Western Digital is extending the 8MB cache buffer offering down the Caviar line with a Special Edition version of the 80GB EIDE hard drive.

Big buffer = more hits from cache and fewer accesses to the hard drive. Which means faster speed to access data. In the case of the 80GB Caviar drive, the special edition delivers 20 per cent-plus better performance than the non-special edition, WD says. And it has enlisted Eugene Ra, editor of StorageReview.com, for a supporting quote:

"If you want SCSI's performance without its price or capacity limits, the WD Caviar Special Edition is the drive for you." Well, he's an expert. But does that sound like a human being talking to you: or Marie Osmond?

The WD Caviar 80 GB Special Edition hard drive will have "widespread availability" next month through the usual channels, including the company's own online store. Expect to pay around $189. ®