Why can't they make a 2-speed hard drive?

Because there is no reason for such a feature, and would probably add
significantly to the cost. Overheating is a non-problem (assuming you have
provided adequate cooling and air circulation inside your case), while the
extra speed is a desirable performance feature. As for extra power
consumption, you'll never notice it on your electric bill, and if you power
supply has sufficient wattage, you'll never notice it there either. I always
use at least 350 watts in any computer I build.

"Johnny Hageyama" <hageyama.DeleteThis@hairdresser.net> wrote in message
news:8ded6d24.0311082305.31107546@posting.google.com...
 > I don't mean a one that frequently speeds up and down during normal
 > operation but one that can be programmed for 5400 RPM or 7200 RPM
 > operation, much the way head seek speed can be programmed. I realize
 > that changing the speed would probably require losing all the data,
 > but some people don't need 7200 RPM and would prefer lower power
 > consumption for less heat generation, but brand new 5400 RPM drives
 > are no longer available<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Why can't they make a 2-speed hard drive? 

[This followup was posted to comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.storage and a copy
was sent to the cited author.]

In article <8ded6d24.0311082305.31107546.DeleteThis@posting.google.com>,
hageyama.DeleteThis@hairdresser.net says...
 > I don't mean a one that frequently speeds up and down during normal
 > operation but one that can be programmed for 5400 RPM or 7200 RPM
 > operation, much the way head seek speed can be programmed. I realize
 > that changing the speed would probably require losing all the data,
 > but some people don't need 7200 RPM and would prefer lower power
 > consumption for less heat generation, but brand new 5400 RPM drives
 > are no longer available

???? Have you checked the manufactures web sites? 5400rpm drives are VERY
common. Most of the biggest capacity and value-oriented drives are 5400.
One of the reasons is that they run cooler (fewer fans, less noise) and
are generally quieter (although most 7200's are pretty quiet these days.)

To me, a variable speed drive might make more sense for a laptop or
other low-power-requirement device. You may no know, but many laptop
drives still run at 4200. Back in the dark ages of computers, hard drives
ran at 3600rpm.

--
If there is a no_junk in my address, please REMOVE it before replying!
All junk mail senders will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the
law!!
<a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://home.att.net/~andyross" target="_blank">http://home.att.net/~andyross</a><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Why can't they make a 2-speed hard drive? 

In article <bvmrb.4380$6c3.3410@newsread1.news.pas.earthlink.net>,
bikingis RemoveThis @my.fun says...
 > Because there is no reason for such a feature, and would probably add
 > significantly to the cost. Overheating is a non-problem (assuming you have
 > provided adequate cooling and air circulation inside your case), while the
 > extra speed is a desirable performance feature. As for extra power
 > consumption, you'll never notice it on your electric bill, and if you power
 > supply has sufficient wattage, you'll never notice it there either. I always
 > use at least 350 watts in any computer I build.

Overheating CAN be a problem. I read an article in the latest PCMag
(11/98/03 issue I think) where they did a story on two data recover
services. One of them mentioned an increase in drives damaged by
overheating.

--
If there is a no_junk in my address, please REMOVE it before replying!
All junk mail senders will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the
law!!
<a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://home.att.net/~andyross" target="_blank">http://home.att.net/~andyross</a><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Why can't they make a 2-speed hard drive? 

Previously Johnny Hageyama <hageyama.DeleteThis@hairdresser.net> wrote:
 > I don't mean a one that frequently speeds up and down during normal
 > operation but one that can be programmed for 5400 RPM or 7200 RPM
 > operation, much the way head seek speed can be programmed. I realize
 > that changing the speed would probably require losing all the data,
 > but some people don't need 7200 RPM and would prefer lower power
 > consumption for less heat generation, but brand new 5400 RPM drives
 > are no longer available

The problem is that the head-interface is not very flexible.
Basically the heads are pushed against the platters with springs.
When the platters move the heads ride on air-cushions. If
the drive moves at the wrong speed the heads could crash
far more easily and other stability problems might arise.

With the newer fluid-bearings the problem becomes more severe.
They are also designed for a specific speed and do not work
as well at other speeds.

As far as I know there is a whole line of 5400rpm drives by Maxtor.
Their largest Model (300GB) is only available in 5400rpm as
far as I am aware.

Arno
--
For email address: lastname AT tik DOT ee DOT ethz DOT ch
GnuPG: ID:1E25338F FP:0C30 5782 9D93 F785 E79C 0296 797F 6B50 1E25 338F
"The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws" - Tacitus<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Why can't they make a 2-speed hard drive? 

"Papa" <bikingis.DeleteThis@my.fun> wrote in message news:bvmrb.4380$6c3.3410@newsread1.news.pas.earthlink.net...
 > Because there is no reason for such a feature, and would probably add
 > significantly to the cost. Overheating is a non-problem (assuming you have
 > provided adequate cooling and air circulation inside your case), while the
 > extra speed is a desirable performance feature. As for extra power
 > consumption, you'll never notice it on your electric bill, and if you power
 > supply has sufficient wattage, you'll never notice it there either. I always
 > use at least 350 watts in any computer I build.

Doesnt have a damned thing to do with the power supply wattage.

The power you pay for is just the power requirements of stuff you
have powered from it, multiplied by the efficiency of the power supply.


 > "Johnny Hageyama" <hageyama.DeleteThis@hairdresser.net> wrote in message
 > news:8ded6d24.0311082305.31107546@posting.google.com...
  > > I don't mean a one that frequently speeds up and down during normal
  > > operation but one that can be programmed for 5400 RPM or 7200 RPM
  > > operation, much the way head seek speed can be programmed. I realize
  > > that changing the speed would probably require losing all the data,
  > > but some people don't need 7200 RPM and would prefer lower power
  > > consumption for less heat generation, but brand new 5400 RPM drives
  > > are no longer available
 >
 ><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Why can't they make a 2-speed hard drive? 

You probably misunderstood my meaning. Some of these systems with 150 watt
power supplies and overloaded with devices will bog down anything -
including HDs. That was what I meant when I was referring to power supplies.

"Rod Speed" <rod_speed.RemoveThis@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:bokve2$1e4r14$1@ID-69072.news.uni-berlin.de...
 >
 > "Papa" <bikingis.RemoveThis@my.fun> wrote in message
news:bvmrb.4380$6c3.3410@newsread1.news.pas.earthlink.net...
  > > Because there is no reason for such a feature, and would probably add
  > > significantly to the cost. Overheating is a non-problem (assuming you
have
  > > provided adequate cooling and air circulation inside your case), while
the
  > > extra speed is a desirable performance feature. As for extra power
  > > consumption, you'll never notice it on your electric bill, and if you
power
  > > supply has sufficient wattage, you'll never notice it there either. I
always
  > > use at least 350 watts in any computer I build.
 >
 > Doesnt have a damned thing to do with the power supply wattage.
 >
 > The power you pay for is just the power requirements of stuff you
 > have powered from it, multiplied by the efficiency of the power supply.
 >
 >
  > > "Johnny Hageyama" <hageyama.RemoveThis@hairdresser.net> wrote in message
  > > news:8ded6d24.0311082305.31107546@posting.google.com...
   > > > I don't mean a one that frequently speeds up and down during normal
   > > > operation but one that can be programmed for 5400 RPM or 7200 RPM
   > > > operation, much the way head seek speed can be programmed. I realize
   > > > that changing the speed would probably require losing all the data,
   > > > but some people don't need 7200 RPM and would prefer lower power
   > > > consumption for less heat generation, but brand new 5400 RPM drives
   > > > are no longer available
  > >
  > >
 >
 ><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Why can't they make a 2-speed hard drive? 

I understood you the first time.
Dave
"Papa" <bikingis RemoveThis @my.fun> wrote in message
news:zonrb.4417$6c3.928@newsread1.news.pas.earthlink.net...
 > You probably misunderstood my meaning. Some of these systems with 150 watt
 > power supplies and overloaded with devices will bog down anything -
 > including HDs. That was what I meant when I was referring to power
supplies.
 >
 > "Rod Speed" <rod_speed RemoveThis @yahoo.com> wrote in message
 > news:bokve2$1e4r14$1@ID-69072.news.uni-berlin.de...
  > >
  > > "Papa" <bikingis RemoveThis @my.fun> wrote in message
 > news:bvmrb.4380$6c3.3410@newsread1.news.pas.earthlink.net...
   > > > Because there is no reason for such a feature, and would probably add
   > > > significantly to the cost. Overheating is a non-problem (assuming you
 > have
   > > > provided adequate cooling and air circulation inside your case), while
 > the
   > > > extra speed is a desirable performance feature. As for extra power
   > > > consumption, you'll never notice it on your electric bill, and if you
 > power
   > > > supply has sufficient wattage, you'll never notice it there either. I
 > always
   > > > use at least 350 watts in any computer I build.
  > >
  > > Doesnt have a damned thing to do with the power supply wattage.
  > >
  > > The power you pay for is just the power requirements of stuff you
  > > have powered from it, multiplied by the efficiency of the power supply.
  > >
  > >
   > > > "Johnny Hageyama" <hageyama RemoveThis @hairdresser.net> wrote in message
   > > > news:8ded6d24.0311082305.31107546@posting.google.com...
   > > > > I don't mean a one that frequently speeds up and down during normal
   > > > > operation but one that can be programmed for 5400 RPM or 7200 RPM
   > > > > operation, much the way head seek speed can be programmed. I
realize
   > > > > that changing the speed would probably require losing all the data,
   > > > > but some people don't need 7200 RPM and would prefer lower power
   > > > > consumption for less heat generation, but brand new 5400 RPM drives
   > > > > are no longer available
   > > >
   > > >
  > >
  > >
 >
 ><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Why can't they make a 2-speed hard drive? 

"Papa" <bikingis DeleteThis @my.fun> wrote in message news:bvmrb.4380$6c3.3410@newsread1.news.pas.earthlink.net
 > Because there is no reason for such a feature, and would probably add
 > significantly to the cost. Overheating is a non-problem (assuming you
 > have provided adequate cooling and air circulation inside your case),

 > while the extra speed is a desirable performance feature.

What extra speed?
Lower rpm drives usually have higher density platters to compensate.

 > As for extra power
 > consumption, you'll never notice it on your electric bill, and if you power
 > supply has sufficient wattage, you'll never notice it there either. I always
 > use at least 350 watts in any computer I build.
 >
 > "Johnny Hageyama" <hageyama DeleteThis @hairdresser.net> wrote in message news:8ded6d24.0311082305.31107546@posting.google.com...
  > > I don't mean a one that frequently speeds up and down during normal
  > > operation but one that can be programmed for 5400 RPM or 7200 RPM
  > > operation, much the way head seek speed can be programmed. I realize
  > > that changing the speed would probably require losing all the data,
  > > but some people don't need 7200 RPM and would prefer lower power
  > > consumption for less heat generation, but brand new 5400 RPM drives
  > > are no longer available<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Why can't they make a 2-speed hard drive? 

"Johnny Hageyama" <hageyama DeleteThis @hairdresser.net> wrote in message news:8ded6d24.0311082305.31107546@posting.google.com
 > I don't mean a one that frequently speeds up and down during normal
 > operation but one that can be programmed for 5400 RPM or 7200 RPM
 > operation, much the way head seek speed can be programmed.

 > I realize that changing the speed would
 > probably require losing all the data,

Well, after teaching the heads to fly at the same height at both
speeds that should be a minor problem if not non-existing.

 > but some people don't need 7200 RPM and would prefer lower power
 > consumption for less heat generation, but brand new 5400 RPM drives
 > are no longer available<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Why can't they make a 2-speed hard drive? 

On 8 Nov 2003 23:05:14 -0800, hageyama.TakeThisOut@hairdresser.net (Johnny Hageyama) wrote:

 >I don't mean a one that frequently speeds up and down during normal
 >operation but one that can be programmed for 5400 RPM or 7200 RPM
 >operation, much the way head seek speed can be programmed. I realize
 >that changing the speed would probably require losing all the data,
 >but some people don't need 7200 RPM and would prefer lower power
 >consumption for less heat generation, but brand new 5400 RPM drives
 >are no longer available

You have a choice of two speeds, 7200 or 0.


-Barry
========
Web page: <a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://members.optusnet.com.au/~barry.og" target="_blank">http://members.optusnet.com.au/~barry.og</a>
Atheist, radio scanner, LIPD information.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Why can't they make a 2-speed hard drive? 

On Sun, 9 Nov 2003 08:09:24 -0600
Andrew Rossmann <andysnewsreply DeleteThis @no_junk.comcast.net> wrote:

 > In article <bvmrb.4380$6c3.3410@newsread1.news.pas.earthlink.net>,
 > bikingis DeleteThis @my.fun says...
  > > Because there is no reason for such a feature, and would probably
  > > add significantly to the cost. Overheating is a non-problem
  > > (assuming you have provided adequate cooling and air circulation
  > > inside your case), while the extra speed is a desirable performance
  > > feature. As for extra power consumption, you'll never notice it on
  > > your electric bill, and if you power supply has sufficient wattage,
  > > you'll never notice it there either. I always use at least 350 watts
  > > in any computer I build.
 >
 > Overheating CAN be a problem. I read an article in the latest PCMag
 > (11/98/03 issue I think) where they did a story on two data recover
 > services. One of them mentioned an increase in drives damaged by
 > overheating.

It can, but it can be a problem with 5400 RPM drives just as much as
with 7200 RPM drives--with inadequate cooling either can overheat. All
else being identical, a 7200 RPM drive does need more cooling than a
5400, though, and this is one reason that they are still available--the
5400s are often found in consumer devices such as Tivos where quiet
operation is more important than speed.
 >
 > --
 > If there is a no_junk in my address, please REMOVE it before replying!
 > All junk mail senders will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the
 > law!!
<font color=purple> > <a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://home.att.net/~andyross</font" target="_blank">http://home.att.net/~andyross</font</a>>


--
--
--John
Reply to jclarke at ae tee tee global dot net
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Why can't they make a 2-speed hard drive? 

Papa <bikingis DeleteThis @my.fun> wrote in message
news:zonrb.4417$6c3.928@newsread1.news.pas.earthlink.net...

 > You probably misunderstood my meaning.

Nope. I certainly didnt misunderstand what you SAID.

It is just plain wrong.

 > Some of these systems with 150 watt power supplies and
 > overloaded with devices will bog down anything - including HDs.
 > That was what I meant when I was referring to power supplies.

Then you said it very badly indeed.


 > "Rod Speed" <rod_speed DeleteThis @yahoo.com> wrote in message
 > news:bokve2$1e4r14$1@ID-69072.news.uni-berlin.de...
  > >
  > > "Papa" <bikingis DeleteThis @my.fun> wrote in message
 > news:bvmrb.4380$6c3.3410@newsread1.news.pas.earthlink.net...
   > > > Because there is no reason for such a feature, and would probably add
   > > > significantly to the cost. Overheating is a non-problem (assuming you
 > have
   > > > provided adequate cooling and air circulation inside your case), while
 > the
   > > > extra speed is a desirable performance feature. As for extra power
   > > > consumption, you'll never notice it on your electric bill, and if you
 > power
   > > > supply has sufficient wattage, you'll never notice it there either. I
 > always
   > > > use at least 350 watts in any computer I build.
  > >
  > > Doesnt have a damned thing to do with the power supply wattage.
  > >
  > > The power you pay for is just the power requirements of stuff you
  > > have powered from it, multiplied by the efficiency of the power supply.
  > >
  > >
   > > > "Johnny Hageyama" <hageyama DeleteThis @hairdresser.net> wrote in message
   > > > news:8ded6d24.0311082305.31107546@posting.google.com...
   > > > > I don't mean a one that frequently speeds up and down during normal
   > > > > operation but one that can be programmed for 5400 RPM or 7200 RPM
   > > > > operation, much the way head seek speed can be programmed. I realize
   > > > > that changing the speed would probably require losing all the data,
   > > > > but some people don't need 7200 RPM and would prefer lower power
   > > > > consumption for less heat generation, but brand new 5400 RPM drives
   > > > > are no longer available
   > > >
   > > >
  > >
  > >
 >
 ><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Why can't they make a 2-speed hard drive? 

Then you can't read.

"Rod Speed" <rod_speed.TakeThisOut@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:bom2o5$1gj2n3$1@ID-69072.news.uni-berlin.de...
 >
 > Papa <bikingis.TakeThisOut@my.fun> wrote in message
 > news:zonrb.4417$6c3.928@newsread1.news.pas.earthlink.net...
 >
  > > You probably misunderstood my meaning.
 >
 > Nope. I certainly didnt misunderstand what you SAID.
 >
 > It is just plain wrong.
 >
  > > Some of these systems with 150 watt power supplies and
  > > overloaded with devices will bog down anything - including HDs.
  > > That was what I meant when I was referring to power supplies.
 >
 > Then you said it very badly indeed.
 >
 >
  > > "Rod Speed" <rod_speed.TakeThisOut@yahoo.com> wrote in message
  > > news:bokve2$1e4r14$1@ID-69072.news.uni-berlin.de...
   > > >
   > > > "Papa" <bikingis.TakeThisOut@my.fun> wrote in message
  > > news:bvmrb.4380$6c3.3410@newsread1.news.pas.earthlink.net...
   > > > > Because there is no reason for such a feature, and would probably
add
   > > > > significantly to the cost. Overheating is a non-problem (assuming
you
  > > have
   > > > > provided adequate cooling and air circulation inside your case),
while
  > > the
   > > > > extra speed is a desirable performance feature. As for extra power
   > > > > consumption, you'll never notice it on your electric bill, and if
you
  > > power
   > > > > supply has sufficient wattage, you'll never notice it there either.
I
  > > always
   > > > > use at least 350 watts in any computer I build.
   > > >
   > > > Doesnt have a damned thing to do with the power supply wattage.
   > > >
   > > > The power you pay for is just the power requirements of stuff you
   > > > have powered from it, multiplied by the efficiency of the power
supply.
   > > >
   > > >
   > > > > "Johnny Hageyama" <hageyama.TakeThisOut@hairdresser.net> wrote in message
   > > > > news:8ded6d24.0311082305.31107546@posting.google.com...
   > > > > > I don't mean a one that frequently speeds up and down during
normal
   > > > > > operation but one that can be programmed for 5400 RPM or 7200 RPM
   > > > > > operation, much the way head seek speed can be programmed. I
realize
   > > > > > that changing the speed would probably require losing all the
data,
   > > > > > but some people don't need 7200 RPM and would prefer lower power
   > > > > > consumption for less heat generation, but brand new 5400 RPM
drives
   > > > > > are no longer available
   > > > >
   > > > >
   > > >
   > > >
  > >
  > >
 >
 ><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Why can't they make a 2-speed hard drive?