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External HD w/ 500gb+, eSATA, and 16mb+ cache?

Forum Storage : Hard Disks - External HD w/ 500gb+, eSATA, and 16mb+ cache?

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I need some help finding an External HD with all of the features in the title: 500 - 750 gigs preferably, 16mb cache (or higher, but 16 is sufficient i would think, just not 8mb), and it has to have eSATA... I havent had much luck finding them bc of the way the most externals are classified on retail sites... I have found a Fantom G-Force 500gb model that has all of these features but i havent gotten any feedback to my thread on Fantom drives so i assume not many people use them.

This drive will be used to store video, audio, pics, and files that will interchange between my laptop (XP Pro) and the desktop im building (Vista Ultimate), if that makes a difference. Also, it has to have eSATA (my case is going to be the CM690 with the eSATA port on top, so it'll be extremely convenient) and unless someone can convince me why i dont need 16+ megs of cache then i want at least 16mb... 8mb seems like it would bottleneck the hell out of a 500gb eSATA drive... Thanks for the input.

------------------------------ Formerly tech savvy, now noob in learning once again.
Spec'ing new PC build for 05/08. Current plan: Q6600, 8800GTS 512mb, CM690.
More to come.

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May I suggest an alternative ?

e-Sata means a short cable (max length 2 meters) and connection to 1 puter ata time. This alternative gives you network access to it from both your desktop and laptop, as well as music players, cameras, game consoles, etc AND you can add a mirror drive.

$399 500 GB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822122020
$499 750 GB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822122021
$679 1 TB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822122022

-Provides extra storage that can be conveniently shared with all your computers. The ReadyNAS Duo is perfect for homes with more than one computer. Unlike a USB drive, the ReadyNAS connects to the network and is simultaneously accessible via all connected Windows or Macintosh computers.
-Access stored content anywhere via the Internet. If there is a broadband Internet connection and a home router, the ReadyNAS can be set up to provide secure access to all the stored files remotely via the Internet.
-Optional “spare” hard drive protects against drive failure by making a duplicate copy of all your data. For added protection of stored data, an optional second hard disk drive can be installed. The spare hard drive will keep an extra copy of all the data and instantly take over if the first hard drive should fail.
-Supports most network music, picture and video players. Advanced media streaming support allows the ReadyNAS to directly serve media, with no PC required, to devices such as the NETGEAR EVA8000, Sonos® Digital Music System, Logitech Squeezebox™, Apple iTunes® clients, Sony Playstation® 3 and Microsoft Xbox 360®.
-Embedded BitTorrent™ client for direct downloading from the Internet. Officially licensed BitTorrent client allows downloading to occur without the need for an additional computer. A Web-based interface facilitates download management from computers, and a special NETGEAR Digital Entertainer interface allows management from the EVA8000.

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to JackNaylorPE

JackNaylorPE wrote :

Thats actually a great suggestion. Albeit viable for my task, it is outside of my price range. Looking more for the sub $130 drive... I wouldn't necessarily call it a temporary solution, but eventually i would upgrade to one of the above products. So, to clarify:

All of the specs in my first post, around the ~$130 price point. Thanks for the suggestion ;-)

- "Broke College Kid"

------------------------------ Formerly tech savvy, now noob in learning once again.
Spec'ing new PC build for 05/08. Current plan: Q6600, 8800GTS 512mb, CM690.
More to come.
Reply to Ajonesfan

Enclosures:

SABRENT EC-ESTS Aluminum 3.5" eSATA External Enclosure - $13.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817366010

Thermaltake EA3006 Aluminum 3.5" Silver eSATA External Enclosure - $24.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817153045

Thermaltake MAX 4 N0003US Aluminum & Plastic 3.5" USB2.0 & eSATA Combo External Enclosure - $31.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817145029

Hard Drive:
Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3500320AS 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive -$104.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822148288

I like the $31.99 Thermaltake option as it gives you the flexibility of both USB2 and eSATA

Now this product is kinda cool but maybe not suitable for a college dorm environment:

http://thermaltakeusa.com/product/ [...] t0005u.asp

Newegg only has the USB version
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] &Tpk=BlacX

Reply to JackNaylorPE

^Agree with Jack.

Buy the hard drive you want, put it in an enclosure.

FYI, I have the Thermaltake MAX linked above and it works quite well.

Reply to rwpritchett

Thanks for the help guys. I think i'll go with the enclosure idea afterall. I was considering it for a while, and then just forgot about it... I really like the Thermaltake docking station style enclosure, but the eSATA version wont be released until May. Looks like i'll snag an enclosure and throw in a:

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F1 HD753LJ 750GB SATA 7200 RPM 32MB Buffer Hard Drive ($113 on ZipZoomfly.com)

How does that sound?

------------------------------ Formerly tech savvy, now noob in learning once again.
Spec'ing new PC build for 05/08. Current plan: Q6600, 8800GTS 512mb, CM690.
More to come.
Reply to Ajonesfan

Depends on your goals:

1. Go w/ a WD 6400 if ultimate speed is your goal....seems it wins about 60% of the speed tests against the F1.

2. If you are concerned about WD reliability (I am, it hasn't had a drive above the 12th percentile since 2003 in storagereview.com's reliability surveys) and willing to sacrifice the 1-2% advantage the WD has in just over half the tests, then grab the F1.

3. If you are more concerned about reliability and want a 5 year warranty, grab the Seagate 7200.11 It's a bit slower than the other two but still way faster than the Raptor.

Reply to JackNaylorPE

Ok, i ordered the Thermaltake MAX enclosure and Samsung drive. With shipping the total is ~$160. Not bad for 750 gigs, 32mb cache, SATA II capable enclosure w/ eSATA and USB... I'll update when i get it all together. Should get everything by friday. Thanks for all the help!

------------------------------ Formerly tech savvy, now noob in learning once again.
Spec'ing new PC build for 05/08. Current plan: Q6600, 8800GTS 512mb, CM690.
More to come.
Reply to Ajonesfan

I have a few of these and like them very much, I think the Egg charges a bit to much for the shipping. They are a very sturdy enclosure.

You can put what ever Sata II drive in it that you wish.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817362002

Reply to bobbknight

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