Originally posted by: Z80
I got the 80GB WD w/8MB at CC for $69 AR and the 80GB Maxtor w/8MB at Compusa for $69 AR last weekend. I benchmarked both drives using Sisoft Sandra 2003. The Maxtor (Compusa house brand) beat the WD drive hands down. Both drives were very quiet but I'd have to give the edge to the Maxtor.
I've had problems with Maxtor drives over the past couple years. They work fine at first, but then after a few months they develop a slight high-pitched whine. After maybe 6 months it gets bad enough that if I use the computer long enough, the sound gives me a splitting headache. I've been through 3 Maxtors that did the same thing, and since switching to a WD 80GB 8MB I've been happy with the noise level but the drive's seek time is frustratingly slow.