What hard drive for my build...

[Hepafleb]

So i have decided to go with this rig it seems.

Asus P5Rd1-vm ATI express 200
Pentium D 920
Corsair smx 1 gb
ati x800 GTO

for $520

I need to decide on a Hard rive but i need suggestions...

Also as long as i get a decent Hard Drive would you rate this rig below average, average, or above average in a gaming respect?

 

[dBTelos]

Well, er. Gaming usually can run just fine on a PATA 7200RPM. Although upgrading from that to a SATAII 150GB Raptor 10K RPM would make a noticable difference in loading times only. Your mobo only supports up to Serial ATA I, which has a minimal difference to PATA while more expensive. A PATA drive would give you less hastle for installing an OS if you are a amature. So first you decide SATAI or PATA, then I need how big you want the drive.

 

[Hepafleb]

Pata hard drive unless you really think I should go for a different mobo that supports a better hard drive...i would like faster load times but is there a better mobo for around 80-100 dollars that would support the type of hard drive you are talking about and for size i dont need more than 80 to 160...

 

[dBTelos]

As already stated, a faster interface (SATAII) will only get you quicker loading times (loading maps, guns, whatever games load before the match starts). Myself, I am not a hardcore gamer so coudn't care less between 1 minute and 2 minute loading times although some people just need to be first, whatever fits your profile. So for me, I'd take the PATA. For you, do you need the quicker loading times? I can't help you pick a drive untill you tell me about the size drive you want.

 

[Hepafleb]

I would like faster load times...
Could you suggest a mobo that supports a better hard drive for around 80-150$ and with a hard drive size 80-160 gb?

 

[dBTelos]

A new motherboard just to support SATAII is a little extreme but ok. MSI, Abit, Asus, and Epox all make good ones. Pick one that meets your requirements and get that. A 74GB SATAII Raptor would give you very good loading times if you want to go that small, at $130 on newegg. That or a 150GB Raptor would give you the best loading times in games and overall great hard drive performance.