Maxtor DM60 replaced with DM80, observations

[Leo V]

My 60GB Maxtor DM60 (5400RMP quiet disk) went bad and I used Maxtor's warranty. However, the replacement I've just received from Maxtor is actually a 60GB DM80 disk. The difference is simple:

DM60/60GB = 15GB/platter = 4 platters
DM80/60GB = 20GB/platter = 3 platters and theoretically higher transfer rates and less heat/power. A tiny step forward for mankind.

I've just put the DM80 into my "miniserver" and went through a Mandrake Linux installation (my server is finally hardware-complete!) The noise levels on the DM80 are very similar to the DM60. 90% of the noise comes from spinning whine, and the seeks are barely audible over that noise, unless your head is next to the disk. I now realise that even this disk could benefit from a SilentDrive silencing enclosure (alas my booksize case won't accomodate that). In a quiet room, its acoustics certainly arent flawless even if great. I'll report back with noise impressions after I close the case.

Does anyone know if Maxtor ships their disks in "quiet mode" these days?

 

[JellyBaby]

Leo,

Western Digital actually replaced one of my bad drives in the same manner. I was happy with the higher density unit.

<< A tiny step forward for mankind. >>

Given your icon, are you certain you want to retain that sexist mark?

IMO HD noise is the easiest to live with -- it's not constant like a fan. I would be very surprised to learn of any drive company defaulting their units to &quot;quiet mode&quot;. Performance sells more than acoustics (except of course here at AT where we want both).

 

[bonkers325]

damn time to brake some drives and do a rma

 

[Leo V]

In the past, I had even better luck: Compaq OEM Quantum Bigfoot exchanged for Quantum Fireball 2.5GB. But nothing quite as good as Quantum KA 13.6GB exchanged for $107 (no replacements in stock)! I've gotta be more careful with my disks

Yes soccerman [edit:] *AHEM* JellyBaby, we ought to ban figurative speech so people can't express themselves in potentially offensive ways!

 

[Taz4158]

<< Does anyone know if Maxtor ships their disks in &quot;quiet mode&quot; these days? >>


Yes. Run the config utility from their site to turn it off.

 

[Stephen24]

Maxtor replaced my old 10gig drive with a newer version. It was faster, cooler and quieter. I was very happy.

 

[JellyBaby]

<< Yes soccerman, we ought to ban figurative speech >>

Leo, I like soccer but I am no soccerman. He's a totally different fellow but with a good taste in icons.

<< Yes. Run the config utility from their site to turn it off. >>

Taz4158, really? I'm not up on Maxtor's utility but I thought all &quot;quiet&quot; hacks reduced performance? That really surprises me.

 

[Leo V]

arg, I'm sorry JellyBaby ... I was typing from a different computer and took 10 seconds to type my response. Yes, I didn't even read the name below your icon!

 

[Leo V]

JellyBaby, from Maxtor's website (was gonna type Matrox :Q):

&quot;/off - Turns Acoustic Management off, the drive operates at normal acoustic levels
/quiet - Quietest seeks, the speed of the seek operation is reduced to its lowest level to provide the quietest operations, this level has the most impact on drive performance.
/fast - Fastest seeks, the speed of the seek operation is reduced to provide quieter operation with the least amount of impact on the drive performance.&quot;

It's a tradeoff between seek times and seek noise.

 

[Leo V]

http://www.maxtor.com/products/diamondmax/techsupport/technicalprocedures/21007.html