What Hard Drive To Buy?

I'm looking to build an I7 machine, it has 8GB of RAM, an ATI HD5870 Video card and an Asus P6T motherboard. I need a pretty fast drive to go with this system as I don't want it to bottleneck because of the hard drive.

I know SSD is super fast, but I don't have enough money in my budget for one. Which drive is going to keep up with the rest of the components on this build?

Answer

You have a very nice choice in parts for your build. It is definitely going to be quick. Great choice in video card. That 5870 is a truly the next great thing as far as video technology goes.

As far as the SSD, or Solid State Drive question goes, I am glad you are not yet putting one in. They are screaming fast hard drives, but as far as price goes, I still think they are a little too much. It is also new technology, which can have it's share of trouble.

If you want just a single drive, go with a black edition Western Digital drive. They are really quick and really reliable.

If you just want plain fast, set up a SATA raid. I started with this a number of years ago, and I'll never go without one again. At least, not until solid state is an option. If you need help setting one up, go to http://www.build-my-home-computer.com/sata-raid.html.

Enjoy your new fast computer.