8MB Cache IDE drives - worth it?

[dajo]

Maxtor's 8MB 80GB ATA133 drive has some rebates now. Can get it for about $125 shipped.

Do you think the performance boost would even be noticeable over the 2MB ATA133 version of the drive?

[IronSerif]

I remember readin an article a few months back on Toms Hardware, and they were reviewing a similar drive to the one you were looking at, but I think it's made by Western Digital. Anyhow, I just remember that the drive showed some good marks on the tests.
I wonder how the noise level and temps are on it?

[LinkDJ]

Not really, no. They're mostly meant for servers, who are easily predictable, so the hard drive can accurately guess what you'll need next and cache it properly.

Why get an 80gb for $125 when you can get a 120GB western digital WD1200BB for $158 shipped?

I love mine, and ordered a second today.

[llbbl]

Originally posted by LinkDJ
Not really, no. They're mostly meant for servers, who are easily predictable, so the hard drive can accurately guess what you'll need next and cache it properly.

Why get an 80gb for $125 when you can get a 120GB western digital WD1200BB for $158 shipped?

I love mine, and ordered a second today.

Be sure to let us know WHERE you found the drive for that price.


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I don't think that 8MB will make that much of a difference considering that the transfer speed is 4-6 times the size of the cahe . Alot would depend on how the cache is used. Check Cnet and maybe on the manufacturers web page for a difference in performance indicators or to see how the cache is accessed by the drive. We need that sort of information to make a decision on which is actually better..