16 mb HDD cache worth it?

[the_binary_soul]

Hey

I'm trying to finish up building my computer and I am looking at harddrives. I was wondering if I should bother forking out the extra money for a Maxtor or something else with a 16mb cache instead of an 8.

If I go for the 16, it means that I will have to wait several more months before I buy a second harddrive.

I am only an amature, am I going to notice the difference in music production?

[DJboutit]

Form what I am hearing HDs with cache is a waste it does not really help out and it is like a extra $10 to $25.

[howie15]

Binary,

I wouldn't worry about the 16MB cache. I use a WD 200 GB external Firewire drive that has an 8 MB cache with my powerbook and 002r. I have streamed multiple tracks at 24 bit, 44.1 kHz for lengthy periods with no problems. Longest recording stretch without stopping was 77 minutes with 4 tracks @ 24/44.1 Never skipped a beat. If you're not doing major multitracking at high resolution, the 8MB will be fine.

Howie J.

[the_binary_soul]

ok, thanks alot, I'm going for the normal 8mb cache.

[samigascon]

****... did you tested that???...

Using a Western Digital 200 Gb ATA133 with 8 Mb and a Maxtor 300GB SATA 16 Mb cache... the transfer rate is near the DOUBLE than the western digital... about 78 Mb/s (real, like my SCSI 320 harddisks)

[RGD]

Originally posted by samigascon
****... did you tested that???...

Using a Western Digital 200 Gb ATA133 with 8 Mb and a Maxtor 300GB SATA 16 Mb cache... the transfer rate is near the DOUBLE than the western digital... about 78 Mb/s (real, like my SCSI 320 harddisks)

That's nice, the next time I need more than 100 tracks I'll remember that. I think the point here is that he said he'd have to wait several months before he can buy a second hard drive if he goes with the 16 MB cache. It's simply not necessary for him to wait and pay more for extra drive performance he'll probably never need.
RD

[the_binary_soul]

yes, I am still in debt from this computer so the 16mb cache wouldn't have been an option anyways. That said I am perfectly happy with the 8mb cache, since I'm not really pushing its limits