Quality, I'm not sure. Had both, had problems with both. I know my current Maxtor is quiet as a mouse though. My current Maxtor has been giving me problems, but I found out something more important than noise...customer service. Maxtor has the best customer service of any computer componant maker I have ever come across. No hassle, no haggle. They will even send the new drive before you have to send in the old one (with a credit card for those who forget to send in the old one). I am astounded at how easy it was to get a new drive. A couple of minutes at thier site and it will be here Tuesday, no questions asked. And the warranty is three years, go figure. I know this doesn't address you direct question, but will tell everyone about my recent service from Maxtor when they are trying to choose between them and another brand.