Ultrabay Hard Drive Speed

I currently have a T61, with two hard drives (one primary and then a second one in the ultrabay). I'm planning to upgrade to a T510, and thinking about a SSD drive. I'd wait for the 160GB IBM drives to become available again (which may be a while), so while I wait, one question:

One major use of my computer is photo editing. I store my currently active files on my primary hard drive right now, as it's big enough to hold them. If I move to an SSD drive, then it won't be big enough to hold them. No trouble, it seems, as I can get the 500GB 7200RPM drive for the Ultrabay. I won't get the SSD advantage for the photos, but I'll get it for the operation of the rest of my system (and could keep a subset of really current files on the SSD drive I suppose).

The one thing I'm wondering is: will this result in a slowdown relative to my current system when I'm accessing all of these photos? Does anyone know if a hard drive mounted through the ultrabay delivers data more slowly than the same hard drive mounted in the primary drive slot?

Thanks

 

You're probably wondering whether ultrabay is as slow as an external via USB or something like that. No. It is connected via SATA (let's ignore the 1.5Gb vs 3.0Gb issue) and the connection is as fast as the primary.

SSD as primary + 500G 7200rpm in the ultrabay is the right thing to do for your usage pattern.

 

The Ultrabay interface will NOT slow down an HDD. Your 500GB 7200RPM drive will be just as fast in the 2.5" bay or Ultrabay w/ adapter.

However, I question the need for a 160GB SSD. If you are pairing the SSD with a 500GB HDD I would think a 60-80GB SSD should be more than adequate (and about half the cost). I recommend you just get an 80GB Intel x-25M G2 or a 60GB OCZ Vertex (Indillix Controller) and call it a day.

 

My T500 has 60GB SSD. I am considering a 320-500 GB HD for backup and data storage. Would you please be able to explain pros and cons of the 3 options: (1) ultra bay w/ adapter; (2) Advanced Dock ultra bay; and (3) external HD?

 

Have to considered a Corsair 256-gb SSD drive? That's what I have and I very much recommend it.
Renee

 

1) Fast (SATA). Built into the system and runs off battery. Costs slightly more (requires Ultrabay adapter and extra set of rubber rails). Lose the optical drive.

2) Fast (SATA). Automatically detected when docked. Costs the most (dock, ultrabay adapter, rubber rails). Only available when docked (needs extra power).

3) Slower (USB 2.0). Can be used with any system. Inexpensive (especially if 3.5" form factor). May require 2x USB and/or AC adapter (especially if 3.5"). Not built into the laptop.


Overall, if you don't need the optical that much and want the extra space available on the go, I'd go for option 1. Else, option 3 makes the most sense (cheap 3.5" drive if you leave it at home, USB powered 2.5" drive if you take it with you). I'd also probably go with a 5400RPM drive (cheaper, cooler, quieter) unless you have a particular need for additional performance.

 

If I buy Ultrabay, rubber rails come with the bay? Does the Ultrabay HD option involve much assembly work? Any recommendation for good/reliable 5400RPM external HD (1 TB) for option 3, please?