"..With the upcoming 6.8 GB/platter standard, most manufacturers have rested at 4.3 gigs/platter when it comes to 5400rpm drives. Two manufacturers, however, have steamed ahead with state-of-the-art 5.1 GB/platter designs. Of the two, Western Digital's Caviar AC420400 delivers the better performance, at a slightly better price to boot. It thus garners our Editor's Choice. Just a hair behind the Caviar in performance is the IBM Deskstar 25GP. Unlike the WD unit, however, the IBM drive is available in a five-platter, 25 gigabyte version. Though aging when compared to the shiny new offerings from WD/IBM, the DiamondMax 4320 exemplifies Maxtor's strength when it comes to Windows NT. Despite a lower sequential transfer rate, the 4320 manages to edge out the newcomers to defend the 5400rpm NT crown. Finally, the Seagate Medalist ST317242A, while not a performance leader, is the bargain buy of the bunch, with the lowest $/GB ratio around.." NULL