ATTO
IO performance puts the Velociaptors in a different light. These numbers reveal why the drives are seemingly so responsive compared to other hard drives. They’re simply quicker at locating and delivering the data requested. RAID 0 showed the two capable of 142MB/s write and 121MB/s read 4K performance. The gains were about 60% higher with larger IO tests. Like most platter RAID configurations, you’ll see the most performance out of 4 and a minuscule jump if using 5.
Boot Time (with Program Launches)
Windows boot times are better with Velociraptors. Individually, the drive manages to shave about 12 seconds versus similar drives. In RAID 0, it’s only a few more seconds less. Program load times improve as well.
What’s That Sound?
During various parts of testing, I noticed some mechanical noise coming from the Velociraptor hard drives. When they were bogged down with a heavy load like a large multi-GB transfer, I could hear a familiar repetitive rattle as the heads do their work. However, it wasn’t always constant. During regular system use, the drives weren’t that detectable especially inside the computer enclosure. Additionally, the higher RPMs resulted in some extra drive chassis heat but nothing a little air flow couldn’t handle. Since most enclosures have fans at the front, they should be just fine.
There was very minimal noise from the 2TB WD Black through out testing. I found the drive to be more pleasant. The external housing also gets quite warm during extensive use which is due to the extra platters stacked inside. Again, just a little air flow is all that’s needed to remove any worry about heat. And both WD Black and Velociraptor carry a 5 year warranty each for peace of mind.
Platters Aren’t Out of the Fight Just Yet
There’s no arguing that Western Digital hard drives are still a staple large storage solution. It doesn’t seem like there is much more hard drive manufacturers can do to improve their performance without adding NAND hybrid solutions which increase costs. As long as the SSD market continues to stagnate, they will continue to be the optimal solution for a storage solution because they have size and pricing on their side.
Final Thoughts – Western Digital 2TB Black (WD2002FAEX)
When considering performance and price, the 2TB WD Black is still an excellent cost benefit contender at $160 US/CA. It’s quiet yet still surprises with decent output as far as platter based hard drives are concerned. And, the series even comes in a 4TB solution which is just a whole lot of storage space but be prepared for adding 2 pounds a hard drive to your chassis. What it comes down to is that I still love the 2TB WD Black hard drives for their bang for buck quiet performance.
Pros
- 1TB, 2TB (tested) up to 4TB models offered
- Large storage solution
- Quiet operation
- No additional power draw from previous generation
- Low level wear head design
- Great cost benefit ratio
Cons
- Will generate some heat
- Weighs nearly 2 pounds each
Overall Rating: 9.5 / 10.0
Final Thoughts – Western Digital 1TB Velociraptor (WD1000DHTZ)
The Western Digital 1TB Velociraptor 10K RPM drives are quicker and meaner than any other platter based hard drives available on the SATA interface. They are the F1 of the hard drive market in terms of performance and have the engine noise and premium price to match. While I tested in regular and RAID configurations, individually each one will cost you as low as $218.99 US to get the quicker program access and boot times.
Honestly, one is worthy of consideration. However, with two, I have to be honest and recommend spending $300-350 on a 360-480GB SSD which will give you better than platter-RAID performance. An SSD as an OS and program drive combined with a Western Digital 2TB Black make a much better combo.
Pros
- 1TB High Performance Platter
- Not too heavy at all
- Noticeably faster program load and boot time
- IcePack makes it look more unique
Cons
- Price makes one consider an SSD
- IcePack doesn’t really cool anything
Overall Rating: 8.0 / 10.0
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