Would I notice a big difference between these 2 HD's ?

[Sforsyth]

just wondering where I'd see the most differences between a 2 MB and 16 MB Cache HD.

Thanks.

 

[AristoV300]

I couldn't really tell a difference between a 8mb and 2mb cache drive. I think the most important thing is the RPM's.

 

[ribbon13]

Chances are yes if its and older gen model. 5400rpm or 7200rpm?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

I haven't tried a 16mb drive, but when I switched from a 2mb to a 8mb I noticed file transfers went a little faster and loading seemed a little peppier.

You'll notice an even bigger difference if the drive you're using is an older model 2mb drive.

EDIT: whoa, that's pretty good for 5:27am central time

 

[Sforsyth]

the one I have now is 120 GB 7200 RPM 2 MB I want a 250 GB 16 MB

 

[ribbon13]

Given that would be Maxtor at this point :thumbsdown: 16MB of cache is diminished returns. Seagate 7200.8 all the way.

 

[ArnoldLayne]

You can't say much from just the cache size. It depends on what you are doing. For just loading a program it wouldn't make any difference because a cache is to speed up multiple accesses to the same data or to prefetch data in some cases. You generally don't get much benefit for larger cache sizes, it is just that RAM is cheaper so manufacturers add more cache. In general I would say hard disk cache size is a minor consideration.

The 250 likely has higher areal density (more data in a given area) which would give it higher transfer rates at the same RPM (faster load times/write times). You can go to storagereview.com and see if they tested both drives.