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From: roode@anansi.acs.uci.edu (Dana Roode)
Newsgroups: comp.periphs.scsi,comp.unix.ultrix
Subject: Which disk to buy?
Message-ID: <26C0DD8D.22566@orion.oac.uci.edu>
Date: 9 Aug 90 03:50:37 GMT
Reply-To: roode@anansi.acs.uci.edu (Dana Roode)
Organization: University of California, Irvine
Lines: 25


We are setting a group of high-speed workstations (perhaps DECsystem
5000s) that will be running very large 3d visualization packages and
codes.  We anticipate lots of memory and paging activity.  We are
thinking of buying a good amount of RAM (32mb) on each system, and
giving each a local swapping/temporary storage disk.

We want about 200-300mb disks - what do people feel is a good performing,
reliable, reasonably priced SCSI disk?  What we are familar with
and/or have good access to include CDC Wren IV's, MaxTor LXT200s's,
and the DEC RZ55.  Transfer rates on each seem quite similar, but
the DEC disk seems to have a slower seek/access time than the other
two.  Given that a paging disk will jump around alot, this seems
important.

Does anyone have any insight on this?  I am beginning to think 
it doesnt much matter which disk we go with.  Should we just stick
with the RZ55?

Please respond via e-mail, to:

   Dana Roode
   droode@uci.edu    -or-    DRoode@UCI (Bitnet)

   UC Irvine