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cenutrio · Feb 11, 2004, 02:14 PM

Hi,
I just got a cube and I want to upgrade the HD to a new 120GB, 8MB buffer, 7,200 rpm. I just wonder if you have any brand recommendations. Right now, I'm considering the:

Western Digital Caviar WD1200JB Special Edition 120GB ATA/100 7200RPM Hard Drive w/8MB Buffer

for $91.50.

Any suggestions? does it fit in the Cube? noisy?

Dimensions
Height: 1.028" (max)
Length: 5.787" (max)
Width: ~4.00" Weight: ~1.32 lbs

If you know of any brand/model that you would recommend for its price/noise, and suitability for cubes, please let me know.

I need your advice since I'm a new Cube baby and lack the skills.

Thanks a lot,

Lateralus · Feb 11, 2004, 02:50 PM

Get a Seagate Barracuda if you want to keep your Cube a quiet one. The Barracuda 7200.7 with an 8MB cache buffer is probably the quiestest 7200 RPM mainstream drive right now, and costs about as much as the Western Digital that you are already looking at,

Ambassadeur · Feb 11, 2004, 04:53 PM

I am running the Barracude 7200.7 120gig in my cube and it's quiet and fast. Plus, I only heard/read the best about Seagate Barracudas.
That helped me overcome the fact that my 80gig barracuda broke down completely after 5 months in my cube - but it was replaced under warranty (I even got raised eyebrows from my dealer since he doesn't see a lot of seagates coming back, mostly WD and others as he told me) and I jumped at the chance to upgrade to a 120gig

zigzag · Feb 11, 2004, 08:55 PM

All 3.5" IDE drives should fit. As I see it, the various brands are pretty much equivalent in terms of reliability, but all make an occasional lemon. A good source of info is www.storagereview.com

Ambassadeur · Feb 12, 2004, 04:59 AM

Other pages that might be helpful:
Cube Owner
xlr8yourmac with its extensive drive database and reports

cenutrio · Feb 16, 2004, 03:32 PM

The barracuda just arrived, I'll install it tonight, I'll let you know.

Thanks

cenutrio · Feb 20, 2004, 02:53 PM

OK, after using my upgraded cube for 4 days I can tell you that the Barracuda is extremely quiet and performs super. Very happy indeed.

I may later upgrade the video card and the processor, but so far I'm very happy.

jld · Feb 20, 2004, 05:29 PM

Just bought a cube and a 7200.7 as well! Rock on!

starman · Feb 24, 2004, 12:54 PM

Isn't heat an issue with these drives?

Mike

Vader�s Pinch of Death · Feb 24, 2004, 01:37 PM

Originally posted by starman:
Isn't heat an issue with these drives?

Mike

I had a 60 gig Maxtor 7200 RPM drive in my Cube for 3 years. No problems.

TiDual · Feb 25, 2004, 05:25 AM

Originally posted by cenutrio:
OK, after using my upgraded cube for 4 days I can tell you that the Barracuda is extremely quiet and performs super. Very happy indeed.

I may later upgrade the video card and the processor, but so far I'm very happy.

Upgrading the video card *and* the processor is tricky: adding a fan to the core will not necessarily be enough to handle the added heat.

I did exactly this (a 1.2 GHz sonnet + OEM GeForce, heatsink version, and the 120GB/8MB drive too), and fried the DC and main board after about 20 minutes use. If you go this route, you need to put in a card with it's own fan (or risk disaster). In the end, I gave up on the GeForce and put the rage back in.

Nonetheless, I'm very happy with my cube. It peforms excellently, and doesn't feel slow (despite the fact that my main machine is a 2x2G5).

Enjoy ... I'll never give up my cube!