8MB cache or 16MB? [Archive]

Hulk

12-05-2005, 05:45 PM

I'm building my first gaming PC, still learning a lot about all of the components. I'd like to how big of a difference there is between 8 and 16MB cache?

And what exactly is the difference?

Hulk

12-05-2005, 05:48 PM

by the way I read the stickie, but I would just like to know if its worth it or not.

unhappy_mage

12-05-2005, 05:54 PM

The difference is 8mb.

The performance difference is not that much by itself, but the fact that a) it's a newer drive and b) it's higher density usually means that drives with 16MB cache do better than older drives. In a 8 vs. 16MB showdown, though, it would be pretty close.

http://www.hardfolding.com/ftag1.php/mem/150072 (http://www.hardfolding.com?go=38&id=150072&tm=33)

Hulk

12-05-2005, 05:56 PM

Heres the thing, I'm looking at WD.

I can get a 250GB 16MB cache HD for $115 or WD 80GB 8MB for $40 from a friend! I dont really need a 250GB HD so it all comes down to the cache...

unhappy_mage

12-05-2005, 06:00 PM

The 250 will be faster, but if you don't need the space it probably won't hurt you all that much. The price per GB is slightly better for the 250, though, so if you might end up becoming a digital media king it's probably a good idea to just get it now.

http://www.hardfolding.com/ftag1.php/mem/150072 (http://www.hardfolding.com?go=38&id=150072&tm=33)

Asian Dub Foundation

12-05-2005, 06:05 PM

if games loading => yes
if massive storage => not gonna make a difference

Hulk

12-05-2005, 06:11 PM

ok thanks for the info guys.

I'm going with the 250GB 16MB HD. The way I see it, is average game these days takes up like 5GB of space and if I have like 10 games thats 50GB right there. I think a 250BG would be just fine.

Bullitt

12-06-2005, 07:57 AM

Heres the thing, I'm looking at WD.

I can get a 250GB 16MB cache HD for $115 or WD 80GB 8MB for $40 from a friend! I dont really need a 250GB HD so it all comes down to the cache...

Famous last words: I dont really need 250gb of space....

Also with the 250GB drive you get a new drive warranty, faster performance, etc etc. To get the 250GB of drives you'd have to find 3 friends to sell you their 80GB drives for $40 apiece = $120.

The 250GB drive is faster not because of the cache but the platter density is higher yielding faster throughput.

The new drive is the way to go. Perhaps not today, but in 6 months.......

If cost is your only factor, why ask us here? We're all going to say get the new product because it performs better and warranties better. :D