I have about 3 PATA 80GB Segate Barracuda IV's and they are totally slient, no noise on idle, and barley audible on seek (it's hard to tell they are on), and that's sitting on the desk right next to my head..
on the other hand, I also have a Seagate Barracuda 7200.7 SATA drive that is MUCH nosier! on idle, every couple hours it will make a accessing noise (when not in use), and seeks are very audible. Seagate changed quite a few things in the change from the 7200.7 series and the V / IV series..
The 7200.7 series lacks the superb 'seashield' as well as the acoustic properties..
on the other hand, the NEW 7200.8 series is rumored to have brought back BOTH characteristics.. so if your looking for a quite drive, get ahold of a V or IV barracuda. If it has to be SATA, you'll be hardpressed to locate a V series SATA drive, as they are VERY popular, and they are no longer being sold at retail.
on the other hand, I also have a Seagate Barracuda 7200.7 SATA drive that is MUCH nosier! on idle, every couple hours it will make a accessing noise (when not in use), and seeks are very audible. Seagate changed quite a few things in the change from the 7200.7 series and the V / IV series..
The 7200.7 series lacks the superb 'seashield' as well as the acoustic properties..
on the other hand, the NEW 7200.8 series is rumored to have brought back BOTH characteristics.. so if your looking for a quite drive, get ahold of a V or IV barracuda. If it has to be SATA, you'll be hardpressed to locate a V series SATA drive, as they are VERY popular, and they are no longer being sold at retail.
