(click the picture for a clearer graph)
| Deskstar 80 GB - Array | Barracuda 80 GB - Array | Caviar 80 GB - Array | |
| Random Access (ms) | 12.9 | 17.0 | 14 |
| CPU Utilization (%) | 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Average Read (MB/s) | 97.7 | 96.1 | 110.6 |
| Average Write (MB/s) | 78.2 | 98.0 | 87.4 |
To avoid confusion, we've decided to use to use two graphs to show read and write performance of these drives in RAID 0 (striping). If we look at the numbers on the table above, it's easy to say the Caviar is the better drive of the three (the Barracuda do offer a clear advantage in write). However, when we look at the graph, we see a very different picture. Of the three drives, the Deskstar provides the smoothest graph of all when reading data. The story with write performance is not so clear. The Barracuda's may seem to excel but that large dips do bother us a bit.
(click the picture for a clearer graph)
| Deskstar 160 GB - Array | Barracuda 160 GB - Array | Caviar 160 GB - Array | |
| Random Access (ms) | 13.5 | 16.9 | 13.5 |
| CPU Utilization (%) | 4 | 3 | 5 |
| Average Read (MB/s) | 112.0 | 92.2 | 111.8 |
| Average Write (MB/s) | 88.0 | 96.9 | 86.5 |
From the numbers on table above, it's easy to say the Deskstar is a match to the mighty Caviar. However, if we look at the graph, neither the two and the Barracuda can sustain read and write performance through out the entire array. Of course, this is only HD Tach results, we'll have to see if we experience a similar siuation in real world scenarios. The Barracuda seems to have much drastic dips when reading than both the Deskstar and Caviar, though.
From these results, it looks like that if you're looking at single drive performance, you'll get the most out of your money with Western Digital's Caviar drives. The Hitachi Deskstar put up a fight on the 160 GB arena, but the peformance is not as constant as the Caviar's. With RAID 0 (striping), the two are evenly matched - the 80 GB Deskstar putting a much smoother performance when reading. With 160 GB drives, the situations is not as clear cut. Worth noting, the Barracuda seems to be consistently following the other two drives. The only strong point it has is write performance with RAID 0.
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