450GB WD Velociraptor $129.99 Newegg Shell Shocker

[bunnyfubbles]

That's pretty hot! According to Camelegg the price started at $270, and has never (previously) been below $150. Note that the 450GB and 600GB models are faster than the 300GB and smaller models, due to higher platter density. For those who need the space (got hundreds of Steam games?) and can't afford $800 to put it all on SSD, this may be a reasonable alternative. Yes, these are still overall faster than any 7200RPM HDD.

Tempting, but I'll hold off on a 600GB VelociRaptor deal.

solved that problem with Z68 and SSD caching

128GB Crucial M4 for OS and more important Apps
64GB Microcenter rebranded ADATA Sandforce SSD ($100) accelerating a Samsung F3 1TB ($50)
3 x 1.5TB 7K3000 drives in RAID0 for video capture

 

[Nintendesert]

I ended up getting a Momentus XT, it's a lot hotter than my previous HDD and it was simple enough moving everything over with Clonezilla. I like it so far, programs are opening faster and I'm getting a lot less frustration with my laptop. Just an FYI for anyone that cares.

 

[Zap]

BACK! With coupon code EMCJKJG39 to make it $130 shipped, exp. 10/19.

 

[allthatisman]

I wish they made a velociraptor for laptops... I never cared for the Momentus XT, and my 128gb SSD is fast, but I could use more space...

 

[CupCak3]

Is the additional performance if this really worth 2x the price of a 500gb WB Black drive? From browsing through the AT article, it was an improvement, but not sure if it was that great of one for me to spend the extra $70.

 

[LOL_Wut_Axel]

Is the additional performance if this really worth 2x the price of a 500gb WB Black drive? From browsing through the AT article, it was an improvement, but not sure if it was that great of one for me to spend the extra $70.

The benefit of these is lower access times and higher random read/write and IO performance. Programs will open quicker, but not as fast as an SSD. Things like games, small files, and installing programs benefit from the better random read/write speeds, too. Again, though, not as fast as an SSD.

Think of it like this: in between a normal 7200RPM HDD and an SSD for a boot drive and games, but closer to the HDD. That said, it also has MUCH higher GB/dollar than an SSD, and 450GB should be enough for everything but your media, which you should put on a storage 5400RPM HDD anyway. Then again, overall performance is still off from an SSD by a considerable margin.

If it'll be your sole drive and you can live with 450GB, it's a good choice.