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    120GB 5400 rpm vs. 80GB 7200

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by maestroGSWJ, Jun 23, 2007.

  1. maestroGSWJ

    maestroGSWJ Newbie

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    I have seen threads that address the pro's/con's of 5400 and 7200 rpm HD's with the same GB, but do you think buying an 80 GB 7200 rpm HD over a 120 GB 5400 rpm HD is worth a $50 increase in price? I've also heard that drive density could increase the efficiency of the 5400 rpm HD too, further minimizing the difference between those two HD's. Is that true? Thanks for you help.
     
    maestroGSWJ, Jun 23, 2007
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  2. MYK

    MYK Newbie NBR Reviewer

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    What do you plan on doing with the laptop? I would go with the faster hard drive and get an external HD.
     
    MYK, Jun 23, 2007
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  3. maestroGSWJ

    maestroGSWJ Newbie

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    I am not a huge game player, and all other activity would just be to use the internet, microsoft, and other basic applications. Probably the only games I would put on are the Sims and WoW. :eek:
     
    maestroGSWJ, Jun 23, 2007
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  4. dietcokefiend

    dietcokefiend DietGreenTeaFiend

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    50 dollar increase? The 120gb 7200rpm drive I have cost me 118 bucks, and I think the 5400rpm version from Seagate was only 30 or so less.
     
    dietcokefiend, Jun 23, 2007
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  5. maestroGSWJ

    maestroGSWJ Newbie

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    I guess it is because I am buying mine through Gateway. They can be expensive, but I like, and trust, the company.
     
    maestroGSWJ, Jun 23, 2007
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  6. soledadaztec18

    soledadaztec18 Notebook Consultant

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    just buy western digitals scorpio.. 5400 rpm 250gb.. only 190 on newegg
     
    soledadaztec18, Jun 23, 2007
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  7. burningrave101

    burningrave101 Notebook Deity

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    You like and trust Gateway over just ordering from any online vendor that stocks the hard drive? Don't pay a premium to order it from Gateway.
     
    burningrave101, Jun 23, 2007
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  8. azntiger1000

    azntiger1000 Notebook Deity

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    If you don't have a lot of files but you want to run games and stuff I would suggest you get the 7200. If you are just word processing/surfing the web, but you have lots of files get the 120gb 5400rpm.
     
    azntiger1000, Jun 23, 2007
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  9. maestroGSWJ

    maestroGSWJ Newbie

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    So the idea that the increased drive density will improve performance is not a factor at all?
     
    maestroGSWJ, Jun 25, 2007
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  10. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    Yes, data density does matter.

    Study the Tom's Hardware 2.5" HDD charts.

    You will find that the data transfer rates for 5400 rpm 120GB and 7200rpm 80GB are very similar. 7200rpm will always win on shorter access times but 5400rpm usually draws a little less power.

    Personally, I would go for the higher capacity HDD and save the $50 (perhaps put it towards a RAM upgrade).

    John
     
    John Ratsey, Jun 25, 2007
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