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User profile for user: jacoblisbygd
jacoblisbygd Author
User level: Level 1
0 points

HDD 5400 vs 7200 RPM

Hi everyone,
I'm new here, however, not new to mac's. With todays update I am about to let my iBook G4 retire and get a brand new MBP. I have decided for the model, only one question remains:

*Should i go for the 7200 RPM HDD instead of the standard 5400 RPM?* The size is the same (320GB) and the price doesn't mater, my worries are if it will affect battery life in any way, produce more heat or be more noisy with the 7200 compared to the standard 5400?

What is the difference? (Speed, i know 😉 ) But, will i be able to notice the difference? Anyone have any benchmarks?
I have chosen to go Pro for the graphics as I would like to edit HD video and pictures, will a faster HDD make a significant difference? What's your experience?

I truly appreciate any help - thanks in advance!
BR, Jacob, Denmark

iBook G4, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Oct 14, 2008 2:02 PM

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User profile for user: Kappy
Kappy
User level: Level 10
361,741 points

Posted on Oct 14, 2008 2:48 PM

There is no significant difference in power consumption except at idle, but the difference then is not great. If you need speed over power conservation then go for the faster 7200 RPM drive - and get a drive with a 16 MB cache also for better performance.

Heat is not a factor, but unfortunately some drives may be noisier than others. You can look for reviews at Bare Feats, Storage Review, and Tom's Hardware Reviews.
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User profile for user: Panny1
Panny1
User level: Level 1
14 points

Oct 14, 2008 8:08 PM in response to LukeD

I don't think I'll be running outlook... and I don't think I'll ever be taking Microsoft's advise 🙂
They'd advise me not to get a MacBook Pro!

Do like the point of being able to change the Hard Drive easily so not as stressed to make the right choice, thanks. Still wish it was more obvious as to what's the best drive.
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User profile for user: LukeD
LukeD
User level: Level 4
3,144 points

Oct 14, 2008 8:57 PM in response to Network 23

Network 23 wrote:
LukeD wrote:
I have to add that it is amazing that we can now easily swap out the hard drive and go between HDD, SSD, or a larger HDD.


I've been waiting years for an easy-swap MacBook Pro drive bay...



I too have been waiting patiently for a swappable hard drive bay. I cannot wait to upgrade!
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User profile for user: ktraver
ktraver
User level: Level 1
0 points

Oct 15, 2008 3:06 AM in response to LukeD

I am intending on using the new MBP for alot of editing with Aperture and Final Cut. I do plan on getting the 2.8ghz upgrade to help with overall performance. I am stuck between the 250gb 7200rpm HDD and the 128GB Solid State Drive . Size isn't such an issue for me since I have a few external hard drives. However, for the price upgrade ($550) I could purchase a pretty nice camera lens.

For the video editing portion of my work I would simply bring all the project files to my laptop hard drive(whichever I decide on) to do the work - so I do not always have to be connected to my external hard drive.

Is the SDD really worth the extra cash? Should I just save the money now and wait until the prices drop and then swap out the HDD for an SDD later since it is so easy to do on the new MBPs?
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HDD 5400 vs 7200 RPM

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