How much difference does HDD cache size make?

[PopUpPirate]

I've got 2 options I'm looking at :

http://www.planetmicro.co.uk/product...ckcode=M001993
http://www.planetmicro.co.uk/product...ckcode=M003584

120GB 8MB Cache vs 160GB 2MB Cache
Cost difference negligible, about £1.

How much difference will the 8MB vs 2MB Cache make?

Thanks.

[mike_w]

Go for the 8MB version - I think it makes a fair bit of difference (worth the few extra pounds the 8MB versions normally costs over the 2MB version.)

[LayZeh]

I'd get the 160GB disk, for £1 you're getting 40GB more, screw the cache are you using it as a primary disk or just to store data, either way i'd still probably go for the additional space.

[ajbrun]

Well, I'm sure when I changed my hard drive, and got one with an 8MB cache, stuff loaded quicker. I'm sure it's noticable, and personally, I wouldn't consider a 2MB cache over an 8MB.

[Dorza]

Cache can have a big difference on a drive speed when used for routine or repetitive data transfer but really cache wont change the maximum transfer rate at which a drive can sustain. Gor for the higher capacity if storage is important.

[Sk!mD4Rk]

^^^ what he said.

Large cache HD for your OS/DATA drive will be noticably quicker than a cache starved one.

[PopUpPirate]

Great thanks for that, will go for the 8MB cache I think, with an 80GB drive ALSO in I should have plenty storage really!

Thanks all!