It seems like ages have passed since we tested internal HDD, so we decided to introduce you one hard disk. Full name of this model, WD Caviar SE16 6400AAKS-00A7B0 reveals to eagle-eye so many things. This HDD has 16MB cache memory and 640GB capacity. Connection with motherboard is accomplished through SATA2 standard.
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Most users are irritated with noise that their computer makes. Therefore, we can find on the market numerous “silent” solutions that will solve that particular problem. Yet, there is always “BUT”. With summer heats on the way it is just impossible to cool your processor with passive cooler. But, Cooler Master has a solution even to this problem.
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Since the number of motherboards based on AMD 780G chipset gets bigger and bigger, we decided to compare them forthright and to identify possible differences. Popularity of this chipset is shown in accessibility of motherboard based on it, superb integrated graphics and few more useful options. This kind of systems are great for multimedia computers because 780G will provide for this type of machines enough performances and of course, like any ATi, good display of colors.
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We get used to test fast RAM memories from Kingston Company. Hyper X brand was, until now, associated with fastest RAM modules. Still, Kingston decided to utilize this very recognisable brand on other Kingston products. So, thanks to that we were introduced to Kingston DataTravel HyperX USB flash memory. Of course, right from the start, we figured that we got one very fast device (brand name can tell you a lot), but we couldn’t know, how fast...
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Radeon HD4800 series of graphics cards is real refreshment in these days. Every new generation of GPU brought a big shift in performances and ATi this time showed us that top model graphics chip (RV770) doesn’t have to be expensive. Based on experience from previous HD3850 and HD3870 models, we expected that new model HD4870 will dominate in middle-high class, with lower price and higher performances than other competitors. But, we were wrong… Tests showed something quite unexpected. Still, before benchmark results let’s see what new GPU offers.
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In the beginning, basic idea for external hard disks was a device: small as much as possible, preferably not requiring additional supply. At that time we tested few this devices which mainly used 2.5“ inch hard disks, capacity up to 20-or so GB, whose supplying source was directly from USB 2.0 port. Now, these devices are called „pocket hard disks“ on the market, while name „external“ is reserved for large capacity devices, whose primarily goal is to as close as possible to standard disks, in terms of performances. That is the origin of idea on external SerialATA connection, which already started to be inbuilt in some more expensive models of motherboards by some manufacturers. The idea is quite simple; so it the goal – to provide maximal performances of external hard disk. Beside classical USB / Firewire models, this time we had an opportunity to test one ExternalSATA (eSATA) devices, and to try its functioning in practice.
Seagate eSATA is basically the same device, i.e. USB 2.0 / Firewire equivalent, which we also tested on this occasion. Here we found what is in our opinion first fault of Seagate device. Namely, eSATA model has only this type of connection, meaning if external SerialATA port is not available on the board, connection of this disk is not going to happen. Given external and standard SerialATA connectors are not the same, there is also no possibility of direct connecting onto the board. Of course, Seagate had in mind lack of external SerialATA connector for buyers, so PCI eSATA controller is given in package.
Although, according to specification this is SerialATA II disk and controller, due to usage of PCI slot, data flow is limited to around 110 MB/s. But, bottom line is the fact than once Segate eSATA hard disk is connected, performances, absolutely on level of standard Serial ATA disk are obtained. With 16 MB of cash memory and rotation speed of 7200 rotations per minute, this is quite expected result, so, according performances, this is the fastest external hard disk we has an opportunity of testing.
Other two models we tried out are already standard USB 2.0 / Firewire models. Seagate version looks exactly identical as eSATA, they both use the same adapter and have physical identical appearance. The only difference is in offered capacity. We had biggest model of 750 GB capacity, with 16 MB cash memory and rotation speed of 7200 rotations per minute. Other very similar device is product coming from Freecom Company, with almost identical specification. The only difference is in capacity and cash memory, so this model has 400 GB disk with 8 MB cash, of course with rotation speed of 7200 rotations per minute.
Type of connection is also the same, with mandatory usage of power adapter. Given those devices have 1394a and USB 2.0 interface we tested operation speed under both systems. According to standard specifications, USB 2.0 connection proved to be slightly faster. Still, the thing that cannot be measured, can se sensed during actual operation. So if you are having several USB 2.0 devices connected to motherboard, certain degree of jamming and slowing can be sensed, while with connection through 1394a interface this problem is almost gone. Simply, in these cases firewire controller has no other assigns, while USB 2.0 controller has to manage other devices. Because of this fact, in case you are using several USB devices, we recommend connection of external hard disks through firewire controller, although nominal performances are slightly poorer, as you can see from given charts.
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