Okay, SCSI is better than IDE, but why do I need one?

     Upgrading to SCSI or choosing to go with SCSI right off the bat is not something you should do without a decent level of study and research. First of all, what are your NEEDS? If you are running an enterprise level or "high end" file, mail or web server, then SCSI is a must. There just is no reason to even trying to argue that point. As you drop lower on the food chain to a mid size business with a network, SCSI based servers should always be your first choice. When you drop down to a small business with a small network, your budget is going to drive this decision. However, you must also consider how much stress will be on the server. If the server is not in high demand or isn't being accessed 24/7, then SCSI may not fit the bill. Again, you must understand your NEEDS and what will best serve you in a reliable and cost effective manner. Now when we look at workstations, it really depends on what type of programs you will be running. If your business is into graphic design or will be using some other type of data intensive program, SCSI is the best way to go. If your employees just use your workstations to type memos, check email and surf the net, then SCSI is probably not the best way to go. Again, you must understand your needs and build a reliable server or workstation that best fits those needs.

What does the Cheetah 10K.6 have to offer?

     The Cheetah 10K.6 is Seagate's sixth-generation, 10K RPM, high performance, high capacity disc drive. With the fastest interfaces, the highest reliability and the most mature product design, the Cheetah 10K.6 enables the lowest ownership cost. In data intensive environments, increasing the capacity per disc drive lowers ownership costs by deploying fewer systems that use less cubic feet of space requiring less infrastructure such as cabinets, HBAs and less wattage of power.

     I know what some of you are thinking, SCSI technology is expensive. Well, you are right, it is expensive. However, you mustn't think about the actual startup costs of going SCSI. In order to appreciate what SCSI can do for you, you must think about LONG TERM COSTS. For instance, most IDE hard drives only have a backed service life of about 1 year under normal use. You are lucky to get two or three years out of an IDE drive without the drive degrading. With the Cheetah 10K.6, you are guaranteed a 5 year service life and a MTBF of 1.2 million hours. Also, you must remember "normal use" with an IDE drive is a game now and then, surfing the net and downloading and installing files occasionally. "Normal Use" with a SCSI drive is considered to be constant data transfer 24/7, 365 days a year. This level of use would be considered "abuse" with most IDE hard drives.

     I could go on about the benefits of SCSI forever, but we still have a lot to cover. Let's take a look at the detailed specs of the Cheetah 10K.6 on the next page.