Strengths:This is fast, but quite Hard Drive that you are looking for
Weaknesses:Hot ? Yes, but so are the CPU, memory and video card.. I was going to install extra cooling anyway.
Price ? probably. But it's worth it.
Posted Sep 17, 2004 - QUIET:
I was looking for some quite drive, because I got really annoyed by my old systems that I could hear in the office (working) and at home (playing).
Most of the reviews and specs that I read pointed that Seagate made quite drives. And this 200Gb Serial ATA is really good at that.
SPACIOUS:
This one is the largest (Serial ATA) drive from Seagate. I wanted to get this one and so I did. But if _space_ is an issue for you look at Maxtors - they have 250Gb SATA drives. Although, I personally would prefer smaller Seagate - 200Gb should be enough for awhile ;)
PRICE:
At the time when I was shopping for the drive (Labor Day) I saw rebates for another 200Gb Seagate (ATA100) drive. That rebate would bring it to about $60-65. So, I was given a choice to go for the price or for the speed. I felt for the speed :) because I had Serial ATA controller on the motherboard. And I did not regret so far.
FAST:
Oh, yeah! It is fast. Compare ATA100 drives and this Serial ATA one, you can feel the difference right away.
What would you do when you get 200Gb drive ? Well... I would start saving much bigger files than I did before. So, I believe that Serial ATA speed will come handy here.
WOULD I GET ANOTHER ONE ?
Actually, I might. Maybe not right now, but when I play more with this one. I got new motherboard with SerialATA controller and it also allows to build "RAID 0" (don't be afraid of those names, it's easy to configure ;) ) when you have two drives. I think in 6-12 months when price will lower I will get another drive like to add more space to my system and increase performace by using RAID 0.
88% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful , unhelpful, or inappropriate?