External Storage Hard Drive Question

FTLOSM

Member
Oct 12, 2002
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I have a usb 2 external storage case and it has a 120 gig in it now but I would like to get a 250 gig as the external case paperwork says supports upto a 250 gig.

I want to stick with a 7200 rpm unit minimum - but wasn't sure if I need / should go with the 8mg cache or 16mg cache considering its just for storage of music and video, not being used for installing programs or main operating systems.

Will a higher cache create more heat?

Will the fact this drive will be put into a usb 2.0 case for external storage eliminate any performance gains of a faster cache?

I never really fully understood how cache memory exactly works except the concept of recently accessed items are stored in the cache memory for faster access if called upon again... (unless I misunderstood) a 16 mg cache 250 gig unit in an external case thru 2.0 usb should provide fast decent storage space, just curious if I should spend the extra to get a 16mg cache or just go 2 or 8 mg cache since its storage mainly.

The case itself has an internal 80mm fan btw, so it should stay somewhat cool, the 120 in there now stays very cool even after hours of use...

Bill
 

corkyg

Elite Member | Peripherals
Super Moderator
Mar 4, 2000
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It won't make more heat - but it does make for slightly better throughput.
 

imported_michaelpatrick33

Platinum Member
Jun 19, 2004
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The performance jump from two megs of cache to eight megs of cache was very noticeable for me but I don't know about the jump from eight to 16.