hard drive speed

Recently I have read conflicting reports regarding 5400rpm vs. 7200rpm hard drives. While there is the position that in the 'real world' the net result (speed wise for the task) in almost, if not all cases of use is negligible there seems to be more opinions that the additional cost and noise is worth it. Opinions?

 

Given all else equal, a 7200rpm is faster. I'm sure it depends upon the applications you run, and how you run them (ie, do you install the video portions of games to your HD) as to whether or not it is worth it. Another consideration, I would assume that the 7200rpm drive would also run hotter, although having two in my system doesn't appear to be causing a problem. I'm sure it ends up at the point of just what link is the hamstring in your system?

 

speed vrs access

I could never go back to 5400rpm (except slave for storage) the 7200 are fast access too & that's the real key even if ya don't have a newer mobo that has ATA/100