Does NCQ actually make a difference?

[HoldenMan]

Just wondering...is NCQ worth it for a home user, single PC (some photoshop and gaming use, AMD x2 3800)?

I'm comparing the 250GD WD 16MB drive with the new 200GB Seagate 16MB NCQ drive. (storage review only reviews the 8MB on I think)

Having trouble finding direct comparisons, or a straight answer as to whether or not NCQ is really beneficial or not.

Both drives are the same price

 

[Bobthelost]

NCQ does make a difference, but it's not a good one. NCQ hurts single user performance. Storage review do have a review up of the 250GB 7200.9 drives, the 200GB one will be a touch slower but it's a good guide.

Edit, as DBSX says quite rightly you can just turn NCQ off. I don't feel the need to boost my post count so i thought an edit would make more sense.

 

[DBSX]

If they are the same price I'd get the larger one and disable NCQ. As was said above, NCQ usually hurts single user performance.

\Dan

 

[RichUK]

NCQ is more beneficial for the server environment. For basic home use it wont help in performance.

 

[Ike0069]

Originally posted by: RichUK
NCQ is more beneficial for the server environment. For basic home use it wont help in performance.

QFT

 

[BFG10K]

As has been mentioned NCQ tends to hinder single user performance rather than improving it.

 

[t3h l337 n3wb]

Get the Western Digital. It has more space.