It’s quite obvious which drive won this matchup overall. Although I would have liked to have had a larger representation of drives to test, and would have REALLY liked to have tested one of the new Western Digital drives with the same 20GB per latter areal density, it’s clear at least in this somewhat mismatched roundup that the Quantum Fireball Plus AS drive takes the honors.
If you do some searching, you’ll find that this 30GB model comes in at a very competitive price, in comparison to other 30GB models on the market with similar specifications and spindle speeds. As we’ve seen here, specifications don’t necessarily correlate to performance in a predictable manner. Besting my admittedly mediocre Maxtor 13.6GB drive was a given. It did surprise me that it bested the 75GXP Deskstar, a well renowned performer. I would have loved to have seen HDTach #’s on the Maxtor 40GB, but it had to go back to the gracious individual who let me borrow it. Nevertheless it placed a good 2nd place behind the Quantum. Still….it’s second place :)
Quantum’s Fireball Plus AS 30GB drive seems to me to be doing a great job at continuing the “pedigree” of the Fireball line. With competitive prices available, and excellent performance, I highly recommend it.
Pros:
Best in class areal density at 20GB per platter!
Hydrodynamic Bearing Motor, for reduced acoustics, and increased reliability (on 1 and 2 platter drives currently)
Competitively priced.
Cons:
I have to send it back to Quantum ;)
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