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    Hard Drives - 7200 rpm versus 5400 rpm?

    Discussion in 'HP' started by evanj76, Oct 13, 2008.

  1. evanj76

    evanj76 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have been struggling with this lately. I am considering getting a dv5t, dv7t, HDX16 or HDX18. However, I have gotten it in my head that, since I want to do lots of video editing, I want to ensure I have a good fast computer. I have heard that 7200rpm hard drives are best for this. Is this correct?

    If so, here is my dilemma:

    The only customizable laptop that has a 7200 rpm hard drive option on hp.com is the dv7t, and it is the most expensive option of 640 GB rpm (2x 320 GB) 7200 rpm.

    All the other options for this notebook, as well as the others mentioned, only offer 5400 rpm options. Should I be able to get, say, a 400 GB 5400 rpm hard drive and still be alright?

    For reference, I am maxing out on everything else (i.e. 2.80 ghz processor, 4GB RAM, 512MB video card, Blue Ray drive, etc.)

    Also, for some reason at the moment the HDX notebooks only offer 3GB RAM. What’s the deal with that?
     
    evanj76, Oct 13, 2008
    #1
  2. Melody

    Melody How's It Made Addict

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    The performance difference between 7200 and 5400 is noticeable, but marginally. It really isn't something you'd absolutely need. It's like saying a USB drive that writes at 12mb/s versus 15mb/s. There IS a difference, but it is really minimal in real life usage.

    Also note that the 7200RPM turns more, therefore has a chance of friction/heating.

    As for the HDX16t, it only offers 8Gb options since I guess HP assumes people will mostly still use 32bit OS and plan on going big for 64bit OS rather than simply getting 4Gb which is the minimum RAM that OS could use.
     
    Melody, Oct 13, 2008
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  3. Meetloaf13

    Meetloaf13 fear the MONKEY!!!

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    If you really want an HD upgrade, consider doing it yourself. You can find awesome deals on 72K drives.

    Just picked up a 2.5" 200GB 72K Hitachi for $48 AR
     
    Meetloaf13, Oct 13, 2008
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  4. evanj76

    evanj76 Notebook Enthusiast

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    How easy is it to install a hard drive into, say, the dv7t?
     
    evanj76, Oct 13, 2008
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  5. kuncheesh

    kuncheesh Notebook Evangelist

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    The speed of a system very much depends on the slowest part (the HDD ) in normal operations. i think the 7k2 hdd will offer considerably increased performance over the 5400 rpm drives as i have found out in my desktop computer
     
    kuncheesh, Oct 13, 2008
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  6. Waveblade

    Waveblade Notebook Deity

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    I wouldn't buy it from HP, and it would be cheaper to buy 2 new HDDs versus getting an "upgrade" from HP since it the price difference makes it obvious to buy it aftermarket.


    Installation shouldn't be too difficult. Think of it as little more complex than putting in plugs into a power strip
     
    Waveblade, Oct 13, 2008
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  7. RealtorKen

    RealtorKen Notebook Consultant

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    Only problem is the Hard Drive Bracket... Its availability has been questionable.
     
    RealtorKen, Oct 13, 2008
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  8. Meetloaf13

    Meetloaf13 fear the MONKEY!!!

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    Keep in mind if you're 5400 HD is high-capacity...say 300GB+ it will likely perform almost up to snuff w/a lot of 7200 drives.
     
    Meetloaf13, Oct 13, 2008
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  9. Richteralan

    Richteralan Notebook Evangelist

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    Yes a 300GB+ 5400rpm is comparable to maybe 150GB 7200rpm
     
    Richteralan, Oct 13, 2008
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