Conclusions

Initial impressions are very good indeed, the drive speeds along merrily and we do have to take note at the sustained write speeds.  100MB/s (PLUS) for a solitary spindle hard drive is essentially pretty amazing.   The introduction of both RAFF™ and NoTouch™ technologies to the disc will ensure that the drive maintains its longevity within the rack.

Temperatures, as we noted within the HD Tune results the 2 ½ VelociRaptors never getting all that hot within the rack.  At most we saw the disc reaching 34C but this was whilst completing the HD Tach Full test.

This newest Western Digital VelociRaptor™ hard drive is built for business-critical applications with enterprise-class mechanics and packs up to 300 GB of capacity into the enterprise small form factor bays, while consuming 35 percent less power than the previous-generation WD Raptor® drive.   However, and there always is, this does not mean the drive can be found else where for mission critical systems.  Another day perhaps as so much is going on here.

As we discussed early within the introduction, this disc is going to pop up in so many places.  Fast and extremely versatile and when we do the sums of cost per GB.  You do have to sit and wonder are SSD’s really worth it at this point as from what we have seen so far the current SSD’s are nowhere near with what the VelociRaptor has to offer.   After all the sustained write and read speeds of the VelociRaptor will be giving most SSD’s an exceptional run for their monies and severe headache.  Nobody thought that the 100MB/s plus write speed was achievable from a single spindle hard disc and yet its here.   Claimed high speed SSD’s are a coming, claims are as they are, claims; the proof is in the actual working product.  Time will tell.

Within page 3 we showed that one hurdle to be overcome is getting into place good sound and extremely reliable caddies that actually support 2 ½ “hard discs.   They are out there now and for those wanting to get them within the EU please contact Xworks Interactive who specialise in High-End 3D Systems.   Within 24 hours we had in situ the 5 ¼” Bay Caddy that supports the 2 ½ “hard discs readily.  Oh Yeah high-end enthusiasts and overclockers take note at the 4 supported bays within this neatly constructed part.  Many minds will be running well into overdrive – 1.2GBS of Raid 0 VelociRaptors.

It’s too early yet to make an actual award for the 2 ½” VelociRaptor as we have got much more to complete (but its close).   After all this is an early impressions look to wet the appetites of those of you out there waiting quietly in the wings.

A final word to the SSD makers – The Unleashed Beast is Watching You

Page 1 - Introduction
Page 2 - Pictures
Page 3 - System Set-Up and Benchmarks Used
Page 4 - Write Test Results
Page 5 - Read Test Results
Page 6 - Conclusions