Both the parallel ATA and serial ATA versions of the Barracuda 7200.7 extend the series' legendary reputation for whisper-quiet operation. While the standard parallel ATA version also continues the line's tradition of lackluster performance, the serial ATA unit, equipped with its 8-megabyte buffer, turns in much more appealing numbers. We have every reason to believe that the PATA Barracuda 7200.7 Plus, also outfitted with 8 megs, would turn in numbers similar to that of the SATA unit. Seagate finally has a drive on its hands that approaches the speeds delivered by Western Digital's latest Caviars.

The StorageReview.com Safe Buy Award Simply put, this designation means we'd purchase this product without regret. Sure, there may be a slightly better, slightly faster, and/or slightly less-expensive model from a competitor, but you can't go wrong with this particular unit. This award is applicable, of course, to all units at the top of their class, but also applies to units that, though not quite best-of-class, provide a strong showing nonetheless.The SATA and Plus models, when first introduced, carried a significant price premium over the relatively inexpensive standard PATA 7200.7. At the time of this writing, however, the difference has narrowed somewhat- expect to pay ten to twenty percent more for a 7200.7 with an 8-megabyte buffer. Competitive speed combined with exceptionally quiet operation earn the SATA 7200.7 and the 7200.7 Plus a StorageReview Safe Buy designation.

Unlike previous-generation Barracuda ATAs, such as the IV and V, the standard 2-megabyte 7200.7's low noise floor no longer lets it stand out from the crowd in the face of increasingly quiet designs from manufacturers such as Maxtor and Hitachi. Those interested in the standard 'Cuda would be better served by considering the competition or Seagate's own SATA and Plus models.