Looking for a notebook hdd that runs cool

I got a sager np8662 with a seagate momentus 7200.3 320 GB hdd.
It overheats to the point where the notebook becomes uncomfortable to use. I don't know if the problem is caused by the thermal design of the laptop, but getting a hdd that runs cooler should help. What should i look for (lower capacity, lower rpm, ssd)?

 

I have been using seagate momentus 7200.4 500GB hdd since the beginning of Feb 09 and its idle temperature is 38-39C. When I perform HDD active tasks such as defrags, it jumps to 42-44C.

My old 100GB 7200RPM Hitachi drive was hitting 55-57C during the defrags...


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a high capacity 5,400 RPM hard drive should be similar in performance to a 7,200 RPM hard drive. i say pick up a 320GB hdd since they are so cheap. An SSD will give you a huge speed boost and run much cooler than a conventional hard drive.

 

Get the Hitachi 5K500.b. It's fast, very power efficient and stays cool.

It will be as fast as our 7200.3

 

See the power requirements charts at Tom's Hardware. More power = more heat. There's not so much difference on idle and full load (streaming read) but streaming video benchmark represents partial use and the 5K500.B excels here. I've got one and can confirm that's economical on power.

John

 

I also vote on the 5K500.B. It's very quiet, and barely warms up to touch even when on full load. For a 5400RPM, the performance level is very close to that of a 7200rpm without all the noise, heat and clicking noises. To be honest, I doubt you would notice a difference between the drives when your running your OS.


EDIT: typo on the 7200RPM part

 

look like Toshiba MK5055GSX needs about 30% less power?
does it have any disadvantages compared to the hitachi?

 

Seems like a good drive.
Charts. (tosh left, hit right)

PS. it's only in idle that it needs less power.

 

are any of these available in np8662 from xotic pc?

 

More evidence that the Toshiba 500GB is probably the most power efficient drive at the moment: Laptopmag reviewed the Acer 3810T and got over 8 hours battery life.

 

Interesting Phil!
Do you know where I can find the power usage charts for 'old' SATA drives such as my WD800BEVS?

 

Also look at the Western Digital Scorpio (Black/Blue - difference is in spindle speed).

 

Tom's hardware charts maybe. Or storagereview.com

 

The previous Tom's Hardware charts are here. The WD800BEVS will be similar to the WD1200BEVS. Note that the power consumption measurements are different between the two sets of charts. The 2009 charts include a streaming video benchmark which appears to be a partial usage test more typical of normal operation.

John

 

A Solid State Drive would be your best option. They run on much less power and have no moving parts to heat up. Some are known to run cool to the touch.

 

SSD's are expensive, i'd go with conventional drives, you can still get good, fast cool drives around.

I use a 5400rpm tosh in my lappy, and it runs 33C max temp all the time, even when sat in the sun hehe

 

Not all run cool. See this article for example.

John