Cache size difference

[BILKO1]

I'm looking at getting a pair of WD raptors to run in raid 0 for benching i've found some of the older 8mb cache ones cheap but was wondering if i should bite the bullet and get the newer 16mb cache ones.What real world difference does the larger cache make?

 

[K404]

if you work with a lot of small files, I suppose extra cache can help load times a bit and reduce disk thrashing. You might see 1-2% extra in real-world apps, but thats a small % of a short time anyway. In all honesty I thought the raptors were disappointing when i tried them- overheated, overpriced, but if you find them cheap I guess its not so bad

 

[BILKO1]

What would you recommend for my benching rig then? I take it raid 0 is the way to go.

 

[K404]

RAID helps PCM05 and CPC. Apart from HDD benchmarks those are the only ones where RAID helps. SuperPi, 3DM et al dont benefit from RAID at all.

IMO the best performance per pound spent is coming from a 3 or 4 way RAID of any disk with a high platter density- 166GB/platter disks or above are the way to go.

 

[LiViNgL@RgE]

I have noticed a slight speed difference between a raid setup & standard single drive!