[Pc_Support] Seagate's new 24x7 rated line is the Barracuda ES ...

[Bryan J. Smith]

Just wanted to drop a line that Seagate's new, 24x7 rated line is the
"Barracuda ES" line, and no longer the "NL35" line.

"Barracuda ES" 24x7 rated drives, like the "NL35" before it, are the
drives from the stock "Barracuda 7200.x" series that test to the best
tolerances and minimal vibrations.  They come off the same line.

I've personally found that Seagate's quality has gone to junk after the
Barracuda 7200.7 series -- about the same time they started outsourcing
the Maxtor (who they more recently merged with).  The 7200.8 has now
bitten me several times, and others (so hearsay/2nd hand) have stated
the 7200.9 has been a bad idea as well.  Can't comment on the 7200.10
series.

So now more than ever, I recommend the "NL35" and "Barracuda ES" lines
instead of the OEM/retail "Barracuda 7200.8+" models.  Of course, you'll
pay up to a +100% premium for them though -- typically +50%.

Hitachi is similar on its T7K rated 24x7 line over their standard
OEM/retail 7K line.

The only reseller that seems to minimize markup of their 24x7 rated line
over the standard OEM/retail is Western Digital.  The Caviar RE[2] is
typically only +20% more than the Caviar SE[2].

I have several of the Western Digital 320GB, 107GB/platter generation of
ATA/SATA in use -- and I implicitly recommend the $120 WD3200SD Caviar
RE because of its price/performance in a 24x7 rated option.  I have not
tested the native SATA/3Gbps "YS" line yet, and bewar of some of the
320GB, but older 80GB/platter ATA/SATA Caviar SE16 drives on the market.

As always, find reviews of the _exact_model_ you are considering.
*NEVER* go on brand name.  You could trust Seagate before 2003 -- but
even they have given into outsourcing.


-- 
Bryan J. Smith          Professional, technical annoyance
mailto:b.j.smith at ieee.org    http://thebs413.blogspot.com
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