SATA drive worth it? Which one should I get?

[Denis54]

I am about to build myself a new computer (2.8 Ghz P4). I will use it mostly for web surfing (80%), word processing (10%) and excel (10%). Even tough I do not need a very fast computer, I do not mind spending a few more dollars to have a faster machine.

I understand that some new hard drives use a SATA interface and are faster than IDE drives (I am no technical expert so do not flame me if my technical description is not right). Are they significantly faster? Which one should I get?

I do not need a large main drive. I could use my existing 120GB drive to store my data.

 

[BG4533]

SATA alone really doesnt make the drive any faster since current 7200RPM drives are far from saturating PATA. I would recommend a Western Digital Raptor. It is 10,000RPM, has an 8MB cache and is significantly faster than many 7200RPM drives. The new version should be out shortly if it isnt already. It is quieter and faster than the older Raptors. I would get a 36GB drive for OS and apps.

 

[UlricT]

The price premium on the raptors would make it too expensive for me. But since you already have a storage drive, you might want to think about getting the 36GB raptor. It IS about $110 though...

 

[BurnItDwn]

the raptors also come with 5 year warranties.

 

[Denis54]

Can anyone refer me to a site where I can get good info about the WD?

 

[Slogun]

Wow $110 for a 36 GB drive? That's quite a price premium.

I've seen 120 GB SATA drives for about that price.

I like my 120GB 7200 RPM (IDE) drives that I've gotten for $80.

 

[NFactor]

The raptor is not about size, there is a 72GB one comming out though. Otherwise I have a couple in raid and those drives are crazy fast.

 

[Yoshi]

The Raptor is sweet. Quiet, fast, and backed by a 5 year warranty. $110 is a nice price considering the speed of this drive, back when I got mine it was $260. Still worth it if you ask me.

 

[EeyoreX]

I will use it mostly for web surfing (80%), word processing (10%) and excel (10%).

SATA drive worth it

No. For what you are doing a RAptor is not going to make a huge difference. Or any at all. Maybe your Excel file or IE will load a little faster, but not so much that you will sit there and be blown away (or even notice probably. Unless you have a 5400rpm drive that's years old...). I don't see myself paying $110 for a Raptor for this kind of machine. I'd sooner buy a 40GB PATA 7200rpm drive for half that price. Or another large hard drive if you really feel like you need to spend the $110. Or upgrades elsewhere. My opinion is that a Raptor is unneeded and total overkill here.

\Dan