[SOLVED] Don't know whether to get 256 MB Cache version of HDD that I want or the original 64 MB cache version

realghostbuster

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Jan 18, 2019
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Hi there,

I'm hoping to purchase a new WD Blue 2TB HDD to install in my computer case.

I wanted to purchase a version of the WD Blue that has a 64MB cache here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Blue-Desktop-Hard-Disk-Drive/dp/B013QFRS2S/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1K8B6DNQ0KZHR&keywords=wd+blue+2tb+desktop+hard+disk+drive&qid=1571828272&sprefix=wd+blue+2tb+,aps,131&sr=8-3

But I recently discovered that there is a newer model of this HDD that has a 256MB cache shown here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/WD-Blue-2TB-Hard-Drive/dp/B07JC1TQ7N/ref=dp_ob_title_ce
The 256MB version is about 20 Sterling Pounds(30 USD maybe) more expensive than the older 64MB cache version. My motherboard possesses only SATA II ports not SATA III. I would have to get a SATA III adaptor PCI card for my motherboard to use SATA III speeds for the new HDD. I'm not sure if the cache is related to SATA speeds but I just thought I'd mention it.

Would there be a significant difference in performance between the two models based on what I've described above? Would you recommend that I purchase the newer model or do you think I wouldn't notice much of a difference?

The current boot drive that I have is Seagate Barracuda ST1000DM003, 1TB SATA 3.5" Internal Hard Disk Drive - (6Gb/s, 7200rpm, 64MB Cache
Shown here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seagate-ST1000DM003-inch-Barracuda-Drive/dp/B005T3GRNW

I'm perfectly happy with the speed I can get with the Barracuda as my boot drive and I was hoping to get a supplementary internal 2TB HDD that would operate at the same speed that the Barracuda does.

Any information that could be kindly provided would be much appreciated!


Kind regards,

Brendan
 
Last edited:

realghostbuster

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Jan 18, 2019
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256MB cache is often a sign that the drive is an SMR model.

As for "5400 RPM class", some of these drives actually spin at 7200 RPM, so you can't be sure what you are getting.

A new twist to IntelliPower ?
http://forum.hddguru.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=38333
The Seagate HDD that I just bought on Amazon is shown here:https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07H2RR55Q/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

In your opinion could this be a SMR model? Or does that only pertain to WD HDD's? I'm a bit worried now that I may have been duped into purchasing a SMR model.