SPCR

Guys, my brain just locked up trying to decide which of these HDD to get? Help me out.

Samsung SpinPoint 250GB 7200RPM SATAII NCQ 8mb cache Model No: SP2504C for $178AU

or

Seagate SATAII NCQ 300GB 7200RPM 16mb Cache Model No: ST3300622AS for $208AU

I'm adding a Western Digital Raptor 74GB to this system as my OS/programs drive. One of the above drives will be my data drive.

This system will be used for rendering, modelling, photoshoping, gaming, music and websurfing. More rendering/modelling/photoshoping than gaming.

Both capacities are fine. I'm more interested in the speed and stealth qualities of each.

I'd suggest the Samsung Spinpoint.

In my sig system with an Samsung SP2004C and a Seagate 7200.7, both mounted with foam isolation, the Samsung has much more subdued seek noise (barely audible), and indicates a 6-7C lower temperature, which may have more to do with sensor location and calibration.

The Seagates exhibit a high-pitched whine that's particularly annoying. It's not very loud, but if it's the only sound coming from a system it'll drive you batty. Get the Samsung. It's not much quieter, but the profile of the noise is much easier to ignore.

-John

I think that's pretty much all I needed to know but...does the seagate have any speed advantage over the Samsung at all?

I picked the Samsung initially but then noticed that the seagate has 16Mb cache compared to the Samsungs 8Mb cache. What does the extra 8Mb cache do for the Seagate?

I believe that they are similar in speed, but check with storagereview.com to verify that in your particular application(s).

-John