Question on hdd cache size.

[ingeborgdot]

Seagate came out with a 500gb hdd that has a 32mb cache. How important is cache size? Will it make much of a difference in speed? Would it be more important to have the 32mb cache size on my os hdd or as my video, pics etc. hard drives? Please let me know what you understand about cache size on hdd because I don't for sure.

 

[seemingly random]

Some amount of cache is very useful. However, there is a diminishing return with increasing it. I sure wouldn't pay much extra for it if the only difference is the extra cache.

 

[ingeborgdot]

Seagate has a 2nd generation hdd with 32mb cache for $5 more than their older model.

 

[seemingly random]

What generation are they calling the ones with 16mb? I've never done extensive testing but have read several reviews. At one point, there was a claim of little speed difference between 8 and 16. Similarly not much difference between sata 150 and sata 2 with consumer os's. There is a slightly larger possibility of data corruption if there is a power loss at a critical point with the larger cache.

 

[ingeborgdot]

Well, I have a battery backup so I don't have to worry about a power loss.

 

[seemingly random]

Ok. Wasn't trying to convince against - well not much - but looking for justification. Go for it. I assume you have already searched for reviews on it.

 

[daveybrat]

Who cares, for $5 more, it's a no-brainer. Pick up the 32MB cache version

I would!