated so much more than the 80G.