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    5400 vs 7200 rpm.

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by shinakuma9, Jun 1, 2010.

  1. shinakuma9

    shinakuma9 Notebook Deity

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    Just wondering, how much of a performance difference in boot times/loading times would a 7200 rpm drive have over a 5400. I have choices of the same HD just one has 7200 for $5 more over the 5400. Is it worth it?
     
    shinakuma9, Jun 1, 2010
    #1
  2. Amnesiac

    Amnesiac 404

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    Depends on what hard drives they are. Sometimes the case can be that the 5400RPM drive is actually faster than the 7200RPM.
     
    Amnesiac, Jun 1, 2010
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  3. lackofcheese

    lackofcheese Notebook Virtuoso

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    Well, as long as the platter density is the same, the 7200rpm drive is almost certain to be faster.
     
    lackofcheese, Jun 1, 2010
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  4. deeastman

    deeastman Notebook Deity

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    Very little difference in boot times. The greatest advantage of 7200 rpm over 5400 rpm drives will be in data transfer speeds.
    For $5 go with the 7200rpm drive.

    Reference an example when I changed from my 5400 rpm drive to 7200 rpm:
    http://forum.notebookreview.com/har...pm-2-5-drive-9-5mm-height-36.html#post6069510
     
    deeastman, Jun 1, 2010
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  5. sgogeta4

    sgogeta4 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Which brand? Though for $5, I'd pick the 7200RPM. Actually, the greatest advantage of the 7200RPM is the lower access time (usually around 10% better).
     
    sgogeta4, Jun 1, 2010
    #5
  6. Charles P. Jefferies

    Charles P. Jefferies Lead Moderator Super Moderator

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    The faster access time of the 7200RPM drives is what makes them feel much more responsive than systems with 5400RPM drives.

    Go for the 7200RPM.
     
    Charles P. Jefferies, Jun 1, 2010
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  7. shinakuma9

    shinakuma9 Notebook Deity

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    shinakuma9, Jun 2, 2010
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  8. sgogeta4

    sgogeta4 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Just curious, have you checked out other brands? If you've narrowed it down to just those two choices though, go with the 7200RPM drive.
     
    sgogeta4, Jun 2, 2010
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  9. coolguy

    coolguy Notebook Prophet

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    I upgraded my OEM Hitachi 5400 RPM HDD to a Hitachi 7K500, and see a noticeable performance increase.
     
    coolguy, Jun 2, 2010
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  10. shinakuma9

    shinakuma9 Notebook Deity

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    For the price yeah those are the only 2 that are within my budget right now :(
     
    shinakuma9, Jun 2, 2010
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  11. Charles P. Jefferies

    Charles P. Jefferies Lead Moderator Super Moderator

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    I suggest a Western Digital Scorpio Black or Hitachi 7K500 series if possible, both are superior to the Seagate 7200.4 drive in quality and performance.

    Either way, definitely go with the 7200RPM.
     
    Charles P. Jefferies, Jun 2, 2010
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  12. ComicSands

    ComicSands Notebook Enthusiast

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    I've done the upgrade to a 7200rpm drive myself, and it is definitely a noticeable difference. In a perfect world though, I would have much preferred to upgrade directly to SSD. One can dream... :p
     
    ComicSands, Jun 2, 2010
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  13. shinakuma9

    shinakuma9 Notebook Deity

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    shinakuma9, Jun 2, 2010
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  14. Phil

    Phil Retired

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    How much is a Hitachi 7K500 in Canada? It's $89 at Newegg.ca

    I'd recommend getting the Hitachi, if that's too expensive get the WD Black.
     
    Phil, Jun 2, 2010
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  15. shinakuma9

    shinakuma9 Notebook Deity

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    yeah $89 is too much for me. I think I'll go with the WD black then
     
    shinakuma9, Jun 2, 2010
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  16. Phil

    Phil Retired

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    A 250GB or 320GB version of the Hitachi 7K500 would also fit your budget. They're a bit faster than the WD.
     
    Phil, Jun 2, 2010
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  17. crayonyes

    crayonyes Custom Title! WooHoooo !!

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    +1 for go 7200 rpm :D
     
    crayonyes, Jun 2, 2010
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  18. sean473

    sean473 Notebook Prophet

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    same here.. i have a 5400rpm drive and it is so slow.. can't wait for a 7200rpm scorpio blue.. if i get one cheap in india :D
     
    sean473, Jun 3, 2010
    #18