T42/43 Speed: Ultrabay Slim HDD

[CantabRich]

I have yet to choose between the T42 and T43; I await pricing information on the T43 (not yet released here in HK).

In the meantime, can anyone answer three questions with regard to an addtional HDD:

1. What bandwith is available for a second HDD installed in the ultrabay of a T42? If the bandwith is restricted, then it seems to me that theere would be no point in installing a 7200 rpm HDD into the ultrabay. Does anyone know the available bandwith for the ultrabay, and if so whether the extra speed offered by a 7200 rpm HDD is of any value in that position? (I am aware that I can install the 7200 rpm HDD as the main HDD)

2. Will there be any increase in ultrabay bandwith for the T43? I have NO knowledge about the wiring of a T-series motherboard (or any motherboard!) but given the availability of PCIe, one might expect the ultrabay to be connected to the motherboard via a PCIe connection. If this is the case, does this mean that more bandwith might be available via the T43 ultrabay, thus making a 7200 rom HDD more worthwhile in that position?

3. Given the availability of a PCIe slot, is there any advantage in having the second HDD attached via the PCIe slot rather than via the USB2.0 or ultrabay?


I have searched this forum for information on these topics.