Which disk to buy?

[Arthur Stine]

>From article <26C0DD8D.22566 at orion.oac.uci.edu>, by roode at anansi.acs.uci.edu (Dana Roode):
> 
> We are setting a group of high-speed workstations (perhaps DECsystem
> 5000s) that will be running very large 3d visualization packages and
> codes.  We anticipate lots of memory and paging activity.  We are
> thinking of buying a good amount of RAM (32mb) on each system, and
> giving each a local swapping/temporary storage disk.
> 
> We want about 200-300mb disks - what do people feel is a good performing,
> reliable, reasonably priced SCSI disk?  What we are familar with
> and/or have good access to include CDC Wren IV's, MaxTor LXT200s's,
> and the DEC RZ55.  Transfer rates on each seem quite similar, but
> the DEC disk seems to have a slower seek/access time than the other
> two.  Given that a paging disk will jump around alot, this seems
> important.

If you are looking for some fast disks in the 300MB range, look into the
CDC (now Seagate) Wren-Runners. They have a faster seek time (since they spin
faster than 3600 rpm) and their transfer rates are also higher I believe. 
The other Wren's are good too, just not quite as speedy as the WrenRunner.
HP makes some good 600M drives too. If you shop around, you can find either
of these two types of drives with 5yr warranties too, which saves $$ in the 
long run.

BTW: The RZ55 can be made to run faster with the FCO for the ROMs inside. The
original 55 was a slug, due to the older ROM's. Newer 55's are better, although
probably not as good as a normal Wren and not close to the Wren Runner.


-- 
Art Stine
Sr Network Engineer
Clarkson U
ABStine at CLVMS.Clarkson.Edu