Western Digital has made a significant leap in hard drive technology with the introduction of its new Ultrastar DC HC690, pushing the boundaries of data storage to an impressive 32TB capacity. This development marks a notable advancement in the ongoing race to increase storage density while maintaining compatibility with existing infrastructure.
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| The Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC690 hard drive, highlighting its impressive 32TB storage capacity and modern design |
11 Platters: The Key to Increased Capacity
The Ultrastar DC HC690 achieves its unprecedented storage capacity through an innovative 11-platter design. This is a departure from the traditional 10-platter limit within the industry-standard form factor. Western Digital's engineers have managed to squeeze in an extra platter by optimizing various components, including:
- Reducing the space between platters
- Improving the suspension system
- Refining the circuit board
- Enhancing the disk stack
- Optimizing the read/write head
These modifications allow for increased storage without altering the drive's external dimensions, ensuring compatibility with current server racks and systems.
Advanced Recording Technologies
The new drive utilizes two key technologies to maximize its storage density:
- Shingled Magnetic Recording (SMR) : This technique arranges data tracks in overlapping layers, allowing for higher data density.
- Energy-Assisted Perpendicular Magnetic Recording (ePMR) : By employing additional electric currents, ePMR increases the areal density of bits written to the disk.
Performance and Specifications
The Ultrastar DC HC690 boasts impressive specifications:
- Available in 30TB and 32TB capacities
- 7200 RPM spindle speed
- Up to 267MB/s sustained transfer rate
- SATA (6Gb/s) or SAS (12Gb/s) interface options
CMR Alternative: The DC HC590
For users who prefer Conventional Magnetic Recording (CMR) technology, Western Digital is also introducing the DC HC590 series. These drives offer capacities of 24TB and 26TB, utilizing CMR in conjunction with ePMR for improved density.
Retail Availability and Pricing
While the Ultrastar DC HC690 is primarily targeted at data center applications, Western Digital is making a 26TB Gold HDD available to retail consumers. This CMR drive, priced at $715, offers a more accessible option for enthusiasts and small businesses looking to maximize their storage capabilities.
Future Prospects
Western Digital's achievement with the 32TB Ultrastar DC HC690 is part of a broader industry trend. Both Western Digital and its competitor Seagate are pushing the boundaries of HDD technology, with forecasts suggesting 60TB drives by 2028 and potentially 100TB by 2030-2037.
As SSD prices continue to fall, HDDs remain the go-to solution for mass storage applications where capacity takes precedence over speed. This latest development from Western Digital ensures that mechanical hard drives will continue to play a crucial role in data centers and high-capacity storage solutions for the foreseeable future.