I've been considering a 500GB WD5000AACS GreenPower drive for an HTPC build. Will this drive be fast enough to record and play multiple High Def TV recordings simultaneously? That would be the most performance I would need.

MikeC, do you have plans to test the P7K500 in the near future?

One other drive I recently discovered is the "energy efficient" model Hitachi Deskstar P7K500 which is apparently 2 platters. Not many reviews to be found, but it looks like possibly competition for the WD GP.

Everyone, thank you very much for your insight. I would suggest discounting the noise level measurements from Anandtech and Storage Review. Makes sense, those sites are more focused on absolute performance than noise. The Deskstar is off my list now. a separate server or PC tucked away somewhere Tha...

BTW, here are links to two reviews on the 7K1000 where Anandtech says with AAM enabled it is actually quieter than the T166 http://www.anandtech.com/storage/showdoc.aspx?i=3031&p=5 but on StorageReview.com they say it’s noisier than a Raptor: http://www.storagereview.com/HDS721010KLA330.sr?page=0%...

I’m looking for the quietest, most vibration free drive in the 500GB – 750GB range for a new home/media server I’m building. Since it’s going to be in a room where I will spend a lot of time idle noise is very important, as is heat to minimize the need for fans. This will go in an Antec Sona...