What is the best 10,000rpm U2SCSI HDD?

[Dominus]

I'd like to know of any experience you may have had with 10,000rpm U2SCSI HDDs, the best size/price ratio and what PCI bus speeds that they can handle (or if this is a factor at all, this would be my first SCSI purchase)

I'm hoping to find one that has a 12 GB+ capacity and is ROCK SOLID STABLE at PCI bus frequencies ranging from 31 to 37 mhz. Thanks.

I've heard good things about Seagate Cheetah IIs @ 18GB, but I'd take stock in opinions from expreience more than reviews.

[relativitymc2]

Well I have 2 Seagate Cheetahs 18GB RAID 0 and they fly. My case is bolted to a 36" deep reinforced concrete slab, hehe. No seriously I love Seagate SCSI drives I've had several. I must admit IBM makes a top notch one in their 9LZX, but I'll stick with the fastest the new Seagate ST318203LW. What will you use this system for, because if you aren't runnin the apps then you wont notice the difference.

[LED]

I can only lead you to one review which state that the new Quantums are Now Better than the Cheetahs http://www.storagereview.com/

[MadMax]

I'll have to see it to believe it. IBM blows loudly about how THEY beat seagate but my own eyes have seen that those claims are crapola (close but no cigarette, expensive people). Cheetah is the ultimate pc hard disk right now. The ONLY drawback to these drives that can't really be controlled (in a workstation)is noise. My own experience with seagate drives and out of spec bus freqs says that the controller is much more problematic than the disks are. It's been the problem I've had every time. It's never been the disk. Get a good controller (I like the Adaptec 3950U2) and you'll be alright.

[This message has been edited by MadMax (edited 06-08-99).]

[Bleeding Edge]

I'd also invest in a good LVD cable. At the very least, get the braided one from Adaptec [ACK-68I-U2W CBL KIT]. I've seen these as low as $80. You can get better ones elsewhere. They cost much more.

[This message has been edited by Bleeding Edge (edited 06-09-99).]

[seti]

Quantum makes the fastest drive right now, according to storage review anyhow(see link up a few). The Quantum Atlas 10k QM318200TN-LW 18.2G. I've read it's about 10% faster on average than the Cheetah 18LP.

[Dominus]

Thanks alot for the info. I think I'll invest in a 18GB Seagate Cheetah II. The reason I need such a fast drive is because I do a lot of video editing, and other intense apps.

Plus, the old maxtor is on it's last legs, and I was looking for a good replacement.

Anyone know what PCI bus frequencies that the Seagate Cheetah II will handle?

[RyanVM]

Another thing about the Quantum 10k. In doing a PriceWatch search, it had a cost of about $30 less compared to the Seagate. So, let's look at the specs. The Quantum has less noise, produces less heat, costs less, and performs faster than the Cheetah. And the winner is...?

Ryan

[relativitymc2]

Yeah, I read the MaxPC review on the Quantum Atlas IV 160MB/Sec. It would appear from this review and benchmarks that it is indeed faster (substanially), quieter and doesn't run as hot. Is it as reliable as IBM or Seagate? I don't know. I don't hold benchmarks on a pedestal like most, I buy the **** product and test it myself. I will buy a Quantum and see for myself. For now the fastest most reliable SCSI 10,000 HD for me is the Cheetah.

[relativitymc2]

RyanVM,

I am wondering, do you own this drive? I like when people own the product and write a review. I hate mag. reviews and I give them little credibility. They peak my interests and make me investigate on my own. I will be purchasing this drive soon and I am hoping I come to the same conclusion as the online reviews. Plus Quantum hasn't been known for very reliable SCSI drives.

[Dominus]

**** straight. I was hoping for actual experience from drive owners, not articles. I've read all the reviews, but the reviewers could've been paid off or something. Thats why I was hoping for some real opinions before spending $1000 on a HDD.

[RyanVM]

No, I don't own the drive. I'm going off of what I've read on the StorageReview. However, I do have a friend who's ordering it as I type this message, and I'll be sure to pass along any praise/problems related to the drive.

Ryan