8mb cache vs 4mb cache

[Retardo]

I have a Maxtor 120gb HD w/ 4mb cache right now in my computer. I also have a 80gb Wester Digital HD w/ 8mb cache. Would I see any performance increase if I switch the 2 out? They both use IDE cables and I only use about 20gb tops. I dont want to put both HD in b/c i dont have enuff cables too so...either the Maxtor or WD.

 

[Retro Rex]

Retardo, your HD has 2 meg cache.

sorry that was funny to me.

 

[Retardo]

really? how u kno? ahahah...if so...than would the 80gb b better than the 120?

 

[Ice Czar]

it really depends on what the access is, a 2mb is fine for a "storage" HDD, but for something that is getting alot of access (OS swapfile ect) an 8mb will improve that

How much faster is a drive with 8 MB of buffer than an otherwise identical 2 MB buffer model?

 

[Retardo]

is there a way u can check how many cache ur HD has instead of uplugging it and takin it out of the case?

 

[Retardo]

isnt that the cache?

 

[Retardo]

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid103/p35180615170b8fc054fe291e7bb14da7/f9a73276.jpg.orig.jpg

 

[Ice Czar]

no

its a message from your image host

easier to just post the HDD model #

 

[dewhite]

Originally posted by Ice Czar
no

its a message from your image host

easier to just post the HDD model #

Which, of course, you can still get in software - with no case disassembly and no screwdriver.

 

[Retro Rex]

Dude, we are saying it is 2mb because 90% of HD's have 2 meg caches, and 10% have 8 meg.

Edit: Talking about IDE drives here yes.

 

[NightRaven]

Excluding SCSI drives of course, for which I've seen many different cache sizes.