[xquisit]

WesternDigital Caviar Black 500gb - $70
Samsung F3 500gb - $55

I might RAID0, but most likely will buy a SSD later down the road.

Which should I go for?

Wouldn't mind saving some money to spend on an optical drive, but would like to know the difference between the two HDs.

I heard the Sammy F3 uses 1 500gb platter, and what about the Caviar Black?

 

[Platinum]

Definitely a Win on the Samsung F3, I believe the WD uses 2 250GB platters. On the other hand, the Samsung ones are way newer in terms of release date.

Edit: The WD is slower and definitely not worth the $15 price tag.

 

[Raiden911]

Samsung F3

 

[Armi]

F3s are faster.

http://www.overclock.net/hard-drives...iar-black.html

Another overclock thread on this debate.

 

[xquisit]

just purchased the samsung, you guys relaly rock!!! +repn

 

[the_beast]

The only real comparison that the F3 does not win hands-down is the 640GB Black vs the 1TB F3.

Until the recent deals on the Black the F3 was ahead, but with the low price of the Black it noses back into contention. It's a matter of economics on the day as to which is the better buy.

But the 500GB F3 vs the 500GB Black is no contest...

 

[lozanoa11]

By the end of the year i will have both of best worlds! 2 Blacks for my OS bought on black friday and a F3 for my media!
F3 is faster but I don't think you would see too much real world difference.

 

[Raiden911]

Quote:

Originally Posted by the_beast The only real comparison that the F3 does not win hands-down is the 640GB Black vs the 1TB F3. Until the recent deals on the Black the F3 was ahead, but with the low price of the Black it noses back into contention. It's a matter of economics on the day as to which is the better buy. But the 500GB F3 vs the 500GB Black is no contest...

LAWL...a real and fair comparison would be a 1tb versus another 1tb hdd.

I am still waiting for the 1tb f3 to come back in stock. The lowest price I have seen for the 1tb black was like $90 @ amazon. Anyhoo, xquisit you made a g00d choice.

 

[the_beast]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raiden911 LAWL...a real and fair comparison would be a 1tb versus another 1tb hdd.

Not really - if you are looking for a performance OS HDD the size is largely irrelevant, and the 1TB F3 is the same price as the 640GB Black (or was, before the BF sales). It is therefore perfectly reasonable to compare them. The F3 still manages to come out on top, save for the new lower price of the Black.