what's the difference?

firebyyrd

Senior member
Mar 15, 2006
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What's the difference between the

WD5000KS from the 2nd generation: WD4000AAKS?

What are the variations, or benefits from the different generations? Thanks.
I know already the old generation is SATA150, while the new is SATA300, but is there any other differences?
 

magomago

Lifer
Sep 28, 2002
10,973
14
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perhaps higher platter density? Check the sizes of the drives and how many platters there are to figure that out
 

firebyyrd

Senior member
Mar 15, 2006
761
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0
ah i see..

Is there a disadvantage or problem associated with more platters?

this is speculation, but more error and heat??
 

0roo0roo

No Lifer
Sep 21, 2002
64,795
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http://www.storagereview.com/
from what i remember more platters = higher latency?
very small difference most wouldn't notice......
mostly higher density is good. platter count is just to increase a generations capacity and create a line of products
 

Pariah

Elite Member
Apr 16, 2000
7,357
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Originally posted by: firebyyrd
ah i see..

Is there a disadvantage or problem associated with more platters?

this is speculation, but more error and heat??

More heat, noise and power consumed. When comparing different generations, earlier generations typically need more platters to reach the same capacity, which almost always means worse performance. Platter count has no effect on latency. It takes 5 platters spinning at 7200rpm's the exact same length of time to complete one revolution as it takes 1 platter spinning at 7200rpm's. Seek time is usually adversely affected because more platters means more read heads which equals more weight which slows the movement of the read head assembly.

Very rarely would you ever want to buy an older generation drive unless there is a huge price difference.