Hard Drive cache size?

[CoolTechNY]

I am planning to add an additional 750g drive to my configuration, and have run into a "nice to have / need to have" question.
I have been looking at the "Seagate 750 GB Serial ATA DB35 Series 7200.3 (ST3750840SCE)" - listed as built for DVR use.
This has an 8mb cache.
I understand the use of cache in data environments. what are your thoughts on cache size in sage streaming environments?
This drive is available for about $130, the 16mb version (ST3750640SCE) is about $450. We usually record about 2 - 3 HD shows at the same time, and will sometimes watch a show while 2 others are recording.

alternatively - has anyone reviewed the "Seagate SV35.3 ST3750330SV 750GB 7200 RPM 32MB " - listed as built for video survailance? about $150.

Any thoughts will be appreciated.

PS.. CPU hovers around 5 -10 % while recording 2 shows in HD.

[Polypro]

You could probably do the math, but a few HD streams/general HTPC use...should hardly max a fairly modern hard drive, even an 8MB version. No way I'd pay $450 for a drive.

I have 5 HD and 4 SD tuners and am running regular, nothing special, WD drives.

P

[HelenWeathers]

I think you should give serious consideration to the following drive:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822152102
It is 1TB with a 32MB cache. It's listed for $109.00. I use 4 of them in my SageTV server formatted to 64k blocks. They work like a charm. Just an alternative suggestion.

[killervette]

Originally Posted by HelenWeathers

I think you should give serious consideration to the following drive:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822152102
It is 1TB with a 32MB cache. It's listed for $109.00. I use 4 of them in my SageTV server formatted to 64k blocks. They work like a charm. Just an alternative suggestion.

agreed. $450 for a hard drive is crazy unless its solid state

[bjterry62]

Originally Posted by CoolTechNY

I am planning to add an additional 750g drive to my configuration, and have run into a "nice to have / need to have" question.
I have been looking at the "Seagate 750 GB Serial ATA DB35 Series 7200.3 (ST3750840SCE)" - listed as built for DVR use.
This has an 8mb cache.
I understand the use of cache in data environments. what are your thoughts on cache size in sage streaming environments?
This drive is available for about $130, the 16mb version (ST3750640SCE) is about $450. We usually record about 2 - 3 HD shows at the same time, and will sometimes watch a show while 2 others are recording.

alternatively - has anyone reviewed the "Seagate SV35.3 ST3750330SV 750GB 7200 RPM 32MB " - listed as built for video survailance? about $150.

Any thoughts will be appreciated.

PS.. CPU hovers around 5 -10 % while recording 2 shows in HD.

You're shopping at the wrong place. Check the egg.

BT

[CoolTechNY]

Thank you all for your comments and input.
I have recently had a phone conversation with Seagate tech support and learned a few things.

1). one major difference between a standard desktop drive and a dedicated Audio/Video (AV) drive is Error Correction (EC). the desktop drives run several EC routines on the data to ensure integrity, unfortunately this can chop up the data stream as it is being sent to the platters. the AV drives are designed to use minimal EC, and not interfere with the stream as it is sent in. the AV drives are DESIGNED to write multiple streams from different sources at the same time.

2). If you are using a single drive in your system with multiple folders or partitions shared (OS, misc data, video, pics, etc)then use a desktop drive. cheap and fast. if you are using multiple drives and can dedicate a drive for video then use an AV designed drive.

since I am adding a drive to my existing "home server" I purchased the following drive from Newegg. currently selling at $150

Seagate SV35.3 ST31000340SV 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

seeing that this has the large cache my original question is now a non-issue.
I will post any further data or experiences as i set up this drive for use.
PS.. in researching drives, when you see one listed as designed for DVR use, they mean factory designed and built dvr's (TIVOs)
Thanks everyone!