Question : Problem: Best HD set up for a standard situation

I use a Dell Dimension 8400 whose basic specs are: 3.2Ghz PIV, 1GB RAM, 250GB WD2500JD

At present I have four partitions:
C (12GB): OS and some programs
D (20GB): More programs (less needed)
E (20GB): Back ups
F (Rest): DATA

This set up has allows me to resintall the OS reasonably painlessly when necessary - at least without touching the backups/data. I backup regularly to DVD - though don't back up the full video/music content as I consider it expendable.

This machine is used for a variety of tasks but mainly office applications, web, and, increasinly some video editing.

I also run a PC downstairs which is dedicated to displaying video on the TV. I usually watch TV/Film recordings via this PC with the files residing on the main Dimension 8400 upstairs. There is a sizeable drive on this machine (120GB - deskstar which is some 5 years old) but transferring files before I want to watch them downstairs is a bit of a pain.

Now, as often proves the case, it's proved somewhat easier to fill 250GB than I imagined. And now I'm shooting a bit of film on in mpg2 format, I'm rapidly running short of space. So... I'm thinking about new harddrive options. Before you switch off, I'm asking for a set up recommendation rather than specific drives so read on ...

At first I thought I'd just buy a fat external, say 250GB+, and just back up to that when needed. However, then I got to thinking that for a bit more choice on drives and a longer warranty, I'd make my own external drive - USB will do. At the same time, it seemed sensible to use the existing WD2500JD for that external drive and use the new purchased disk in the main machine. Thus I started looking at drives like the T7K250, which is recommended in various places. THen I got to thinking that perhaps I could have a better set up that would be suitable to my needs, give me a more efficient day-to-day running of PC, and perhaps help me when things go horribly wrong. FOr example:

In the dimension 8400, I could run a dedicated smallish performance drive for just OS and programs, eg. a 70GB Raptor, and then a good-sized second drive for data, eg a new T7K250, and then use the existing WD2500JD for external back up as planned (making sure it's nicely switched off when not in use, of course).

Given my set up and use, what do people think of this? Am I over-complicating things? Is there something easier that might satisfy my needs and provide a more secure solution? OVerall, I'd still only be devastated if I lost my main work data (some 10GB at present) - and incrementally as little as 50MB on a daily basis. But I guess when my entire library of ripped music and films/recorded TV actually disappeared I'd actually be more upset than I predict.

Sorry for long-winded nature of the post. And thanks in advance.

Answer : Problem: Best HD set up for a standard situation

To be honest, disk speeds were not my main concern (they are all 7200rpm so one make is as good as another in my opinion). However, you may see some difference with the interfaces on certain disks. I'll leave that one for you to decide.

I created 3 partitions.
: 20GB GHOST IMAGES
SYS C: 15GB System Vol for OS and Paging file
PGM D: 45GB Program Files

I use a Lacie external drive. Couldn't be bothered to build one myself. I like the east routes mainly !!! Not sure about the Audidy unit but I'd guess not. USB 2.0 will be fine for most stuff as I only really use the external for transfer and archiving so fast response is not my primary concern. Firewire does seem good though.

Piii will be OK as long as the PCI bus is not being stretched. Also, you may need to cache more video to avoid streaming delays. Play and see is my suggestion.

3rd drive will physically fit in the spare CD drive bay. My PC has 2 SATA cables so I can connect using the spare one. Alternatively, if the 3rd one contains the non-performance stuff (such as program files etc) then you could even connect this using the CD-IDE cable. Will be a bit slower but not too bad. This will daisy-chain onto the CD cable if you like.

Happy to help
Barny