New PC build - recommended HDD, and O/S install

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hagakure_s81

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May 5, 2016
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Hi all,

I have 2 questions regarding the storage solutions for my new PC build.

What I have right now:

  • 1 x OZS M.2 SSD - NVMe (256GB) - wasn't planning on buying this initially but picked up one cheap on amazon.
    1 x Crucial MX-100 SSD - Sata (512GB) - this I have already for my current PC, and intend to keep for the new one.
What I still need to get:

  • 2TB worth of HDD real estate. WD is my preferred brand since always.

  • Since the HDD would be pretty much only for storage purposes, and viewing media files etc, would anybody here recommend getting a WD Red drive? Advantages seem to be running cooler, vibration dampening, ability to run in a Raid system (not sure I will do that anyway though) and quiet operation. Disadvantage would seem to be the TLER function - but how much of a disadvantage is this really for everyday operation?
    WD Black seems a bit overkill since all my programs, games and OS should run off the 2 SSD's
    WD Blue would be the other option, but if WD Blue, would you then recommend 2 x 1TB 7200rpm drives, or 1 x 2TB 5400rpm drive? Reading up, the 5400rpm ones are the old WD Green standard I believe. So if its pretty much a WD Green, why not go for the WD Red instead?
2nd part of my question is thus:
  • Regarding the SSD's; Would it be better to use the NVMe SSD (256gb) for games installs, and larger programs, and run the OS off the Sata (512gb) SSD? Or run the OS from the NVMe device, along with a couple of the more intensive games?
    How much does it really make a difference if you would run the OS from a Sata or NVMe drive in the end?
Personally, I think run the OS off the M.2 + perhaps a few higher end games/programs.
 
Solution
Barty1884
There would be minimal benefits between most HDDs for bulk storage. A WD Black is overkill if you're running an SSD for your OS.

A Red seems overkill too, as they're usually priced higher than Blue or Green for their longevity etc.

I would opt for the cheapest 2TB HDD you can find, from a reliable manufacturer. Seagate, WD or HGST.
If you prefer WD, then the cheapest 2TB will work. Green or Blue will likely be the cheapest.

FWIW, HGST routinely top the charts for reliability.
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Barty1884

Barty1884

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There would be minimal benefits between most HDDs for bulk storage. A WD Black is overkill if you're running an SSD for your OS.

A Red seems overkill too, as they're usually priced higher than Blue or Green for their longevity etc.

I would opt for the cheapest 2TB HDD you can find, from a reliable manufacturer. Seagate, WD or HGST.
If you prefer WD, then the cheapest 2TB will work. Green or Blue will likely be the cheapest.

FWIW, HGST routinely top the charts for reliability.
 
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Solution
xStampede

xStampede

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Jun 18, 2013
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Definitely run the OS on M.2 because it is much faster.

Regarding HDD, i would suggest you getting a 3TB Toshiba or Seagate, they run cool and silent and are very power efficient making the WD Green obsolete.

The HDD must run in at least 7200 RPM, any lower is not acceptable anymore.

Take one of those 2, they are both great quality for the price, they are very silent and energy efficient as i mentioned.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($91.50 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Toshiba 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($84.80 @ OutletPC)
Total: $176.30
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-12-08 14:15 EST-0500
 
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hagakure_s81

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May 5, 2016
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Hi, thanks for your reply.

I'm aware of the HGST brand and they would be nice, but surprisingly hard to find in New Zealand. Cheapest I can see for a 2TB deskstar is NZD228, and from a store with unknown service/reliability/suppliers.
WD brand on the other hand also have good reliability (which really is my top concern above noise, speed etc) - i've never had a WD fail on me yet.

For comparison a WD Red 2TB I can get for NZD148
WD Blue 1TB 7200 for NZD80
WD Blue 2TB 5400 for NZD118 --- This one I believe is the formerly WD green. But I got the impression that the WD green were not popular with people?
 
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H

hagakure_s81

Commendable
May 5, 2016
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Thanks regarding the M.2 - agreed, and will definitely do this way.

I have no idea about Toshiba HDD's to be honest, if they are good or not. But pricespy.co.nz does not show any available in NZ at all lol, i'd definitely have to go to Amazon or somewhere to get one of those.
Seagate... I would pick WD over them anyday, and the 3TB version had especially high failure rates (their 4TB seemed to do much better though) from the info I was looking at yesterday...

 
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hagakure_s81

Commendable
May 5, 2016
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Well HGST may be hard to find in NZ, but Amazon have some on decent discounts right now, so I guess I'll go with that over WD this time round - thanks all who answered.
 
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