IBM Deskstar 75GXP 75 GB DMA/ATA-100 (Ultra)

Updated 4/16/02

Editors' note: Since we first reviewed the Deskstar 75GXP, we have received an unusually high number of reader complaints about its reliability. IBM says it is aware of a few complaints and instances of drive failure but claims the vast majority of Deskstar 75GXP drives are working fine. Based on the preponderance of unhappy readers, however, we have decided to remove the Editors' Choice designation from this product.

If you're looking for top-flight performance in a high-capacity hard drive, look no further than IBM's 7,200rpm, 75GB Deskstar 75GXP. It bested Maxtor's top-rated DiamondMax 80 in both of our real-world copy tests.Updated 4/16/02

Editors' note: Since we first reviewed the Deskstar 75GXP, we have received an unusually high number of reader complaints about its reliability. IBM says it is aware of a few complaints and instances of drive failure but claims the vast majority of Deskstar 75GXP drives are working fine. Based on the preponderance of unhappy readers, however, we have decided to remove the Editors' Choice designation from this product.

If you're looking for top-flight performance in a high-capacity hard drive, look no further than IBM's 7,200rpm, 75GB Deskstar 75GXP. It bested Maxtor's top-rated DiamondMax 80 in both of our real-world copy tests.

Hard drive with a pedigree
IBM's Deskstar hard-drive series has long been known as the premium blend, and like any product sporting such a reputation, you'll pay a bit more for it. The 75GXP's $210 street price is about $20 more than that of Maxtor's 80GB DiamondMax 80 and nearly $100 more than you'd pay for a 5,400rpm, 60GB drive. But for those who want the fastest drive around, an agile performer such as the Deskstar 75GXP is worth paying a little more.

The Deskstar 75GXP set new CNET Labs records by copying our 500MB directory of files at an average of 8.47MB per second and our 383MB compressed data file at a whopping 28.3MB per second. That's significantly faster than the DiamondMax 80's scores but not surprisingly so; the Deskstar 75GXP spins at 7,200rpm, while the DiamondMax 80 whirs away at only 5,400rpm. The DiamondMax 80's greater areal density (meaning that bits are packed closer together) allows the drive's scores stay close to those of the Deskstar.

Cool customer
The Deskstar 75GXP ran both quietly and coolly in our tests. The drive is no harder to install than any other internal hard drive, and IBM thoughtfully includes both a quick-installation sheet and a more comprehensive installation guide. Software drivers for older systems that lack BIOS support for large drives are included as well. IBM also packs mounting screws and an IDE interface cable with the drive, but note that it doesn't include the brackets required for mounting this 3.5-inch hard drive in a 5.25-inch bay (if that's the only size you have available).

The Deskstar 75GXP carries a great three-year warranty. Toll-free telephone support is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. CT. IBM's excellent online support includes jumper diagrams, FAQs, manuals, and software downloads. Hide Review