[UK] - where to buy hard drive, and which one?

[thequicksilver]

I've just got an external Firewire/USB 2 hard drive enclosure off Ebay for a stupidly low price. Now I just need a hard drive to go into it…

So I'm looking for a 3.5" hard drive as large as possible that's normal ATA 100 or 133 (NOT SATA/Serial ATA). The smallest I could possibly go for is 250GB (I'm replacing a 160GB) but I'd prefer a 300GB if possible. Goes without saying that it has to be 7200 RPM.

I've seen a 300GB Seagate Barracuda ATA 100 for £110 in Maplin on the high street, but know this isn't as good a deal as I could probably get elsewhere. Froogle's found me a few that come up in the £100 range after delivery and VAT, but I'm having difficulty stretching to that - £80-90 all in is about my limit. I'm happy shopping on the high street or online, doesn't matter what as long as the price is right.

Can anyone advise? Thanks in advance.

Please note that I'm in England and hence advice for purchases from outside the United Kingdom aren't much use to me.

 

[Piarco]

I've always got my PC components from Overclockers.co.uk or cclonline. Good customer service from both companies, and fast RMA turnaround.
Can't check the prices at the mo as I'm at work - but will edit accordingly
As for makes, I've got a distinct preference for Samsung drives. Not too pricey, and most importantly (especially for external drives) very very quiet.
Second to them would be the Seagate series.
Western Digital may have come along, but I had one of their 80GB drives as an external - and it made a terrible racket. Loud drive access and a constant whine. Only used it when I really had no other choice!
IBM/Hitachi DeathStars are to avoided IMHO. I've had 5 fail. Bad luck? I think not....

 

[thequicksilver]

Thanks for the heads up, but in the end I've found a bargain on Dabs. 250GB Maxtor, 16MB cache, apparently one of the quietest on the market, £67 delivered. Shame it's not 300GB but I'm chuffed that I've got one at this price.

I like the look of both of those stores though so thanks for the info and both are bookmarked.

 

[Piarco]

A 250GB Samsung costs £73 from Overclockers - Samsungs biggest size. The Seagate 300GB is £90, and a 300GB Maxtor is £85...

EDIT: Spooky we posted at the same time! It does look like the quietest HDD's seem to between the Maxtor and the Samsung. I'm sure you'll be happy with the Maxtor though!

 

[shadowmoses]

Thats a very good deal you got on DABS that drive is one of the best on the market at present, Maxtors are really good drives they are quiet and reliable,

SHadow

 

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

You can get the 250 GB Seagate Barracuda for £75 at Komplett or a 320 GB WD Caviar for £92, but I always prefer (and recommned) Barracuds. Excellent disks.