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    Best High-Capacity Laptop HDD?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by ElectricTool, May 20, 2010.

  1. ElectricTool

    ElectricTool Notebook Evangelist

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    Hello everyone,
    I own an ASUS G50V-A2 which came with twin 200GB 7200rpm drives but due to my ever-growing game collection (damn you, Steam!), I am looking to swap out the non-OS drive for something bigger. I'm primarily interested in getting 500GB and over but can't seem to decide which drive to get. My primary uses are gaming, music, movies/TV shows, lots of browsing, and some work with MS Office and mathematical packages like MATLAB and Mathematica. I do frequently have lots of apps going at the same time and currently single-boot Windows 7 Enterprise 64-bit off one of the 200GB drives.

    I know that there are no 7200rpm drives above 500GB, and so I would be fine with getting a 5400rpm drive that can outperform the maxxed-out 7200rpm drives. So far, I'm leaning towards the Hitachi 500GB 7200rpm as I've seen NewEgg users complain about the Seagate's reliability issues. Would any of the 640GB/750GB 5400rpm drives do better than the Hitachi?

    Thanks in advance for any help!
     
    ElectricTool, May 20, 2010
    #1
  2. deeastman

    deeastman Notebook Deity

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    The Hitachi 7K500 500GB 7200rpm is currently the fastest 2.5" mechanical HDD available in overall performance. I have no complaints with mine. The 640GB/750GB drives will give you greater capacity of course but you lose performance compared to the Hitachi.
     
    deeastman, May 20, 2010
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  3. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    Another option would be a SSD for the boot drive and the 750GB WD for storage.
     
    ZaZ, May 20, 2010
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  4. Phil

    Phil Retired

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    100% agreed.

    I would recommend installing it as your primary drive though. You don't want the speed go to waste.

    That would be a very fast option.

    Intel G2 80GB is $194 now at Newegg.
     
    Phil, May 21, 2010
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  5. ElectricTool

    ElectricTool Notebook Evangelist

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    Thanks for the responses so far! I did think about getting an SSD but for now, I'm more worried about capacity than raw speed, and the SSD prices aren't wallet-friendly just yet. NewEgg has a $10 mail-in rebate for the Hitachi ($80 after rebate) so I think I'm going to with it, unless anybody has other ideas to share.
     
    ElectricTool, May 21, 2010
    #5
  6. ygohome

    ygohome Notebook Deity

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    yes, get two :)
     
    ygohome, May 21, 2010
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  7. ElectricTool

    ElectricTool Notebook Evangelist

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    1 Hitachi Travelstar 500GB 7200rpm drive on its way! :)

    Also, the price after rebate is $75, not $80 as I previously mentioned. Only until tomorrow!
     
    ElectricTool, May 22, 2010
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  8. Charles P. Jefferies

    Charles P. Jefferies Lead Moderator Super Moderator

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    The Hitachi 7K500 is a fantastic drive. It is very fast for a hard drive, quiet, and produces minimal vibration. I have been using mine for several months without issues. :)

    Congrats on the purchase.
     
    Charles P. Jefferies, May 22, 2010
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  9. laststop311

    laststop311 Notebook Deity

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    Congrats on your purchase. You got a good deal. I am sure you will be happy :)
     
    laststop311, May 23, 2010
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  10. huntnyc

    huntnyc Notebook Evangelist

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    My Hitachi 7K500 running great and thanks to this forum for excellent advice as usual.

    Gary
     
    huntnyc, May 23, 2010
    #10