Seagate 2TB Barracuda SATA 3 6Gbps Review

Testing:

To test the drives, I started with an image of Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit SP1 with all the latest updates and patches and the testing software. Each drive was filled with data, then imaged to simulate a used drive. Testing is accomplished by using the Seagate Barracuda XT as the main drive containing the OS. This is done so that the testing is not just plugging in a raw drive and showing stellar numbers – that's not real life. You don't purchase a new drive to let it go unused. Write testing was completed before the drive was imaged. Each of the comparison drives were tested on the SATA 6Gb/s connection, while the Barracuda was tested on both the 6 and 3 Gb/s interfaces, to show a difference in the capabilities.

Testing Setup:

• Processor: Intel Core i7 870 133x22
• Motherboard: ASUS P7P55D Premium
• Memory: Kingston HyperX KHX1600C*D3K2/4GX 7-7-7-20 1333MHz
• Video Card : ASUS ENGTX260 MATRIX
• Power Supply: Mushkin 800w Modular Power Supply
• Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda XT 2TB
• Optical Drive: Lite-On 8x DVD+/-RW
• OS: Windows Vista Ultimate Edition

Comparison Modules:

• Comparison Module #1: Seagate 1.5 TB 7200.11 SATA
• Comparison Module #2: Western Digital 74GB Raptor 8MB

Benchmarks:

• Drive Tests:

1. HDTune 3.50 Pro
2. HD Tach
3. SISoft Sandra 2009
4. Crystal Disk Mark
5. ATTO Disk Benchmark
6. AS SSD
7. PCMark Vantage

The benchmarks will give a broad picture as to how each of the drives performs so you can make your conclusions based on the performance of each drive.