Will I notice a difference?

[EZ22]

If I switch from a 2mb buffer hard drive to an 8mb?

I currently have a Maxtor 80 gig, 7200 RPM, 2 mb buffer.

[extreme_gamer]

there should be a rather noticeable difference in speed with an 8mb buffer compared to a 2mb buffer

only if you WANT to get it with your money, is entirely up to you though. if you're not doing operations with large files, then the one you have right now will do fine.

Only when you're messing w/ large file sizes.

With files over 2MB, the buffer will have to be emptied/filled more often. With an 8MB buffer, you have more room, so it doesn't have to be empted/filled as often.

You're only gain will be noticed with video/graphics editing probably.

[EZ22]

Thanks guys.

I was told that if you do alot of online high end gaming, that it would help things run smoother and faster.

The only thing that's going to help you w/ online gaming is a fast connection. Well, having a quick machine helps, but the fastest PC ain't gonna do squat on a 28.8K link.

[EZ22]

Originally posted by EvilRick
The only thing that's going to help you w/ online gaming is a fast connection. Well, having a quick machine helps, but the fastest PC ain't gonna do squat on a 28.8K link.

Cable modem all the way.

So switching to an 8mb buffer won't make a difference in gaming?

[extreme_gamer]

well, every little bit will speed up performance for anything.

it's like asking, "a V6 engine and a V8 engine arent any different?" they are different, and the higher is better.

Not really a good comparison.

A 2MB 7200RPM HDD w/ an avg. access time of <9ms and an 8MB 7200RPM HDD w/ an avg. access time of <9ms are going to run at the same speed. You're only going to notice an increase when you're using files that are too large for the 2MB cache on the one HDD.

I'm sure some applications, games, etc might benefit, but the question was "Will I notice a difference?" No, you probably won't, unless you fall into that %age that thinks they do.