Seagate Momentus 750GB vs Western Digital Scorpio Black 750GB as a secondary drive

Hi guys...new alienware r3 user here...found many threads comparing the Momentus and Scorpio Black...but none in 750GB...got the system with the OS installed in the default 256GB SSD. Now looking to get the the 750GB HDD as a secondary drive! Which of the two would be a better option as a secondary drive? From performance, comfort and noise level perspective?

Also, do I need to align the drives after installing them with any special software?

Thanks, in advance

 

Considering you can get the Momentus 750GB for $69.99, I don't think it's a bad deal at all. I've owned it in a dv6tqe, it wasn't anything terrible. It ran <50*C, was fast enough but somewhat noisy. Although, I blame the chassis for the noise more than the drive. It should be quieter in a M17x.

Performance on a secondary drive doesn't matter. It's primary use is storage, so as long as it can store data, it serves it's purpose.

I don't know about alignment and AF drivers -- never dealt with them. I think you just need to format and partition the drive though Disk Management once you get it.

Edit: Here are some Hitachi 7k750 and WD750BPKT benchmarks/opinions: http://forum.notebookreview.com/har...pgrades/604870-benchmarked-hitachi-7k750.html

 

So as a secondary drive a 1TB 5400 rpm would be a better than a 7200 rpm 750 GB drive? and there would be no difference in day to day performance?

 

As long as your "day-to-day" programs are installed on the SSD, then no. Absolutely none.

I believe Phil did some tests, and found that for 750GB 5,400's performed very similarly to their 7,200 RPM counterparts, while maintaining less power draw, heat and noise. Although, 1TB drives are known for their power hunger and heat (specifically the Samsung M8).

What do you mean by better? That's for you to decide. The only thing you have to make sure about when buying a 1 TB is the height. Some drives are 12.5mm and others 9.5mm. Make sure your notebook can fit the HDD before buying.

 

By better i mean ofcourse, more the storage space, the better it is....i mean if I dont get any performance drops, I would prefer a drive with larger space! You r right in mentioning heat and noise..they r a real turnoff....wat do you think? 5400 1TB or 7200 750GB for a more balanced equation?
Also can someone list the pros and cons of some of the common 1TB 9.5mm drives?
Also between WD Scorpio black 750GB and Seagate momentus 750GB?
like which is faster, less noise, usees lesser power etc...
Ofcourse first i hv to decide between these 2 segments then - 5400 1TB and 7200 750GB!

Ok ,ill list the performance in descending order of preference in terms of real time usage:-

1) Faster drive; not necessarily fastest not just fast either
2) noise levels - acceptable, but shudnt be able to hear it perennially hurting my ears as soon as i switch it on
3)higher the storage capacity the better
4) battery power - not necessarily something that uses minimum power, but at the same time not something that sucks the life out of the laptop - a difference of 15 minutes wud be acceptable

Heat goes right at the top, if the drive gets really hot in an already hot alienware, i am not buying it even if it functions faster than a ssd

 

none to provide input..was my question too stupid??

Edit - I actually was thinking that a 7200rpm would always be better than the 5400rpm even as a secondary drive. Reason - copying files directly from the drive to an external storage would be sluggish with lower revolutions ones!

 

Question is not stupid it's just personal preference. Some people are extremely disturbed by the acoustics of computers components and will go to great lengths to dampen the noise even if it means sacrificing performance.

I haven't been there in awhile but if it really is an issue:

silentpcreview.com | Everything about Silent / Quiet Computers

In terms of size vs performance you have few choices.

You have either a 750 or 1TB. 7200 or 5400. Depending on the types of files you have on the second drive, if you're moving your page file there, if you're install any applications on that secondary drive.... those should be your determining factors.

If you want all the performance possible then it's simply a matter of looking at the speeds of the drive.

If the extra space is more important you have a few options.

Go with the larger secondary HD, use that amazing guide to sacrifice your optical drive for another HD or use an external.

 

After reading reviews, ive boiled down to 7200 750gb drives.....so once again the same question - seagate momentus 750 vs wd scorpio black 750?

seems file read and write speeds are better in the scorpio while noise and heat levels better in momentus!

is the scorpio black really that loud in a laptop as the reviews suggest? im still leaning towards the scorpio black 750 - reason? they hv 5 yr warranty vs 3 yrs in seagate momentus.

 

thanks for ur help guys...finally this answered my question :-

Top Notebook Drive Battle: Seagate versus Western Digital at 750GB - Bright Side Of News*

 

Hi,
got the WD scorpio black 750gb after a really tough decision - one question -do i need to use acronis align software when using as a secondary drive on windows 7?

 

i didnt. also, i can barely hear my scorpio black

 

you made the right decision going with the black! Excellent drive.

I don't use acronis so the answer is no.

 

Hi, i know this is an old thread, but i am considering buying the WD Black 750gb and the only thing making me hesitate is the reported from many sources a bit higher noise compared to other drives. Could you share your observations so far from the drive noise wise? Thanks

 

Hitachi Travelstar drives are the best and most quiet in this category.. Look for the 7K 1000 drives...

 

I have 2 of the Scorpio black 750 gb drives in my alienware 17. I put my ear on the keyboard and can't even her them running. You don't need anything to add a second drive. Just plug it in and format it and your good to go. I have windows 7 and alienware 17.

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