buffer size

[jra64]

would you guys tell me if this is a good buy

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=101208

i saw another one for 8 bucks more with at 8 mb buffer size. Is it worth 8 bucks to get the bigger buffer size?

what does buffer size do?

[oddjob]

4x the buffer for $8 is definitely worth it!

Only way I can think to describe the benefits (at the moment) is that a bigger buffer gives you faster seek times, and therefore the drive works more efficiently.

[doctorgonzo]

If the difference between the 2 MB buffer and 8 MB buffer is only $8, I would get the 8 MB version.

Buffers anywhere store small pieces of information for quicker access. Accessing memory takes nanoseconds. Accessing the HD by physically spinning the platters and moving the head takes milliseconds. If you can cut down on the number of physical reads, you can speed things up a great deal.

The buffer simply stores information from the HD that you have used recently and will likely use again. That way, when the processor requests data in the buffer, it will come from the memory (fast) instead of the drive itself (slow).

Obviously, the bigger the buffer size, the more it can store and the more likely a data request will result in a "hit" (the data already being in the buffer).

[jra64]

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=101208

http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?p=HD-1600JB&c=PG

so between these two which do you guys recommend and why?

[doctorgonzo]

The version with the 8 MB cache for the aforementioned reasons.

[jra64]

are these good prices for these hard drives? I got these both off pricegrabber.com. Are there any other good sites you guys can think of for cheap hardware.

[doctorgonzo]

I use www.newegg.com almost exclusively, though many other people say that www.mwave.com is also good. When it comes to hard drives, though, a lot of times you just have to check around, as stores often have special rebates and offers going on.

In general, though, HD prices are now less than $1 per GB, especially with drives larger than 80 GB.

[jra64]

ok ive got it down to two hds:

http://www.accupc.com/itemDetail.jsp?pid=dhwd1600jb&refer=PriceGrabber

http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?p=HD-ST200B6&c=PG

Both have the 8 mb buffer

WD 160GB 111.00$
or
Seagate 200GB 134.50$

I hear bad things bout Seagates though...

Is the extra 23.50$ worth the 40 gigs?