Purchasing HDD: 320GB vs 500GB

[emzino]

Hi all.

I know the topic title isn't well worded but I'm finding it hard to describe my question.

As you know, RAM goes in certain multiples. As does HDD's, until they introduced whole numbered HDD's such as 500GB, 750GB etc. But aren't these less efficient than those that have more storage space in accordance of natural progression i.e. 320GB > 640GB etc.

So my question is, would a 320GB HDD perform better than a 500GB? Am I likely to notice any performance or lifetime increases if I get one over the other?

I hope my question is clear and sorry for any question.

Thanks

[Nagisan]

Performance has nothing to do with the size of a HDD, a 320 HDD will be roughly the same speed as a 500. When looking for HDDs, compare the rotational speed and other potential technology, if both use the same rotational speed and technology, they will be the same speed regardless of size.

[Roger H. Veteran]

Without specifics if both drives were equal other than size then the 500 would be better because of higher aerial density. If one is 5400RPM and the other is 7200RPM then the latter would be faster in that case. You may not notice any difference between either also. As for me i'd get the 320 (or even lower) as i don't need local storage that much (server has all the HDDs) but my GF would definitely get that 500GB!

[BillyJack]

Hard drives have the platter/disc in them and can have more than one in which case the MB is divided between them. I am not sure if it is ever even or not. But when your data is written to and from the platter closer to the center it is faster because the HD does not have to wait that long between the revolutions of the platter. As you get closer to the outer edge of the platter the HD gets slower. Most people would not care or ever think about how it affects performance. Does it matter? It is probably up to you. I would not care. But technical speaking since the closer to the center is faster if you buy a hard drive that has platters with a smaller diameter then you should have better performance compared to a drive that has larger diameters for the platters. If you never read or write data to those portions then it would not really matter any way.

Like I said this is getting really picky. But to answer your question. Based on what I said, yes it can make a difference.

If the platter diameters are the same then either some of the platter is not used on the smaller drive or the density is different. If it is different then you think the lesser density would be more fail safe.

I would not worry about it. If they cost the same then get the larger drive. If they are priced different then go with what you want to spend.

[chconline Veteran]

A larger hard drive may have higher density platters, so if you're looking for speed, a larger drive should be a better choice. In other words, it becomes more 'efficient' as higher the capacity goes. (And you will save money in not needing to upgrade so quickly :p )

[emzino]

Many thanks everyone. It's cleared things up for me nicely.

Thanks again.