HDD speeds

I currently have a total of three complete machines. Two are completely suitable for my wants and desires. The third computer, however, seems to have very long boot times. The computer in question is Rig #2 (with the two Maxtor hdd's). i think what causes the problem is Symantec's NIS 2005. It takes a long time to finish loading, and blocks the use of internet and networking activity until its finished loading (can be as long as 3.5 minutes after logging onto the computer).

So, I want to buy a new hard drive. I really would like to get a Raptor since its so much faster (10K RPM) but I was looking at several drives and couldn't figure out which would actually ahve the best speed overall.

Do SATA drives all have faster speeds than IDE drives? I can't afford much (prefer <$100) and it doesn't need to store a huge amount since I have storage drives already.

Sata Raptors are faster than IDE, but regular SATA drives still run at 7200rpm...A Raptor might cut the bootup time, but considering the price.....

Sure would be easier to get rid/replace NIS 2005....

Yes, to expand on what Steve said, the difference between a PATA drive and a SATA drive is the burst transfer speed - in other words the 2MB or 8MB usually of data that is stored in the hard drives buffer memory. Once that is transferred the sustained transfer rate is effectively governed by the rotational speed of the drive, and for a 7200RPM drive is somewhat below the ATA66 standard. So for most of the time there is no real performance difference at all, though SATA does have some other advantages. Of course, the Raptor is a faster drive because it's 10,000 RPM, but you won't get one for less than $100.

Hmm, while I was hoping for less than $100, I am not sure about getting rid of NIS. It just seems to work for the user (set this pc up for my girlfriend) and I know enough about it to make most things work properly. I guess I will go with a Raptor, as that is what I put in my new 64 bit rig, and it is blazing fast.

Before you go spending any money, have a look in Device Manager and make sure that the drive is set to DMA mode and not PIO mode.