Maxtor L01J100 120GB 8MB $79.99 AR @ BB, edit: Only 2MB?

[WraithAkaMrak]

I checked the weekly Best Buy ads for my location online, and they're advertising a Maxtor L01J100, 120GB (packaging saying it's a 100GB drive + 20GB free), with 8MB cache, for $79.99 after rebate(s). Though this may be an actual 120GB drive, I'm not sure. Most references I found online had the L01J100 listed as a 2MB cache drive.

Does this sound like a good drive? I've been thinking of the WD800JB, which goes for like $91. This would be 40 more GB, still 8MB cache, for a little less money.

 

[daclayman]

well, I'll respond

I have both; this drive and the WD800JB. I bought the Maxtor because my WD makes a high pitched whine which drives me batty. The Maxtor is very vocal on seeks and searches but no high pitched whine. If my computer were not 3 feet from my head, I might not hear the WD.

edit: my drive has the 8mb cache - from other posts you're sposed to look for a 4 character code on the capacity/UPC label. One is the 2mb cache, the other is the 8mb. I can't tell you as I sent mine in for a rebate.

 

[WraithAkaMrak]

Would you say the Maxtor is loud , or average? Is there any noticeable performance difference?

I'm not sure how much noise will be a factor, though of course I would like a quiet drive if possible. Right now my Dell Dim4100's case fan is like a hairdryer. I can hear it from almost across the house. And it does sit on top of my desk, probably about the same 3 ft from my head.

 

[ouzome]

I've seen these at BB, and the 100GB + 20GB Maxtors are 2MB. I went with the 120GB 8MB for a little more, and they are now all sold out here in Indy.

 

[WraithAkaMrak]

Well in the print ad (as seen online), it says 8MB. I'm wondering if they're switching from the 2mb to the 8mb version for the L01J100 model number or something. Either way, I would call first and try double check that (since the store is so far away here).

 

[WraithAkaMrak]

Well crap. I just called them and they said there's been a correction and it is only the 2MB buffer. >.< Dangit.

 

[jTek]

Well crap. I just called them and they said there's been a correction and it is only the 2MB buffer. >.< Dangit.

There are 8mb cache ones out there in the 2mb boxes!! You have to really look. I saw 2 out of about a dozen today at my local BB. Some also have a 3 instead of 1 yr warranty. You can tell the difference by looking at the box. I have done this twice in the last few months and it has worked every time. On the box, there is a 4-digit code on the UPC label, on the right side across from the seek time. It runs vertically "downwards" (you'd turn your head to the right to read it).

P6Y3 = 8Mb cache
L6Y3 = 2Mb cache

 

[WraithAkaMrak]

There are 8mb cache ones out there in the 2mb boxes!! You have to really look. I saw 2 out of about a dozen today at my local BB. Some also have a 3 instead of 1 yr warranty. You can tell the difference by looking at the box. I have done this twice in the last few months and it has worked every time. On the box, there is a 4-digit code on the UPC label, on the right side across from the seek time. It runs vertically "downwards" (you'd turn your head to the right to read it).

P6Y3 = 8Mb cache
L6Y3 = 2Mb cache

Thanks. If I get over there (it is a two-hour drive though) I'll have to check the model numbers out. I looked at the Maxtor site earlier and saw they had 3 different 120GB 'DiamondMax Plus 9' models. Their model numbers differed by one letter, either 'L', 'P', or 'M', which would correspond to your numbers there. (Though I don't know what the 'M' model has.)

 

[shenfo]

Noting was better than that WD 120 drive from CC for $10!

 

[trots]

Originally posted by: jTek

There are 8mb cache ones out there in the 2mb boxes!! You have to really look. I saw 2 out of about a dozen today at my local BB. Some also have a 3 instead of 1 yr warranty. You can tell the difference by looking at the box. I have done this twice in the last few months and it has worked every time. On the box, there is a 4-digit code on the UPC label, on the right side across from the seek time. It runs vertically "downwards" (you'd turn your head to the right to read it).

P6Y3 = 8Mb cache
L6Y3 = 2Mb cache

I went to one of the Charlotte, NC BestBuys yesterday (Pineville location), and they had a slew of the P6Y3's on the shelf. I looked at about 10 of the 20 or so there and only saw one L6Y3. I picked a P6Y3 up, though I haven't opened it yet because I want to return it Friday and buy it again with my 10% coupon.

Thanks for the heads-up, jTek!

 

[Bee01]

Originally posted by: jTek

Well crap. I just called them and they said there's been a correction and it is only the 2MB buffer. >.< Dangit.

There are 8mb cache ones out there in the 2mb boxes!! You have to really look. I saw 2 out of about a dozen today at my local BB. Some also have a 3 instead of 1 yr warranty. You can tell the difference by looking at the box. I have done this twice in the last few months and it has worked every time. On the box, there is a 4-digit code on the UPC label, on the right side across from the seek time. It runs vertically "downwards" (you'd turn your head to the right to read it).

P6Y3 = 8Mb cache
L6Y3 = 2Mb cache

Where did you find this information? Is there a utility that can identify the size of your HD cache?

 

[jTek]

Where did you find this information? Is there a utility that can identify the size of your HD cache?

I didn't figure it out, but it was posted here and at FW. However, if you look on the 120 or 80 gig Maxtor hd's that are packaged as 8mb drives, they have the "P" marking on them where the 2mb's do not.

The Maxblast sw that comes with the drive has a utility that will give you drive information.

 

[Budarow]

I went to Best Buy (Westland, MI) and found out the 2MB version was on sale instead of the 8 MB version and that the ad was incorrect.

I got a manager and he sold me the 8MB version for $80 (plus tax and NO rebates).

 

[Muhbush]

Staples has the same model, I tried to PM, but doesn't work me..