USB Thumb Drive vs Portable HDD

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  1. Posts : 398
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #11

    The 16gb model is really cheap for what your getting. Good find and suggestion!
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  2. mjf
    Posts : 5,969
    Windows 7x64 Home Premium SP1
       #12

    I thought this speed test interesting.
    USB Thumb Drive vs Portable HDD-flash-hdd.jpg
    (HDD test done on one of 2 partitions)
    I knew USB flash drives could be a bit slow but these results surprised me.
    I wonder if it's the test program that's producing the bad write test results for the flash drive?
    I bought the 500 GB HDD for around $75.

    These devices aren't really substitutes in my mind. They complement each other and serve different purposes.
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  3. Posts : 398
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #13

    You think thats funny, check out eSATA vs USB 2.0

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  4. mjf
    Posts : 5,969
    Windows 7x64 Home Premium SP1
       #14

    A story for any occasion


    Maybe for small packets head movements play a larger role.
    With the sequential tests, because it's doing a write test as well I assume it's using free disk. You'll lose on the 5400 rpm because of this speed but also because that disk is a lot fuller than the 7200rpm disk. The data transfer rate to the heads drops off as the track radius decreases. This explains e-sata @ 7200 versus esata @ 5400 rpm.
    Why doesn't the USB 2. speeds also drop off for the sequential test. Maybe the limiting factor is the USB 2. transfer speed itself?
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  5. Posts : 398
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #15

    mjf said:
    Maybe for small packets head movements play a larger role.
    With the sequential tests, because it's doing a write test as well I assume it's using free disk. You'll lose on the 5400 rpm because of this speed but also because that disk is a lot fuller than the 7200rpm disk. The data transfer rate to the heads drops off as the track radius decreases. This explains e-sata @ 7200 versus esata @ 5400 rpm.
    Why doesn't the USB 2. speeds also drop off for the sequential test. Maybe the limiting factor is the USB 2. transfer speed itself?
    Always Knew eSATA was faster then USB 2.0 but didn't know it was that much faster!
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  6. Posts : 119
    Windows 7 Professional 64bit
       #16

    oreo27 said:

    1. SanDisk® Cruzer® Blade™ USB flash drive 16GB - Php 1,150 - Brand New

    2. Seagate FreeAgent Go™ 250GB - Php 2,000 - Used - Warranty until September 2013.
    Check out Amazon. You can get both new (16GB and 250GB) for $87 total.
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  7. Posts : 398
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #17

    According to Maximum PC eSATA still faster then USB 3.0

    eSATA is Still Faster Than USB 3.0 | Maximum PC
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  8. Posts : 1,127
    Win7U 64 RTM
       #18

    TonyTiger2004 said:
    According to Maximum PC eSATA still faster then USB 3.0

    eSATA is Still Faster Than USB 3.0 | Maximum PC
    I read that article, as I was considering a USB 3 dock. I decided to stay with my current technique, although not really 'portable', but quite useful for local use: a sata front panel. IMO, this trumps all other external connection methods as far as speed is concerned, as it is really just another onboard sata drive connection. I suppose they make docks for this as well, but I just keep a stack of bare drives on my desktop and plug them in when needed.

    As long as you're running in AHCI mode, you can plug them in while the system is running and the autoplay dialog will pop up where you can choose 'Open Folder to View Files':

    Akasa Thermal Solution

    It comes with a power and data cable. I have 3 of these in various machines. Just remember to plug in the power first and allow the drive to spin up before plugging in the data cable. Again, not portable, but worth knowing. And the cost? Less than $15. Of course, you also need a sata drive.

    James
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  9. Posts : 521
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 Service Pack 1
    Thread Starter
       #19

    Thanks for all the input guys. I ended up getting two thumb drives as a donation from my Wife. She had it in her parents house just lying there.

    One is 4 GB and another one is 2GB.

    The 4 GB now consits of Hirens Boot CD 13, Windows 7 and Windows XP with around 400MB free.

    James Colbert said:
    Both serve their own purpose. The suggestion for both is a good one, if you can afford it. But if you do decide on a USB key, the Patriot Xporter is an excellent choice and super fast (and cheap). I have a few of these. They're excellent for booting rescue utilities, linux distros and the like, as well as transfering files. Here are 3 links to 4, 8 & 16GB. Read the reviews:

    Newegg.com - Patriot Xporter XT Boost 4GB Flash Drive (USB2.0 Portable) Model PEF4GUSB

    Newegg.com - Patriot Xporter XT Boost 8GB Flash Drive (USB 2.0 Portable) Model PEF8GUSB

    Newegg.com - Patriot Xporter XT Boost 16GB Flash Drive (USB 2.0 Portable) Model PEF16GUSB

    These are cheap enough that they will suffice for whatever use until you shake loose the cost of an HDD. Just keep copies of your important files on other media as well and their should be no problem.

    Another great link for thumb drive use:

    Boot Multiple ISO from USB (MultiBoot USB) | USB Pen Drive Linux

    James
    Actually, i just used the custom menu of Hiren's to accomplish what I did. All I did was copy the contents of both DVDs into the Flash Drive and it worked immediately. It was pretty awesome mate

    I guess I'll be getting another external Hard Drive once I finish the 400GB left on my current one.

    Edit - Oh the 2 GB, I'm using that for my documents backup and my portable apps. Works great!
    Last edited by oreo27; 11 Jan 2011 at 08:23. Reason: Forgot Something
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