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From: mark@hpcilzb.HP.COM (Mark Turner)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc
Subject: Re: Reliability of Priam Hard Drives
Message-ID: <640012@hpcilzb.HP.COM>
Date: 24 Aug 89 23:42:00 GMT
References: <447@holston.UUCP>
Organization: HP Design Tech Center - Santa Clara, CA
Lines: 32

/ hpcilzb:comp.sys.ibm.pc / barton@holston.UUCP (barton) / 10:31 am  Aug 22, 1989 /
> I am considering the purchase of a large Priam hard disk.
> 
> I am interested in responses concerning the reliability and
> ease of installation of same under SCO Xenix in particular.
> 
> All comments, suggestions, etc. are appreciated.

I have been using a Priam ID60 for about 4 years.  It was originally in
an AT, but now it's in my 386/20.  CORETEST (disk evaluation software)
indicates that its average seek time is 27ms, although Priam rates it
conservatively at 30ms.  Performance is good, but would benefit from a
1:1 controller with cache.  Western Digital sells one for $225 (model
WD1006V-MM2).  Highly recommended no matter what drive you get.

The drive runs Xenix just fine, and is also compatible with Novell.
My only regret is that the standard IBM BIOS drive types will not allow
me to access the entire disk (60Mb), so I have to settle for the closest
one, which is 57Mb.  But that's not Priam's fault of course.  Actually,
if you buy the drive and controller from Priam, they provide a BIOS that
will let you access the entire disk (even for their very large ones).

Overall, I am very satisfied with the drive.  It is rugged and reliable.
Priam is mostly an OEM supplier, but they are becomming more visible in
the retail market.

Other good drives to consider: CDC, Quantum, Rodime, Maxstor, Conner.
(I have a CDC Wren-3 in a 386/33 that absolutely blazes.)

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Mark J. Turner
a nerd in geek's clothing