External HD

[josuem]

I'm thinking about getting an external HD soon and I had a few questions:
1. Will the storage capacity affect the response time in any way? (I've heard something about this, but want to make sure)
2. Would it be a bad idea to install games on the external? (I'm getting this for my Lappie, so it won't be connected all the time)
3. Is there really a big difference between using Firewire or USB 2.0?
Thanks

 

[AndrewtheGreat]

1. The storage capacity shouldnt greatly affect the response time, it depends on the hardrive RPM and the size of the cache.
2. I have never tried a game on an external hardrive but dont see why it wouldnt work.
3. There can be a big difference between Firewire and USB 2.0, you have to check which one has a faster transfer rate, I think it is firewire but not sure.

Hope that covers it.

 

[Kangaroo]

These are the transfer rates for Firewire and USB 2.0

Firewire 100 Mbit/s 200Mbit/s 400Mbit/s supported.

USB 1.5 Mbit/s 12Mbit/s 480Mbit/s supported.

The size of the hard drive can affect the response time. Try and get a midrange one, not too small but not too big.

Medium sized hard drives are usually the most stable.

 

[dumdum8684]

I wouldn't install games on the external because of the slow transfer rate compared to the system bus on the mobo. you will notice the game will lag a lot especially on nicer games.

 

[Big Chub]

she posted the transfer speeds for usb 1.1, he is looking at 2.0, it is "theoretically" faster than firewire, but realistic speeds, firewire has seemed to be faster

 

[didi]

To backup some important files in the external hardisk is a good option for those using laptop.