Quick 2nd HDD question

I've my 9.5mm optical caddy in hand and I've a drive query.

Would it be better to opt for a 500GB 7200rpm Seagate drive (the one that shipped with the m14X), or a 320GB 5400rpm WD Blue.

Space isn't all that important too me as which ever I don't use in the laptop will end up in a USB2 caddy anyway. So I guess it boils down to power and noise.

Any thoughts?

 

I'd say go with the Seagate. I doubt you would see any significant temp/run-time variation between the two. maybe a couple degrees more and a few minutes less run-time on the 7,200. It also makes more sense to have the stock segate drive be the one you submit to the daily wear and tear and additional heat of being sandwiched under another hdd/ssd. I say that because if it did end up failing you could throw the dvd drive back in and get it replaced under warranty (depending on warranty status of course).

Useless side note: for the record Id like to say, based on MY personal experience of having owned several drives from both manufacturer's, I would never suggest a Seagate over WD if they were similarly spec'd. I'd probably even take a slightly smaller capacity WD if they were both 7200rpm.

I hope that my opinion is of some value to you even though I'm sure there are just as many people around here who choose Seagate>WD. good luck!

 

Same as shnarf I would go for the Seagate one. It won't harm the system or cause a lot more heat.

 

7200rpm drives run much cooler quieter and use much less power than they used too.

on my M11x i swapped the stock WD Blue 5400rpm drive with a WD black 7200rpm drive. the performance was easily noticeable however i could not get a measurable difference in system temps or battery life times. the newer drive was a tad bit nosier. but you hand to try to hear it even in quieter environments.

bottom line. always go for the faster spindle speed.