WD WD6401AALS (Black) vs WD6400AAKS (Blue) opinions?

[dwell]

They seem to be the same drive (platters, density, etc.) with the exception of...

- 16MB vs 32MB cache
- Dual processor on black
- 3yr vs 5yr warranty

As far as I know the cache size is not going to affect performance dramatically. I am not sure what dual processing provides. The warranty is not a big deal because I toss most drives every two years.

Any compelling reason to choose AALS that I am missing?

 

[VaultDweller]

Look at reviews, not specs 😛

Techreport.com has good hard drive reviews. I know they've covered the WD6400AAKS (before it was rebranded from SE16 to Blue), and at least some versions of the Caviar Black.

Personally I prefer the AAKS, as it's incredible for acoustics - but it seems most folk here love the Black.

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: Chris

- 16MB vs 32MB cache
- Dual processor on black
- 3yr vs 5yr warranty

Any compelling reason to choose AALS that I am missing?

You've pretty well listed the reasons to buy the Black over the Blue.

 

[dwell]

Ok. I am sold on Black now and tossing between the WD6401AALS (640GB) and WD7501AALS (750GB), mainly because the 750 is currently in stock at Amazon. It's a ~$5 price difference.

The 640GB is technically faster because it has two 320GB platters and tighter density vs three 350GB platters on the 750GB, but at the end of the day I am not sure if I will see a real performance difference between the two.

Hmm.

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: Chris
The 640GB is technically faster because it has two 320GB platters and tighter density vs three 350GB platters on the 750GB,

3 x 350 = 750?????? :shocked: ?????????
Where did you get your information on the 750GB Black?

Stay in school or go back. 😛

 

[dwell]

Originally posted by: Blain

Originally posted by: Chris
The 640GB is technically faster because it has two 320GB platters and tighter density vs three 350GB platters on the 750GB,

3 x 350 = 750?????? :shocked: ?????????
Where did you get your information on the 750GB Black?

Stay in school or go back. 😛

Basic math skills :frown:

Sorry 250 x 3. Wow, that makes things a lot different, eh?

 

[Blain]

Get the 640GB Black and be happy.

 

[seemingly random]

I've had three 640aaks and two 640aals. They perform similarly (desktop/non-ahci). They're the best performing drives I've ever had the pleasure of using. The fewer the platters, the better - I'm looking forward to the one platter 500gb hd.

If I had to recommend one, it would be the aals two justify the extra $10 I paid for it - but either one would be good.

 

[Denithor]

Fewer platters = less heat & noise = longer drive life (everything else being equal)

Higher density platters = better transfer rates

You do the math. Or maybe you shouldn't. 😉