HD disk speed?

DGrob wrote on 9/19/2003, 1:19 PM

V4 user outputting SVCDs via Nero 6. Want to upgrade to DVDA. I see the SF system requirements at 7200 rpm drive for DVDA. I'm currently running a Dell Inspiron 8200 at 1.5 on a 5400 rpm, 30 GB internal drive, and a Maxtor 200 GB, 7200 rpm external drive via Belkin PCM IEEE adaptor. To Print to Tape I have to copy my files in to C, and PTT from there. Nero 6 "transcodes" my Maxtor stored *.avi in to C and burns from there.

Am I out of luck with DVDA and a 5400 rpm C drive?

TIA, DGrob

Comments

jetdv wrote on 9/19/2003, 2:00 PM

It works on my 5400 laptop drive.

kentwolf wrote on 9/19/2003, 10:02 PM

I also used Vegas and Scenalyzer video capture as well as DVD-A on a desktop 5400 RPM drive(s) with no problem at all.

It's just that 7200 is best.

DGrob wrote on 9/20/2003, 6:35 AM

Thanks, I'll proceed. DGrob

johnmeyer wrote on 9/20/2003, 11:00 AM

Many laptops, including my old one, aren't even 5400 rpm, they're 4500. I used to capture and render on this system with no problem. RPM is often more important for random access than for continuous streaming because the speed of rotation determines how long it will take before the platter is in position to read the next, non-contiguous track.

DGrob wrote on 9/21/2003, 11:43 AM

Hense the issue with defragging regularly? DGrob

johnmeyer wrote on 9/21/2003, 3:50 PM

I've owned dozens of computers over the years (I have nine now). While I do defrag the disks from time to time, I have never -- not even once -- been able to measure or discern even a fractional difference in performance before and after the defrag. I suppose if you run your computer with the disk 99% full it might make a difference. However, I think the value of defragging has been grossly exagerated, mostly by clueless tech support people (fortunately, none of them work for Sofo) who don't know any better.

It doesn't hurt much to defrag. The only downsides I see are:

1. Takes time.
2. More wear and tear on hard disk.
3. This is little known, but after a defrag, most deleted files can no longer be recovered using standard file recovery tools (like Norton Undelete).