Harddisk buffer/cache?

I'm gonna buy a new HD. (finally, old one broke in Jan.) :D


most likely: Maxtor DiamondMax 10, 250Gb, 7200rpm,16Mb ATA133


I was wondering what the 'Mb' means and if you notice any difference when using an 8Mb or 16Mb HD.

MB = megabytes

The spec you refer to is cache memory of the HDD. It's a temporary storage area for data to be ready when the "interface" has available bandwidth.

As to noticing a difference with 8 vs 16, there are a few circumstances where the 16 MB is an advantage but not often. You probably would never notice it. But it can be measured.

I suspect there is only a few dollars difference in price so get the 16 MB one anyway.

Personally I'd go for Seagate, I find they are quieter.

And SATA if your mobo supports it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by lynx

Personally I'd go for Seagate, I find they are quieter.

---

Not so much anymore.

The Maxtor DiamondMax 10 is an improved design:

Idle (typical, 1 disk, 3 disk) 2.5 / 2.9 bels

-----

The Seagate Barracuda 7200.9

Acoustics, Idle (bels) --- 2.8

I dont think my mobo supports S-ATA (Jetway v266b)



thnx for the info VB :cool:

i've got a maxtor diamond max 10 300gb with 16mb cache in my xbox and its a great drive.