HDD: 250GB 5400 RPM vs. 160GB 7200 RPM

Same price. Probably don't really need the extra space on the larger one, but I've also heard that larger size can mean lower access time, even though RPM is lower. So which would probably be better?

Would there be any difference in power consumption?

Thanks.

 

It depends what specific drives (brand/type) you're comparing.

The current generation one platter 160GB/7200rpm drives is a lot faster than the previous generation two platter 160GB/7200rpm drives.

 

This is for customizing a Lenovo T400, so I'm not sure what the brand/type is, but I assume it's the same for both.

 

Ok. I believe that both drives use the same 160GB platters.

So, the 160GB 7200RPM will have 1 Disk/2 Heads, as opposed to the 250GB 5400RPM which will have 2 Disks/3 Heads. So, the access times of the 160GB drive will be obviously lower, mainly because of the higher spindle speed.

And with the single platter drive, the power consumption is generally lower.

The new 160GB/platter HDDs have good power consumption ratings, except the WD Scorpio Blue Series.

=> Just go for the cheapest drive, and upgrade yourself.
Cheaper, and you have the freedom to choose the brand/model, etc.

 

Yeah upgrade it yourself. Lenovo might give you an old Seagate 7200.2 and you don't want that.

A friend of mine got one in his brand new Dell E6400.

 

^ Yeah, thats possible.

Though the 160GB 5400RPM is alot cheaper than the 160GB 7200RPM.
But there is the 7K200 BDE as well, so you don't really know which HDD you'll end up with.