Best HD choice? WD vs Maxtor

[porsche]

I would really appreciate a suggestion as to which hard drive would be better/faster:
Everyone seems to be really hot on the Western Digital WD800JB - 80GB HD 7200RPM ATA100 w/ 40GB platters and 8MB cache.

How does it compare to the Maxtor 6L080J4? the maxtor has a smaller, 2MB buffer, but has the faster ATA133.
or what about the Maxtor 6Y080L0, same specs but might not have 40GB platters (data sheet conveniently leaves this out. hmmm...)
or how about the Maxtor 6Y080P0 which also has 8mb cache (but might not be available yet?)
It is noteworthy that Maxtor has reduced its warranty to 1 year, vs. WD's 3 years, but I'm particulary interested in comments about performance.
Iwould appreciate any suggestions (soon i hope. I intend on purchasing very soon). Thanks for any comments.

Kill a man, you're a murderer. Kill ten thousand, you're a statesman.

 

[spissatus]

Well, I do like my Maxtor drives, but I have to say that my friend's WD 8mb caviar seems to be faster in all regards than my maxtor 40gb, even though mine is ATA133 and his is ata100. The reviews constantly point toward the WD also.

 

[cool_xo]

I'm not an expert in this area. But from what I know, the difference between ATA100 and 133 is close to nothing. However, with the 8MB cache... it can make a huge difference. =)

so... there you go.

 

[HammerBot]

UDMA133 is a marketing trick from Maxtor. Dont take it seriously since it has currently no advantage over UDMA100. I dont have any details on the Maxtor, but since the WD has 8MB cache and a 3 year warranty, I think the choice is pretty obvious

 

[Col_Kiwi]

Reviews have said that Maxtor UDMA133 is just a marketing gimmick and offers no speed increase.

I can say from personal experience that my WD800JB drive is "@#$%ING FAST!!!", I'd reccomend them.

-Col.Kiwi

 

[buddry]

Go with the WD. You will notice no difference with ATA133 but you will with 8mb cache.

<font color=blue>Unofficial Forum Cop</font color=blue>

 

[porsche]

Thank you all for your suggestions. I also went to www.storagereview.com. they have a really cool benchmark comparison. it supports all of you favoring the WD. (I have a feeling that the new Maxtor with 8mb cache would probably compare better, but I also think it might be vaporware for now), plus considering the warranty, I'll be going with the WD. thanks all.

Kill a man, you're a murderer. Kill ten thousand, you're a statesman.