narf
Sgt. Maj. Buzzkill
an SSD isn't THAT much more than a Raptor...
Cost aside, an SSD is a lot better than a Raptor.
Quiet. Really quiet. Actually, minus twenty dB or more (less?).
Faster. Both with linear reads and (especially) random access. Dunno bout linear writing, depends on the SSD I guess.
I paid 160ish for my 60G SSD, a random check at alternate says 115 for a 74G VelociRaptor. About 70% price, 5000% the random access time. Go for the SSD.