When looking at prefered hardware for HTPC systems, there are two brands/types for HDD: Seagate Barracuda and the Samsung SpinPoint series. Both are known as being low-noise and keeping cool (especially SpinPoints). Keeping your head (the HDD's) cool is also a factor when talking about realibility. Both are also know for having good price/GB ratio.

Comment regarding Seagate Barracuda and software controlled Acoustic Sound Management: due to patent conflicts the ASM has been disabled. For some OEM-models (for e.g. Dell) it is sometimes enabled. Therefor the SpinPoints are nowadays prefered over the Barracuda's in the HTPC-scene.

With regards,

Eize