Worth the Upgrade - 8MB Cache
 

Well I decided to get a new HD last week. This was to replace my 40GB system drive. To my suprise I found that Western Digital makes a 40GB with 8MB cache. I paid about $90 for the drive at a local shop (www.5oclockcomputers.com). I could've gotten a 60GB or another 80GB (already have one 80GB SE for storage). But I didn't see the need. Anyhow, on with the results.

PCMark Scores.
Benchmark Prior
Benchmark After

Note the HDD score. Quite an improvement. Unlike a site that claimed a higher 3D Mark Score, mine did not improve (not that I expected it to). You will also note that that is Windows 2000 vs. XP Pro. Windows 2000 does yield higher benchmarks. I have proved this myself after upgrading. XP Pro (even after being de-gayed) still doesn't yield the higher results.

Just thought I'd share that with you all. Just in case you're in need of an upgrade. It is worth the extra few dollars to get the 8MB cache version.

Yeah, I'm using the WD 80GB with 8MB cache. Very nice, quiet, and fast HDD.

maxtor 40gb 7200 rpm pcmark: 250
WD 80gb SE pcmark: 1140

gave me around 90 3dmarks (less than 1% of 14,133)

overall i figure if you are getting a new drive anyways its worth it. but not if you are just trading size for size looking for speed.

there is some speed improvement but its not exactly breakthrough.

Well the HD score is what counts. The 3DMark score is really more based on the vid card & processor.

What type of connection are you using, ATA66/100/133? Is DMA on in your device manager?

ATA/100 and yes DMA is on.