Western Digital SE16 750GB: "Quiet" a Performer
by Dave Robinet on August 9, 2007 2:00 AM EST- Posted in
- Storage
PCMark05
We are utilizing the HDD test suite within PCMark05 for further comparative hard disk scores as it provides a mixture of actual application results and specific read/write percentages utilized within these programs. The program utilizes the RankDisk application within the Intel iPEAK SPT suite of tools to record a trace of disk activity during usage of real world applications. These traces are then replayed to generate performance measurements based upon the actual disk operations within each application. The HDD test suite contains 53% read and 47% write operations with each trace section utilizing varied amounts of read or write operations. Additional information about the test suite can be found in PDF format in the PCMark05 whitepaper.
Our test results are based upon the following trace runs:
Windows XP Startup: This test consists of 90% reading and 10% writes that tracks XP activities at start-up.
Application Loading: This test consists of 83% reading and 17% writes that tracks the opening and closing of the following programs.
The WD7500AAKS's score of 6704 puts it squarely in third place once again, being bested only by the WD Raptor and the Hitachi 7K1000. Of note, the drive is nearly 8% quicker in the PCMark05 test than its 750GB competition from Seagate.
We are utilizing the HDD test suite within PCMark05 for further comparative hard disk scores as it provides a mixture of actual application results and specific read/write percentages utilized within these programs. The program utilizes the RankDisk application within the Intel iPEAK SPT suite of tools to record a trace of disk activity during usage of real world applications. These traces are then replayed to generate performance measurements based upon the actual disk operations within each application. The HDD test suite contains 53% read and 47% write operations with each trace section utilizing varied amounts of read or write operations. Additional information about the test suite can be found in PDF format in the PCMark05 whitepaper.
Our test results are based upon the following trace runs:
Windows XP Startup: This test consists of 90% reading and 10% writes that tracks XP activities at start-up.
Application Loading: This test consists of 83% reading and 17% writes that tracks the opening and closing of the following programs.
- Microsoft Word
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Windows Media Player
- 3Dmark 2001SE
- Leadtek WinFast DVD
- Mozilla Internet Browser
- Opening a Microsoft Word document, performing grammar check, saving and closing.
- Compression and decompression using WinZip
- Encrypting and decrypting a file using PowerCrypt
- Scanning files for viruses using F-Secure Antivirus
- Playing an MP3 file with Winamp
- Playing a WAV file with Winamp
- Playing a DivX video using DivX codec and Windows Media Player
- Playing a WMV video file using Windows Media Player
- Viewing pictures using Windows Picture Viewer
- Browsing the Internet using Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Loading, playing and exiting a game with Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon
The WD7500AAKS's score of 6704 puts it squarely in third place once again, being bested only by the WD Raptor and the Hitachi 7K1000. Of note, the drive is nearly 8% quicker in the PCMark05 test than its 750GB competition from Seagate.
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miahallen - Wednesday, August 15, 2007 - link
http://www.silentpcreview.com/forums/viewtopic.php...">Very good discussion concerning the problems with anandtech's sound measuring methodology here.The Boston Dangler - Friday, August 10, 2007 - link
for Samsung to offer larger drivesLord Evermore - Thursday, August 9, 2007 - link
So...have all drives up to this point only had the drive shaft secured on one side? The end of the shaft just spinning in the air between the top platter and the casing? That seems like a very unlikely thing given how easily that could result in the platters moving and hitting the heads or even hitting the casing. Given the G forces they're rated to handle even when running makes it sound even less likely.Lord Evermore - Thursday, August 9, 2007 - link
Oh, and haven't all drives had auto-parking heads for like a decade or more? The only reason the heads would move onto the platter during spin-up is if the controller specifically drives the armature to do so. So basically, SecurePark is WD saying "hey, we don't do something stupid with the heads anymore!"I hate how every company has to give their own trademarked name to a basic technology that everybody has.
falc0ne - Thursday, August 9, 2007 - link
I've noticed in stores 250, 320 and 400GB versions of AAKS are they the same revision drives? I'm ready to order one if so.Also, with the same capacities WD has drives in series KS.
Please, I need support, I'm buying a new PC. Thank you
Adul - Thursday, August 9, 2007 - link
Where did you find the Seagate for 180?Gary Key - Thursday, August 9, 2007 - link
At the time Dave wrote this, our price engine was showing ClubIT to have it for $188.89 if I remember right. I just checked and it was up to $199. We will get the article updated shortly.AdamK47 - Thursday, August 9, 2007 - link
Want!gloinsir - Thursday, August 9, 2007 - link
The following charthttp://images.anandtech.com/graphs/wd750_080807108...">http://images.anandtech.com/graphs/wd750_080807108...
, the Load Acoustics Chart, was missing results for the Hitachi 7K1000 with AAM/Off.
Gary Key - Thursday, August 9, 2007 - link
Fixed with a press of the refresh button... strange things today.