Aperture Users: HD speed 7200 -vs.-5400?

[jlanuez]

I'm ready to order the 17" C2D MBP but am wondering which HD to order now that we have three choices.

I was told originally (with v.1 of Aperture) that I really neeed the 7200RPM drive (100GB) but now I am planning on keeping my RAW photo images on an EXERNAL "G-Drive" (which is FW800, 100GB @ 7200RPM).

So my question is - Can I spec the slower (5400RPM) drive to get more space (160GB) witout sacrificing any of this machine's performance?

 

[Bill Gates]

The 5400RPM drive is actually faster because of its higher density due to PMR. It's a no-brainer.

 

[jlanuez]

RE: 5400RPM faster than 7200RPM???

The 5400RPM drive is actually faster because of its higher density due to PMR. It's a no-brainer.

Really? What is PMR?

 

[Bill Gates]

Really? What is PMR?

Perpendicular Magnetic Recording. It allows for the storage of more data in the same space, because it stores the data perpendicularly as well as longitudinally. Even though the read heads make fewer passes due to the lower rotational speed, they pass over more data due to the higher density. Here is a comparison between a standard 7200RPM drive vs a PMR 5400RPM drive, as well as a 4200RPM PMR drive: http://techgage.com/article/toshiba_200gb_4200rpm_25_hard_drive/2

Edit: By the way, I love your website.

 

[jlanuez]

Re: Pmr

Thanks for the compliment on my website!!! That was nice.

The article is very tech. for me. How do we know the 160GB Apple drive that is offered is PMR?

 

[Bill Gates]

Thanks for the compliment on my website!!! That was nice.

The article is very tech. for me. How do we know the 160GB Apple drive that is offered is PMR?

There are only 2 160GB 5400RPM laptop drives made, by Seagate and Hitachi. Both companies state that their drive is PMR.

Edit: Western Digital and perhaps others make 160GB PMR drives.

 

[jlanuez]

RE: 200GB drive?

Why would someone consider the "slower" 200GB drive? (except for the obvious added 40GB)

 

[Bill Gates]

Why would someone consider the "slower" 200GB drive? (except for the obvious added 40GB)

I think you answered your own question.

 

[faustfire]

Perpendicular Magnetic Recording. It allows for the storage of more data in the same space, because it stores the data perpendicularly as well as longitudinally. Even though the read heads make fewer passes due to the lower rotational speed, they pass over more data due to the higher density. Here is a comparison between a standard 7200RPM drive vs a PMR 5400RPM drive, as well as a 4200RPM PMR drive: http://techgage.com/article/toshiba_200gb_4200rpm_25_hard_drive/2

Edit: By the way, I love your website.

Ditto on the web site. I also think your ipod proof option is really cool and innovative, you should be in marketing.

 

[Bill Gates]

Ditto on the web site. I also think your ipod proof option is really cool and innovative, you should be in marketing.

edit

 

[Roba]

I am not convinced about the 160GB 5,400RPM drive being faster.
This is what Apple state on their website under the 17 inch configuration option for hard drives.

Choose the standard 160GB 5400-rpm drive if you want to store and edit hours of videos, as well as thousands of songs and photos.
When performance is your top priority, upgrade to the 100GB 7200-rpm drive. The faster speed of the hard drive gives you faster data retrieval and increased performance.
When capacity is your top priority, max out your MacBook Pro with a 200GB 4200-rpm drive.

 

[Bill Gates]

I am not convinced about the 160GB 5,400RPM drive being faster.
This is what Apple state on their website under the 17 inch configuration option for hard drives.

Choose the standard 160GB 5400-rpm drive if you want to store and edit hours of videos, as well as thousands of songs and photos.
When performance is your top priority, upgrade to the 100GB 7200-rpm drive. The faster speed of the hard drive gives you faster data retrieval and increased performance.
When capacity is your top priority, max out your MacBook Pro with a 200GB 4200-rpm drive.

They're just following the common mentality that more RPM = faster. This is not the case with this drive.

 

[jlanuez]

RE: websute

Ditto on the web site. I also think your ipod proof option is really cool and innovative, you should be in marketing.

Thanks, glad to hear people like my website!

 

[jlanuez]

RE: website

Ditto on the web site. I also think your ipod proof option is really cool and innovative, you should be in marketing.

Thanks, glad to hear people like my website!

 

[jlanuez]

Comments on HD speed 5400 vs. 7200 RPM?

Anyone else care to comment before I place my (re)order?

 

[mleary]

Anyone else care to comment before I place my (re)order?

The 160GB is so popular on here for a reason, go for it...

 

[vgoklani]

are there any more websites that make similar comparisons? That particular reference isn't too conclusive.