Will a Sata 1 MOBO make use of Sata 3's large cache??

[s35]

Hi, quick question:

Will my Sata 1 MOBO benefit from a 64 MB cache Sata 2 or 3 over a 32 MB cache?

Thanks

 

[GhislainG]

Only if the new hard disk replaces an older and smaller hard disk. Replacing a hard disk with a 32 MB cache by a very similar model with a 64 MB cache won't really improve performance.

 

[s35]

Thanks for the reply. I think the drive replaces a 8MB or 16MB cache.

 

[GhislainG]

A 7200 RPM 1TB drive with an 8MB cache is almost as fast as one with a 64MB cache. What are the old and the new drives?

 

[s35]

A 7200 RPM 1TB drive with an 8MB cache is almost as fast as one with a 64MB cache. What are the old and the new drives?

The old one is a Seagate ST3500320AS (500GB) and the new is a Western Digital WD5002AALX (500 GB, 32 MB Cache). We haven't installed the new one yet, but this Seagate is on its last legs I think. (See my following post.)

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/279052-45-windows-slow-running-long-defrag

We'll probably install it on the weekend, I just hope there's no compatibility issues, as my MOBO is Sata 1 and the new drive is Sata 3.

Anyway, thanks for the responses!

 

[GhislainG]

Any reason why you didn't buy the WD5001AALS? Enabling OPT1 would make it work at SATA 150 speed: http://wdc.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/search/1/a_id/5387#jumper

Hopefully the WD5002AALX won't require a new SATA controller.

 

[s35]

Any reason why you didn't buy the WD5001AALS? Enabling OPT1 would make it work at SATA 150 speed: http://wdc.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/search/1/a_id/5387#jumper

Hopefully the WD5002AALX won't require a new SATA controller.

Hi,
I don't think that model was available locally.

Thanks

 

[GhislainG]

You'll find out in a couple days if the WD5002AALX is compatible or not as you can't set it for SATA 150.