Samsung SP0802N / SP0822N differences?

raddiux · Post by **raddiux** » Fri Sep 09, 2005 7:32 pm

I've been buying Samsung SP0802N (80GB) drives for over a year now and I really like their silence. The other day I noticed on Newegg that they are selling a new nodel - SP0822N, which seems to have the same exact specs as the previous model. I checked Samsung's website and I can find no differences at all.

Anyone have any clue?

Devonavar · Post by **Devonavar** » Sat Sep 10, 2005 9:56 am

Changes that I've found:
Higher media-to-buffer transfer speed:
840 Mbps for the SP0822N
443 Mbps for the SP0802N

This suggests that either the spindle speed has increased (not true), or the areal density has improved. If areal density has improved, then it seems quite likely that this is a single platter version of the drive, as it would no longer need the extra spindle to hit 80 GB. Note that the SP0802N is rated for 2 disks/4heads, which means it's based on 40 GB platters. No spec is given for the SP0822N, but the increase (almost double) in media-to-buffer transfer speed suggests that the data density has almost doubled as well.

Another difference: peak current at startup

SP0822N: 990 (5V) /2250 (12V) mA
SP0802N: 750 (5V) /2060 (12V) mA

This probably results in a faster spin-up time (5s vs 7s for the SP0812N — no spec given for the SP0802N.

So, what does all this mean to you? Hopefully, slightly faster transfer times during large file transfers, and possibly slightly lower noise thanks to the single platter design.

raddiux · Post by **raddiux** » Sat Sep 10, 2005 7:24 pm

Wow, thanks for the great detective work. I was under the impression that the SP0802N was already utilizing 80gb platters, meaning that it would have been a single platter all along. I guess not. Looks like i'll be picking up the newer model then. Thanks a ton!

Devonavar · Post by **Devonavar** » Sun Sep 11, 2005 5:12 pm

Actually, so was I before I read those specs. I thought that the reason for the P80 name was because they were based on 80GB platters ...

Could be that their web site is wrong. I know when I was researching the P120 series, I managed to find three different sets of conflicting specs on the various Samsung web sites...

raddiux · Post by **raddiux** » Wed Sep 14, 2005 5:25 pm

Well I ordered one of these from Newegg and I received it today. To my dismay, it uses a JVC motor. I must be cursed or something, because this is my 3rd Samsung with a JVC. I'm going to plug it in soon and see how it sounds, and report back.

raddiux · Post by **raddiux** » Thu Sep 15, 2005 9:24 am

Well, I am thoroughly disappointed. The drive has a very annoying high pitched whine. Since this will be going in a fanless system, this is unacceptable for me. I'd like to return the drive to Newegg, but i'm still not sure where to turn to make sure I receive a Nidec drive.

mb2 · Post by **mb2** » Thu Sep 15, 2005 12:20 pm

hm, was it agreed that the 200GB p120 used 100GB platters (hence slower performance?)
[sorry to be OT but does anyone have a link to a comparison of speeds between the 200/250GB versions?]
although i did think all 80GB p80s were single platter also

perhaps it was written re: early p80s? idk.

as for the guy above with the fanless system.. if its anything fairly high spec (read: expensive) then surely its worth getting a notebook drive especially since your only looking at 80GB.. i can tell u from running a fanless pc whatever hard drive you'll get it will be annoyingly loud.. and a notebook drive will be muuch less so.
but, i'd guess u've been told that already around here!

raddiux · Post by **raddiux** » Thu Sep 15, 2005 1:55 pm

I would personally rather not bother with a laptop drive because I don't want to deal with the issue of fitting it in a standard drive bay, and because they are a bit more than I am looking to spend. I know a Nidec Samsung can be quiet enough for me, but I never seem to be lucky enough to get one :/

mrk22 · Post by **mrk22** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 6:39 pm

raddiux wrote:I would personally rather not bother with a laptop drive because I don't want to deal with the issue of fitting it in a standard drive bay

I bet installing 2.5" drives in bays designed for 3.5" drives would make suspending them super easy.

Devonavar · Post by **Devonavar** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 7:05 pm

Yup. My preferred method: two hairbands streched between the screw holes. You can anchor them with broken toothpicks or twist ties. Takes about five minutes.