What disk driver is the best for a stock Mac SE running System 6?

[8bitbubsy]

Should I use the disk driver supplied with System 6.0.7's Apple HD SC Setup on a stock Macintosh SE, or are there any benefits with using the one in Apple HD SC Setup 7.3.5? Also wondering if there are any non-Apple drivers out there that are faster, or otherwise better.

 

[cheesestraws]

No need to overthink it. Use whatever's convenient. Normally I either use the patched 7.3.5 for everything or I use the A/UX HD SC Setup because it has more features in the UI - but that's because those are the two on my 'stuff for new installs' AFP disc. So no need to be dogmatic about it.

 

[8bitbubsy]

True, it works fine as is, but if there were to be some speed benefit using either the old or new driver, I'd stick to that one.

 

[cheesestraws]

People argue about benchmarks sometimes, but in actual use of the computer, I've never noticed a real difference.

 

[LaPorta]

Any of the original Apple ones work just fine. I’ve never had a need for anything else…others may have different experiences.

 

[ArmorAlley]

It's not an answer to your directly.
If you want faster disk I/O, an external Zulu-SCSI should greatly help your Mac Plus, assuming they work on the Mac Plus. It's quieter too.
I haven't used a Plus in decades and its implementation of SCSI is not as complete as it could be, so it mightn't work.
A Floppy Emu wouldn't also be a bad idea.

 

[bigmessowires]

ZuluSCSI has a configuration mode specifically for the Mac Plus. I haven't tried it myself, but it should work. The BMOW Floppy Emu is also a good match for the Plus since it can emulate floppy drives as well as a hard disk (HD20-type).