Internal vs. External

[Gmas]

I am looking for feedback regarding what is the best upgrade option for the mini: internal drive (7k60) or FW external (need suggestions).

I am particularly interested in three variables: speed/performance, noise, cost, in that order.

The posts have conflicting accounts, and different websites seem to provide conflicting info, so I am trying to get a clearer picture through people with experience with these upgrades.

Thanks in advance,
Gmas.

[iMav]

The new 7200 2.5" drives should perform fairly close to similar 3.5" drives. However, you won't be able to get anything bigger than 100GB for an internal right now. The internal drives shoudl be a lot quieter than adding an additional external enclosure. An external enclosure is also going to take up more desktop space.

Do you need more than 100GB? Do you want another box sitting on your desk?
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-=iMav=-
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[Gmas]

Thanks for your comments,

My main concern is speeding up the mini's performance, and theoretically there should be a difference between an internal 7200 and a FW external, but some websites (eg. barefeat) seem to have evidence against this.

So performance is my main priority, aesthetics (including noise- if you could call this an aesthetic concern) and cost being secondary.

Thanks!
Gmas.