2 Hardware questions.

[9Hooker]

Gents,
Two questions:

The two types of drives I currently own.

2x 400GB Barracuda 7200.9 (8MB cache, SATA 3GB)
Average latency 4.16 msec
Random read seek time <8.2 msec
Random write seek time <9.0 msec

1x 36.7GB Raptor (8MB cache, ATA drive with onboard SATA 1.5GB controller, 1st gen)
Average Latency 2.99ms
Average Seek Time 4.5ms
Average Write Time 5.9ms

Choice 1:
1 x Raptor HD + 1 x 400GB drive
OR
2x 400GB in RAID 0 (onboard controller)


Which is faster? Raid 0 data reliabillity is not an issue as everything is stored elsewhere except actual programs.

Choice 2:
BFG 7800GT OC, no HDCP, not direct x10
OR
onboard x1250 video and get something later down the line.

 

[9Hooker]

BTW, This will be the main home computer until a middle of the road i7 package comes out in a year or more.

The wife has a Toshiba lappy with a T5750 which Windows says is as fast as my current processor (socket 939 3800x2).

The parts come from both my old computer and my HTPC which have been replaced by an box360 and tversity.

The monitor is a 24" acer that runs 1920*1080. I would like to game, but I currently do not. My 7800GT and the 3800x2 didn't run Neverwinter Nights 2 very well. I watch video and do photoshop, use Quicken, Office, standard household stuff, etc.

 

[9Hooker]

bump

 

[Denithor]

Hate to break it to you but the wife's lappy is faster than your desktop.

I'd personally take just the 1TB over the old noisy hot Raptor. Raid0 gives virtually no improvements for daily desktop duties so just skip that.

Regarding the video card, 7800GT is stronger than any integrated video. But if you want to game at 19x12 you want at least a 4850 (about $150AR).