Just as in the previous PATA chart, we are also taking a close look at our Serial ATA drives and determining exactly which models and capacities offer the best overall value. We do this through the tried-and-true method of determining hard drive value, or "price per GB", which is then used as a sorting criteria to ensure the best $/GB deals rise to the top. Of course, no method is foolproof, and other factors like performance or features certainly come into play, but it does give us a different view on which brands, speeds and capacities offer the best bang for the buck.
The Serial ATA value chart shows the same basic trends as we found with PATA hard drives, with the 250GB to 320GB range offering the best overall value, and making it the place to get the best bang for your buck. This range also encompasses the top thirteen SATA drives, which is a repeat for the third month in a row. The Samsung SpinPoint 250GB takes over the top spot, followed by the Seagate 7200.9 250GB, Western Digital 320GB, Maxtor DiamondMax 10 300GB, and last month's leader, the Maxtor 250GB, in fifth spot. We also have twelve SATA drives sitting below the 40-cents per GB level, a gain of three since March, Naturally, the Western Digital Raptor drives are in their usual position at the bottom of the chart, as this line of high-end 10K RPM drives has always been about pure performance and quality, not value.
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