WD VelociRaptor gets new capacity, speed

Western Digital issued a long-expected update to its fastest mainstream drive today by adding 450GB and 600GB VelociRaptors. Besides doubling the capacity from the original 300GB, the new design supports 6Gbps SATA III with a larger 32MB cache. The company reckons that it can load data up to 15 percent faster even with the same 10,000RPM spin speed.

The drives work with both Macs and Windows PCs and come in different enclosures depending on the task: a bare 2.5-inch disk is meant for servers, but it also comes in the VelociRaptor's signature 3.5-inch bay version with a custom enclosure that cools the drive.

Both the 450GB and 600GB capacities are available today in the 3.5-inch formatting at respective prices of $299 and $329. Pure 2.5-inch versions are due before the end of spring.

By Electronista Staff