Western Digital Launches Quiet Single Platter 320GB Desktop Drive !!!

[Pudi]

The hard drive capacity war isn't coming to any end anytime soon and it's obvious from the way the industry’s top manufacturers are raising the stakes. Western Digital is one of those key players and recently introduced a single-platter 320GB desktop hard drive. This new platter density falls slightly behind Samsung's high water mark of 334GB/platter.

The Caviar SE16 series will lead this new 320GB platter into the market starting with a single-platter 320GB desktop hard drive, model WD3200AAKS, that will feature a 16MB buffer and Native Command Queuing. All of the other specifications of this drive adhere to the Caviar SE16 line with a SATA 3.0 Gb/sec interface and a maximum buffer-to-disk transfer rate of 972 Mb/sec.

The single platter, 320GB model will no doubt pave the way for higher-capacity two and four platter drives in the future.

Pricing on the Western Digital Caviar SE16 320GB (WD3200AAKS) is listed at $100, but a quick search on your favorite price search engine will show prices as low as $70 from various e-tailers.


Press release indicates that unlike Samsung which released higher capacity drives first, WD will work its way upwards, releasing 320GB model first, and higher capacity models later. (Haha :banana::banana::banana::banana: you Samsung)

According to a close source at Western Digital, the WD3200AAKS model number is currently in use for the single 320GB platter model as well as the double 160GB platter model until the latter is phased out of the lineup.

So

The full PN for 320GB off of this new platform is WD3200AAKS-00B3A0.

“B3” is the differentiator. B3 = A single platter drive.

Benchmarks of the new WD3200AAKS-00B3A0 on Planetnow.de.

Quote:
here times some results in the comparison to seagate 7200,10 with 250gb also 16mb cache


HD Tune
Seagate 250GB/WD 320GB

Min(MB/sek): 26.5/50.3
Max(MB/sek): 79.8/111.0
Average(MB/sek): 64.6/86.8
Acc. time (ms): 13.5/16.3
Burst(MB/sek): 206.0/153.2
CCU: 3.5%/5.6%

HD Tach
Seagate 250GB/WD 320GB

Avr. read(MB/sek): 68.3/90.6
Acc. time (ms): 13.2/17.1
Burst(MB/sek): 243.3/240.0
CCU: 4%/4%


in addition it is ultra quiet... even with the ear against the drive, the case fans are louder

I do not believe the Samsung was ever this quiet.

The access time is slower on the WD, but it's not clear how that affects performance in real world applications.


By this time next month, the Western Digital WD6400AAKS should also be available. That's a new product, so you are assured of getting the 320GB platters.

[g1raffe]

Sounds good. :)

[Zytek_Fan]

I'll still buy the Samsung F1.

[halo112358]

the Samsung F1 kicks serious ass, I bought one a month ago.

[RPGWiZaRD]

I like the WDxxxxAAKS drives, usually has the highest platter WD uses and costs barely nothing and everything's great about em really. I own a WD7500AAKS and I've never owned a better drive, everything amazes me about it and especially noise lvl and temperature and bought it for 140 EUR in Finland which is not too bad considering prices here. No other manufacturers can offer close to as good price/capacity ratio at 750GB or above. The "green" 1TB WD disk would be closest probably.

[StyM]

nice, i want 1... :D

[zanzabar]

since they have the 320GB plater how long until there is a new raptor

[FischOderAal]

I like the WDxxxxAAKS drives, usually has the highest platter WD uses and costs barely nothing and everything's great about em really. I own a WD7500AAKS and I've never owned a better drive, everything amazes me about it and especially noise lvl and temperature and bought it for 140 EUR in Finland which is not too bad considering prices here. No other manufacturers can offer close to as good price/capacity ratio at 750GB or above. The "green" 1TB WD disk would be closest probably.

in germany the Samsung Spinpoint F1 750 GB is far cheaper ;)

[HKPolice]

16.3ms seek time?!??? W.T.F P.O.S

[xlink]

do want.

someone link me I need 2 right now.

[Yukon Trooper]

Wow, great numbers overall. Seek time can go jump off a bridge and die though.

[Kai Robinson]

I still rather have a Hitachi Deskstar :)

[G80]

Make a single platter 320GB 10.000RPM 32mb cache Raptor already ;)

[largon]

in germany the Samsung Spinpoint F1 750 GB is far cheaperAnd has poor performing old 250GB platters.

[XS Janus]

^I guess the F1 denomination is just a trick in this model.

Does anyone know if the new WDs are already being shipped to OEM distributors?

[3NZ0]

Wow, great numbers overall. Seek time can go jump off a bridge and die though.That's because of the silencing mode being active. Disable it for louder drivers and much better results.

[[XC] Lead Head]

since they have the 320GB plater how long until there is a new raptor

Not anytime soon, raptor platters are much smaller then regular platters, to keep access times down low

[brinox]

don't know about you all, but I'm very interested in a 32gb SSD for OS/games and a mirrored 750gb or 1tb for storage purposes...

The access time on the mtron's actually did go jump off a bridge and is now nowhere to be found :)

[Alucard-]

the 640gb version is more interesting to me, I'd prefer a 4 platter version 1.28 gb in a single drive would be nice. If it was nice and quiet and reliable too.

[Craftyman.]

don't know about you all, but I'm very interested in a 32gb SSD for OS/games and a mirrored 750gb or 1tb for storage purposes...

The access time on the mtron's actually did go jump off a bridge and is now nowhere to be found :)

Does that make it a good time to buy mtron stock? :D

[zanzabar]

Does that make it a good time to buy mtron stock? :D

never buy tech stock before june

[XS Janus]

don't know about you all, but I'm very interested in a 32gb SSD for OS/games and a mirrored 750gb or 1tb for storage purposes...

The access time on the mtron's actually did go jump off a bridge and is now nowhere to be found :)

Good luck in ever getting you moneys worth with that small drive and todays OS and game bloatware!
When they will become "cheap" games will come on BD and they'll become even less usefull.

[nobi125]

Lead Head;2766103']Not anytime soon, raptor platters are much smaller then regular platters, to keep access times down low

They could probably make a 250GB Raptor.

[EvilBellyLint]

16.3ms seek time?!??? W.T.F P.O.S

You never heard of short-stroking a drive to cut seek times?
The transfer rates blow away all other 7200 drives up to
and including some 750GB models. A quarter-stroke partition
takes care of those seek times in a snap.


EBL

[EvilBellyLint]

BTW, I'm buying three of these off Ebay this week :cool:


EBL

[breakfromyou]

...figures that i already have a few WD3200AAKS's. The old ones, of course. :(

now how should I go about getting new ones? hmm...

I think these new drives deserve a new letter at the end. ABKS? BAKS? lol. I have no idea. Just something to make it easier to find, dammit.

[roadie]

I've been waiting for the 320Gb single platter drive from Samsung for a looooooooooooong tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiime. If this comes out first, then I will get it instead!

[donitsi]

I've been waiting for the 320Gb single platter drive from Samsung for a looooooooooooong tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiime. If this comes out first, then I will get it instead!

Yes I advise you to do so :up: You can't never go wrong with WD drives. They keep impressing with every new drive.

Someone will say they have WD's failed, well every brand has weaker batches. At least they have super RMA ;)

[Bobsama]

I love WD's. I have a 3200AAKS, the old version, but it's very VERY impressive. I was running Everest read benchmarks and was getting very nice results. Buffered reads at 220MB/s, versus my old WD800BB (IDE) doing like 90MB/s. Everything was better about the new drive, versus the 5-year-old 800BB. Buffered reads, random reads, latency, &c. It only lost in latency vs. my flash drive.

[Nedjo]

great! Then it's decided! My next second drive is Western Digital WD6400AAKS, and will exchange this Raptor 36 as system drive for Raptor 150

[mstp2009]

Samsung F1 1TB FTW.

[nullface]

Samsung F1 1TB FTW.

Good post... NOT!

This is great, becourse it may force Samsung to release there F1 320 sometime soon.

[breakfromyou]

So does anybody work retail around here? I noticed WD changing their packaging again. The boxes are smaller, and have softer fonts. I managed to find a 320gb SATA drive...but since it's new stuff, i can't open it.

Are the single platter 320's floating around already? Becuase if i was holding one today...i'm going to be quite angry :p

[Bobsama]

I have no idea how they do their retail codes--and I don't think they mention the extended model numbers. IIRC, it's WD3200xxxxx.

[WodnikPL]

DATE 13 JAN 2008
Model WD320AAKS-00BA30
http://i.frazpc.pl/pliki/2002/board_temp/1202658724292751.jpg

P35C-DS3R (no system disk)

Hd-Tach
http://i.frazpc.pl/pliki/2002/board_temp/1202658724292757.jpg

Hd-Tune
http://i.frazpc.pl/pliki/2002/board_temp/1202658724292756.jpg

G31M-S2L (system disk)

Hd-Tach
http://i.frazpc.pl/pliki/2002/board_temp/1202658724292755.jpg

Hd-Tune
http://i.frazpc.pl/pliki/2002/board_temp/1202658724292754.jpg

Max 96.4MB/s :shocked: but 16,5ms :down:

Some uesr made Raod 0 on two new AAKS (B3)
160-170MB/s Hd-tune/hd-tach

[CERO]

Yea only pita about the seektime

[WodnikPL]

2x320AAKS (B3) Raid 0
ICH9R
Cache in Intel Matrix Storage ENABLE

http://i.frazpc.pl/pliki/2002/board_temp/1203421269836640.jpg

http://i.frazpc.pl/pliki/2002/board_temp/1203421269836639.jpg

Test by user kostuch55 :up:

[XS Janus]

Those results are awsome.
Seak time is bad though, but no matter. :)

Are the drives shipping to OEM distributions or maybe even hitting retail stores today?

[Rez.]

The new 320GB per platter WD6400AAKS is up for pre order here (UK buyers) :

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-198-WD&groupid=701&catid=14&subcat=940


I think its a pain working out if the new 320GB single platter ones are available cause the product code hasnt changed from the old double 160GB platter.

Arranging a guranteed parts number hasnt been going well for me.

[TEDY]

Samsung HD753LJ 750GB is good choice?

[Mav451]

Yeah, I'm still wondering why access time is like that? I mean, it's basically the equivalent of having AAM on - not that it's a bad thing, but I hope those are numbers WITH it on.

If you turn AAM on and it gets even worse, that'd well...suck?

[Gogeta]

Yeah, I'm still wondering why access time is like that? I mean, it's basically the equivalent of having AAM on - not that it's a bad thing, but I hope those are numbers WITH it on.

If you turn AAM on and it gets even worse, that'd well...suck?

Pardon the acronym definition request.....AAM?

Thanks :D

[Mav451]

Automatic Acoustic Management.
If you leave it off, it sounds like hard drives in the 1980's. On and you have hard drives of 2000 and beyond.

*this is an exaggeration of course. Hard drives are inherently much quieter than before, but fans have gotten dramatically quieter since 2000...so silent PC users now have raised expectations. Let's just say that if you are a loyal SPCR reader, leaving AAM off is not an option.

[Biker]

Any UK stock of the WD 320GB single platter yet?

I want to get 2 and do a 320GB shootout vs the Samsung F1 320GB :D

[Mav451]

Seems that bad access time is only on 320's. 6400AAKS here:
http://www.hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1032142072&postcount=17

Access Time: 12.8ms

[XS Janus]

6400AAKS already :woot: :woot: :woot:

[Biker]

OK.

Confirmed US stock of this drive here (http://cgi.ebay.com/Western-Digital-320GB-Hard-Drive-16MB-Cache-SATA_W0QQitemZ280204621512QQihZ018QQcategoryZ64459 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) with worldwide shipping :D

[breakfromyou]

sweet jesus that is quick.

[whocaresbg]

First WD6400AAKS review :

http://www.planet3dnow.de/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=3530851

WD rocks :up: .

[largon]

[announcer's_voice_from_unreal_tournament]
Samsung fumbles!
[/announcer's_voice_from_unreal_tournament]

2x WD6400AAKS for me.

[LuckyNV]

Anyone know where in UK they are listed yet? EXCEPT OCUK

[Nicksterr]

Can anyone with a 150gb 16mb cache raptor run hd tach and post a ss? I'd like to compare to the new wd 320 and 640.

[LuckyNV]

http://img.techpowerup.org/080302/Image1.jpg

i did quick bench only

[Nicksterr]

That's a 74gb, I have one of those, I need a 150gb quick bench =p

Interesting though, I have the 8mb cache raptor are you're showing 12 MB/s more average read and 10 MB/s more burst speed than me. Cache must really help.

[LuckyNV]

doh my bad ;)

[metachronos]

Did anyone disable the quieting function and see if it improves access time?

[breakfromyou]

The single platter WD3200AAJS would be WD3200AAJS-00B4A0...?

If so, Micro Center has them. Not like anybody would want the 8mb cache version :p

[EvilBellyLint]

Ordered 2 of the WD6400AAKS from Newegg the other day, $259.98 shipped.
Will post some benchies in a few days or so when I get this next rig together.


:up:


EBL

[Mav451]

The single platter WD3200AAJS would be WD3200AAJS-00B4A0...?

If so, Micro Center has them. Not like anybody would want the 8mb cache version :p

I'm not too sure. The SE16 series (AAKS) are the only ones with the 320 platters, as far as I know.

[Kingcarcas]

Hehe this is interesting as i will be in the market for a 320GB(200 now), i figure by the time i'll want something bigger SSD will be the norm.

[breakfromyou]

I'm not too sure. The SE16 series (AAKS) are the only ones with the 320 platters, as far as I know.

I have some of the older 2 platter 320gb drives...but since the 320gb AAKS is B3...we have some AAJS B4's at Micro Center. OEM, and $90 haha.

They also look the same (sticker size/layout) as the B3's. So i'm 99% sure they're single platter. They do weigh a bit, however...

[GAR]

A quick question for the Hard Drive experts, lets say i want to get rid of my 150GB raptor for a quiter but equal drive, which would i buy? thanks

[Yukon Trooper]

A quick question for the Hard Drive experts, lets say i want to get rid of my 150GB raptor for a quiter but equal drive, which would i buy? thanks
Western Digital Caviar 750GB (WD7500AAKS). Quiet, cool, fast. Has similar read and write times as the Raptor, but has an average seek time compared to other drives. Whether or not the seek time is important to you, I don't know.

Some reviews:

http://www.hothardware.com/Articles/Western%5FDigital%5FWD7500AAKS%5F7 (http://www.hothardware.com/Articles/Western%5FDigital%5FWD7500AAKS%5F7)
http://www.anandtech.com/storage/showdoc.aspx?i=3061
http://techreport.com/articles.x/12673/1

I was going to go with a Raptor for my next drive, but looking at this drive changed my mind. Similar performance, cool, quiet, and 750GB for less than the price of a Raptor.

[kaskuli]

but has an average seek time compared to other drives. Higher seek times. Right now, if you are an entusiast you are forced to get both types; a 10000 RPM and one of the bigger, slower drives. There's no single drive out there that can satisfy everyone. As for this thread, don't know why everyone's going gung-ho about this drive - it doesn't break new ground.

[Yukon Trooper]

Higher seek times. Right now, if you are an entusiast you are forced to get both types; a 10000 RPM and one of the bigger, slower drives. There's no single drive out there that can satisfy everyone. As for this thread, don't know why everyone's going gung-ho about this drive - it doesn't break new ground.
The seek time is slightly over average compared to other 7200RPM drives. No big deal to me, but like I said, only the individual can decide.

http://techreport.com/r.x/wd-caviar-750/hdtach-access.gif

[Omastar]

Just ordered a 640GB variant from Newegg for my file server (the old 250GB is dying after faithfully serving me for a solid 3 years). I had 4GB left on the 250GB, so I figured I'd take the plunge on a new product and be the guinea pig. From what I read, though, I won't regret it. 1TB drives are just still too damned expensive. :shakes:

[largon]

I have some of the older 2 platter 320gb drives...but since the 320gb AAKS is B3 (...)Just for the record, what is the complete part number of the older WD3200AAKS with two 166GB platters?

Single platter = WD3200AAKS-00B3A0
Dual platter = WD3200AAKS-??????

[breakfromyou]

Just for the record, what is the complete part number of the older WD3200AAKS with two 166GB platters?

Single platter = WD3200AAKS-00B3A0
Dual platter = WD3200AAKS-??????

WD3200AAKS-00SBA0

[largon]

Thank you breakfromyou.

Now, if the WD3200AAKS-00B3A0 just had similar access time compared to WD6400AAKS. I hope it's just because AAM or such...

[XS Janus]

I noticed in that test posted that 640AAKS comes wit AAM disabled.
When the guy turned it on access time was comparable wit 320AAKS.

That could mean that 320AAKS comes with the AAM feature turned on cause they want to gain popularity and place the drive as Silent PC drive of choice.
It would make sense if you want to gain HTPC builders on your side. :)

[EvilBellyLint]

A quick question for the Hard Drive experts, lets say i want to get rid of my 150GB raptor for a quiter but equal drive, which would i buy? thanks

You would want the WD6400AAKS over the WD7500AAKS.
The 640GB uses the higher density platters, and is faster
than the 750GB in just about every way.

If you can wait until April/May, Samsung's own F1 Series 320GB
drive could be even better still.

EBL

[Yukon Trooper]

You would want the WD6400AAKS over the WD7500AAKS.
The 640GB uses the higher density platters, and is faster
than the 750GB in just about every way.
I had no idea about the new 640GB drives. I'll have to look into one of these, if indeed they are faster in every way. I can't seem to find any in Canada at all, though. The only thing I can find is a post in the NCIX forum, asking when the new 640GB drives from WD will be available. These must be brand spankin' new. Any links for reviews and benchmarks?

[Mav451]

I doubt there's any reviews as Newegg just placed them on their site a few days ago. Surprisingly with little gouge. Then again, these are hard drives we're talking about haha. I'm a pessimist when it comes to Newegg pricing. A few users already have numbers (I linked to an [H] thread)...and I'm sure other forums should have early adopters receiving their drives during this week.

[Biker]

I have the 320gb and 1TB Samsung's (both use 334GB platters)... here are the numbers:

320GB:

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii156/skummm/HDTune_Benchmark_SAMSUNG_HD322HJ1.png


1TB:

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii156/skummm/HDTune_Benchmark_SAMSUNG_HD103UJ.png

...as these performance figures are almost identical I am pretty certain the 640GB WD and Samsung drives will be very close to these results...

[Yukon Trooper]

Wow, those are great numbers!

Just for reference, these are the HD Tune numbers for a 150GB Raptor:

http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/8633/hdtunebenchmarkwdcwd150wx4.png

[CTKP]

Ordered two 320 aaks from newegg last week along with a 640. Received them today though the model isn't ..BA.., or ..B3.. but 00YGA0 with a pack date of Jan 22.

[Yukon Trooper]

Ordered two 320 aaks from newegg last week along with a 640. Received them today though the model isn't ..BA.., or ..B3.. but 00YGA0 with a pack date of Jan 22.
Too bad. I know on eBay there is a guy selling the 320GB platter versions.

[EvilBellyLint]

I know the guy you're talking about (on ebay) but I thought,
for another 40-bucks I can get the new WD6400AAKS from
Newegg with free shipping, and know that I'm not only getting
a 320GB platter, but much better access times as well :D


EBL

[Yukon Trooper]

I wouldn't buy from the guy from eBay, but I came across someone mentioning the seller over at HardForum.

What's up with the lackluster access time on the 320GB model? It's like 18ms! What is it on the 640GB version?

[hecktic]

has the samsung F1 already been released to the market ?

[breakfromyou]

I wouldn't buy from the guy from eBay, but I came across someone mentioning the seller over at HardForum.

What's up with the lackluster access time on the 320GB model? It's like 18ms! What is it on the 640GB version?

it HAS to be AAM. It's really the only explanation?

[0maro]

How to know,whats model is new and what is old one?
Both of them are xxxAAKS..

[Rez.]

How to know,whats model is new and what is old one?
Both of them are xxxAAKS..

The new single platter one is:

WD3200AAKS-00B3A0

[donitsi]

The new single platter one is:

WD3200AAKS-00B3A0

I got my hdd today. I was really surprised when I looked it's code. I got this new 00B3A0 baby :p:

Still waiting for case/psu and videocard to get things started :rolleyes:

[EvilBellyLint]

I wouldn't buy from the guy from eBay, but I came across someone mentioning the seller over at HardForum.

What's up with the lackluster access time on the 320GB model? It's like 18ms! What is it on the 640GB version?

12.8ms on the WD6400AAKS



EBL

[Yukon Trooper]

it HAS to be AAM. It's really the only explanation?
That's what people have been saying, but no one has mentioned turning it off, so that high seek time might just be standard.

[NapalmV5]

4x incoming..

if someone wants to post a 4x bench before i do.. do it fast

:)

[Omastar]

For what's it worth, here's my initial, very quick test of my new WD 640 AAKS using Roadkill's HD benchmark:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v448/pottedplant72/wd640aaksspeed.png

This is not my OS drive, BTW. It's a server storage drive with about 222GB of data on it right now.

[Mav451]

How do other HD's fare in that Roadkill bench?

E.g. 750Gig variants from WD/Seagate/Samsung?

[Omastar]

Here's my WD 74GB Raptor (ADFD) with a fairly new Windows installation:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v448/pottedplant72/wd74raptoradfdspeed.png

Obviously, don't put a whole lot of faith in synthetic benches like this, but it is interesting, nonetheless. Raptor trumps it in accesses/access time, obviously, and they're about neck in neck in Random Reads, but the 640GB thrashes the Raptor in Linear Reads, according to this.

[XS Janus]

How about somebody that has raptor and a new WD makes a big folder with lots of different file types and times its copy time from:
C: -> D: D: -> C: C: -> C: D: -> D:

[NapalmV5]

4x 640GB @ 5% = 128GB

http://aycu22.webshots.com/image/43741/2005421396297319839_rs.jpg

just a quickie.. i have yet to set the best performing settings @ bios

later ill post the 4x raptor.. ive posted several of those.. ill look for it here @ xs

i just know it takes 6x raptors to achieve that ^

[NapalmV5]

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=2822353&postcount=283

[donitsi]

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=2822353&postcount=283

holy crap that's fast :eek: :p:

[MavT]

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...&postcount=283

That is insane....very impressive

[breakfromyou]

I just picked up a 320gb single platter.

If you are in a retail store, or at least have the ability to see the box, you can see the serial number on the bottom of the box, right below the large barcode. the 320gb single platter (WD32000AAKS-00B3A0) all seem to begin with WMAT...while the others are WCAS, WCAT, WMAP, etc...the single platter drives DO weigh less. Out of everybody i asked at work, only 1 person couldn't tell the difference in weight between the two types of drives. The double platter vs. single.

Now, as for the drive. It is dead silent. I can't hear a thing. Access times are a bit high, but so are the read/write speeds.

How would one go about changing the AAM settings? I need to do some testing.

[Mav451]

SilentDrive - http://www.rt-sw.de/en/freeware/freeware.html

[AliG]

I'll still buy the Samsung F1.
I agree, this is xtremesystems, not xtremelyquietsystems, I think we can deal with a few more dba(s) in exchange for faster hard drives

[xappie]

How would one go about changing the AAM settings? I need to do some testing.

Any luck with this? Im curious to see your results...

[breakfromyou]

Any luck with this? Im curious to see your results...

None. Any kind of software that has anything to do with hard drives hates these new drives.

I bought another for RAID 0, by the way. 170 MB/sec average read in HD Tach.

[flopper]

I agree, this is xtremesystems, not xtremelyquietsystems, I think we can deal with a few more dba(s) in exchange for faster hard drives

xtremesilent.
:welcome:

[LuckyNV]

any sightings of the 640GB in UK?

even OCUK have taken down their product page :/

[lior307]

Is there really a Difference between the old 320 to the new (with less plates0 ??

[Gogeta]

Is there really a Difference between the old 320 to the new (with less plates0 ??

I believe the old 320GB used two 250GB platters. The new one uses a single 334GB platter. Reduced access time will be the biggest difference, though probably not worth the upgrade from the old version to the new unless you get a great deal.

[Brother Esau]

I still rather have a Hitachi Deskstar :)

"Ditto" on that brother:D WD makes junk drives from my personal experiences with them outside of the Raptors series. They run Hotter die quicker and make a incredible amount of noise in seek:(

[lior307]

I believe the old 320GB used two 250GB platters. The new one uses a single 334GB platter. Reduced access time will be the biggest difference, though probably not worth the upgrade from the old version to the new unless you get a great deal.

Can you Explain ?? (2 x 250GB plate = 500GB)
Did they disable / closed access ??

[Astennu]

Nice i have 4x400 GB WD Raid edition's i think i will replace the main Raid 0 windows disk's for 2x 640 GB :)

[breakfromyou]

Is there really a Difference between the old 320 to the new (with less plates0 ??

Yes. About 25 MB/sec worth. The old ones have better access times though...I really do hope that has something to do with AAM being enabled, and me not being able to change it.

I have 2 of each, for a total of 4 320gb WD3200AAKS's. I've tried RAID 0 performance via. ICH9R, and single drive performance.

Old 2 platter versions (single vs. RAID 0):

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/2716/singlevsraid0qq8.th.jpg (http://img98.imageshack.us/my.php?image=singlevsraid0qq8.jpg)

Single Platter (one drive only...i didn't save RAID 0 benches?):

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/8761/singleplatter320gbhdtacxk2.th.jpg (http://img87.imageshack.us/my.php?image=singleplatter320gbhdtacxk2.jpg)

[xlink]

I believe the old 320GB used two 250GB platters. The new one uses a single 334GB platter. Reduced access time will be the biggest difference, though probably not worth the upgrade from the old version to the new unless you get a great deal.

I'm thinking that it used two 166GB platters, numbers don't add up otherwise. scaling from the 2platter 320GB to the 1platter version exceeds what one would expect from a 33% increase in platter density, plus isn't linear density only increased only in a logarithmic fashion? EG: it takes a 4fold increase in density to get a two fold increase in per line density. Or am I wrong? does anyone know if the number of tracks(for lack of a better term) are maintained constant, or do they go up with the rest of the disc such that the track increase is proportionate to the linear density increase?

[Astennu]

Yes. About 25 MB/sec worth. The old ones have better access times though...I really do hope that has something to do with AAM being enabled, and me not being able to change it.

I have 2 of each, for a total of 4 320gb WD3200AAKS's. I've tried RAID 0 performance via. ICH9R, and single drive performance.

Old 2 platter versions (single vs. RAID 0):

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/2716/singlevsraid0qq8.th.jpg (http://img98.imageshack.us/my.php?image=singlevsraid0qq8.jpg)

Single Platter (one drive only...i didn't save RAID 0 benches?):

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/8761/singleplatter320gbhdtacxk2.th.jpg (http://img87.imageshack.us/my.php?image=singleplatter320gbhdtacxk2.jpg)

I have read something on Anandtech about the 320 GB version. It has less power and noise but was also slower then the 640 GB version. Is was intended like this so they can use it in low power / low noise systems.

[shiznit93]

I have read something on Anandtech about the 320 GB version. It has less power and noise but was also slower then the 640 GB version. Is was intended like this so they can use it in low power / low noise systems.
So do they come with acoustic and power management enabled by default (making it possible for us to disable that crap), or is it permanent?

[breakfromyou]

I have read something on Anandtech about the 320 GB version. It has less power and noise but was also slower then the 640 GB version. Is was intended like this so they can use it in low power / low noise systems.

First, explain to me what "intelliseek" is.

I agree with you though. 320gb these days...it isn't that much storage when it comes to all the HD media floating around, but they are quick, super quiet (hehe), and cheap. (if you can find one)

By the way, beginnings of serial numbers that are single platter (WD3200KSRTL Retail box): WMAT, WCAT.

I think i see a trend :O

I'm just trying to help some of you guys out. Plus, if I ever run into somebody staring at the bottom of a hard drive box, i'll know exactly what they're doing if it's a SATA 320gb. I love working retail.

[strange|ife]

dont F1 have some issues with p35 chipsets?

thinking of pickin one up

[Biker]

dont F1 have some issues with p35 chipsets?

thinking of pickin one up

Oh Yes!

Avoid F1 drives + Asus P5K Premium!!

[Astennu]

So do they come with acoustic and power management enabled by default (making it possible for us to disable that crap), or is it permanent?

I believe its permanent:

Quote From Anandtech:


The one area that really disappointed us with the WD 320GB drive was its pitiful random access times at 16.4ms. After a lengthy conversation with Western Digital, we now understand why the drive performed so poorly in this test. This also explains the good but not great application results in general. Granted, the drive still performs well, but the initial specifications lead us to believe that performance should have been greatly improved over previous generation drives. Western Digital explained the single platter 320GB drive is aimed at the entry-level market where thermals and acoustics are critical for mass acceptance of the drive by the OEM and retail customers.

WD sacrificed a small amount of performance on the 320GB drive to meet these goals. This was by design and is not an indication of the performance potential of their new technology. In fact, these same 320GB platters will be used in single-sided form eventually for the 160GB drives. According to statistics, the 160GB drives have quickly replaced the 80GB products to become the new "sweet spot" in the general market. As the capacities increase, the typical user for these products normally expects a balance between performance, thermals, and acoustics. With that in mind, WD tuned the 640GB drive for additional performance at the expense of acoustics.

As far as acoustic testing, this drive posted excellent results, although thermals were higher than we expected considering the Samsung drive is carrying an additional platter and set of heads. Even during heavy seeks, noise levels remained muted, and at idle the drive's acoustical footprint was almost silent. The numbers suggest that the 640GB is very close to the 320GB drive in acoustics. In most ways it is, but we could definitely hear a difference in the seek operations between the two drives. The Samsung F1 offered similar acoustics to the WD SE16 640GB drive but during seeks the drive had a slightly heavier tone that showed up in the recordings.

[Yukon Trooper]

Oh Yes!

Avoid F1 drives + Asus P5K Premium!!
Just for OS? What if I was using it just for storage on a P35 chipset?

[Bo_Fox]

When is the next Raptor ever coming out? 36<74<150.. and when it's doubled again to 300GB, it would almost be too late because 300 is hardly enough nowadays. Perhaps WD is working on a much bigger Raptor now that is like 400 or 600GB?

EDIT: I just found the answer after reading a bit...
Lead Head;2766103']Not anytime soon, raptor platters are much smaller then regular platters, to keep access times down low

[GAR]

so when is the next raptor coming out?? and how big??

[Mav451]

"Ditto" on that brother:D WD makes junk drives from my personal experiences with them outside of the Raptors series. They run Hotter die quicker and make a incredible amount of noise in seek:(

Err this might have been true back in 2003. Maybe explain why only WD's and Samsung drives are found on SPCR's recommended list. I don't think Hitachi has ever been on that list for good reason - too loud. I have made two mistakes in my HD experiences and those are the times I've bought non-WD drives.

[Astennu]

Err this might have been true back in 2003. Maybe explain why only WD's and Samsung drives are found on SPCR's recommended list. I don't think Hitachi has ever been on that list for good reason - too loud. I have made two mistakes in my HD experiences and those are the times I've bought non-WD drives.

Indeed. I have had major problems with Maxtors dieing (5 of them) all the time. And also a killed hitachi 80gb and a old Quantum Fireball.

Never had a dead WD.

[Rez.]

I believe its permanent:

Quote From Anandtech:

Yeah I was suprised when I read that article too. Was hoping of some way to switch off the acoustic benefits for better seek times.

"Western Digital explained the single platter 320GB drive is aimed at the entry-level market where thermals and acoustics are critical for mass acceptance of the drive by the OEM and retail customers"

I think the key in that quote is meeting OEM demands.

[GamingDaemon]

I noticed in that test posted that 640AAKS comes wit AAM disabled.
When the guy turned it on access time was comparable wit 320AAKS.

That could mean that 320AAKS comes with the AAM feature turned on cause they want to gain popularity and place the drive as Silent PC drive of choice.
It would make sense if you want to gain HTPC builders on your side. :)

I just put together rig with 2x320GB WD AAKS drives in RAID 0, and a 640GB WD AAKS for backup.

Can you help me answer these questions:

How do I tell if I have the 2x160GB platters for the 320GB drives, or the single platter (WD3200AAKS-00B3A0 --or-- WD3200AAKS-00SBA0)? Do I have to open the machine and pull them out on the drives themselves, or can is there a way to tell in an application? In other words, from within Vista, can I see the right number using a diagnostic application like MSInfo32?
What is AAM?
How do I turn AAM on/off?


Thanks in advance...

[XS Janus]

1. You can try just by going into device menager and clicking properties of the drive. If not I thing HD Tach will show you a detailed product number when loading the drives. ("The full PN for 320GB off of this new platform is WD3200AAKS-00B3A0. “B3” is the differentiator. B3 = A single platter drive."). Or to some HD tach runs and see/post results:cool:

2. AAM - Automatic Acoustic Management Link (http://www.ghacks.net/2007/03/14/reduce-hard-drive-noise/)

3. I think unfortunately on 320GB drives you cant (in the future who knows, maybe).

---Damn, I spend to much time on this board lately...:peace:

[CERO]

1). Western Digital WD3200AAKS-00B3A0 320GB, this the partnumber for the new platter,
I cant anwser the other 2 questions.

* edit I did a test on my WD6400AAKS, if i put AAM value of 128 i got a accestime of 15.6ms but it makes really less noise, however when i jack it up to 254, i got a accestime of 12.6ms and it is noticeable louder in seek, but nothing much to bother so I leave it at 254

So from my quessing the 320GB got a locked AAM of 128 thus higher accestime and less noise, as my WD6400AAKS shows a default of 128 , however HDtune put it automaticly after install on 254.

[stocius]

meh

[GamingDaemon]

1). Western Digital WD3200AAKS-00B3A0 320GB, this the partnumber for the new platter,
I cant anwser the other 2 questions.

* edit I did a test on my WD6400AAKS, if i put AAM value of 128 i got a accestime of 15.6ms but it makes really less noise, however when i jack it up to 254, i got a accestime of 12.6ms and it is noticeable louder in seek, but nothing much to bother so I leave it at 254

So from my quessing the 320GB got a locked AAM of 128 thus higher accestime and less noise, as my WD6400AAKS shows a default of 128 , however HDtune put it automaticly after install on 254.

WHEW! Well because they are already configred for RAID 0, I could not inspect the individual drives in Vista. Sooooo, I had to pull them out. What a pain!! But...as you can see in the pic...they are the right ones...and they seem to perform well too...

[GamingDaemon]

Ok, I was dumb. I could have just used the Intel Matrix Storage utility:

[stocius]

Ok, I was dumb. I could have just used the Intel Matrix Storage utility:yep,:D

[Millyons]

can the 320gb AAM be unlocked at all?, did anyone susceed

[icywater]

I want to pick 4 WD6400AAKS, I got 1 question to ask

Are all WD6400AAKS use 320GB platter?

[comc49]

yes since 320+320=640

[Xope_Poquar]

Yes but most 320GB drives are not 320GB platters. The 640GB drive does indeed use 320GB platters.

[xlink]

I want to pick 4 WD6400AAKS, I got 1 question to ask

Are all WD6400AAKS use 320GB platter?http://img111.imageshack.us/img111/6770/hdtune4gd8.png

yes and I have two to prove it

[bigslappy]

I got 2 WD6400AAKS's on special from NewEgg last week for 99.99 each shipped FREE ! & they were Even packed quite well , to boot !

[icywater]

i bought 4 WD6400AAKs the date of 2 is dated 18 of march and 2 is dated 18 april, the lastest one has acccess time of 17ms :(. how do i turn aam off?



edit

found the solution, I used feature tool to change AAM. All good now :)

[Millyons]

i bought 4 WD6400AAKs the date of 2 is dated 18 of march and 2 is dated 18 april, the lastest one has acccess time of 17ms :(. how do i turn aam off?



edit

found the solution, I used feature tool to change AAM. All good now :)

so now 640gb ones are showing up with aam on also? thats sux


what tool did you use and did it work, i heard of ppl not being able to change it on the 320gb ones

[icywater]

so now 640gb ones are showing up with aam on also? thats sux


what tool did you use and did it work, i heard of ppl not being able to change it on the 320gb ones

feature tool, i did not turn AAM off , i set it to 254 and my seek time is 12.1ms.
with feature tool, you have to change your raid setting in the bios back to ide, otherwise feature tool will not able to detect the driver.

here is my raid 0,
http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/8370/4xwd6400hdtachvi3.jpg