The effects of intrinsic saturation magnetization σ s on media magnetic properties and recording performance in Co-Cr-(Pt)-Ta alloy films were studied. Correlation between cobalt content and σ s and between σ s and media signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), has been revealed. Additions of Cr and Ta strongly reduce the film saturation magnetization; the addition of Pt makes the reduction of saturation magnetization less pronounced. It is found that higher σ s degrades media SNR. The mechanism for this decrease in SNR is believed to be an increase in the strength of magnetostatic interaction. It is concluded that for very low noise recording media low saturation magnetization alloys are preferred.