I'm putting together my PC build for engineering tasks like CAD and KiCAD, plus some gaming. I've got everything ready, totaling around €750. I'm considering upgrading my storage and have a choice between a 7200 RPM 2TB HDD and a 5400 RPM 3TB HDD (Western Digital Blue). My main concern is how each would perform, especially since I'll be storing CAD files. I'm also slightly worried that HDD prices might rise. Which option would be the better investment?
2 Answers
Honestly, for just storage, the speed difference between these two HDDs won’t be super noticeable since both are quite slow compared to SSDs. If you're just using it to store files without needing quicker access, either should work fine for your needs.
If you're set on these two HDDs, keep in mind that the 7200 RPM drive is faster than the 5400 RPM, but unless you're going to be actively working off the HDDs, it might not be a big deal. Plus, the 3TB drive gives you extra space for just a bit more cash.
Yeah, and just to throw in some extra info, the 2TB is SMR while the 3TB is CMR. If that matters to your use case, it might be worth considering!