WD VelociRaptor 10K RPM drive hits 1TB
updated 10:50 am EDT, Mon April 16, 2012
WD VelociRaptor keeps up with storage
Western Digital on Monday timed the launch of a larger VelociRaptor drive with the NAB media expo. The new, 1TB capacity almost doubles the prior 600GB peak and is seen as a way to give video editors the capacity they need while still giving performance above and beyond conventional disk drives. It continues to spin at 10,000RPM versus the usual 7,200RPM and comes inn an "Ice Pack" heatsink that cools it down while serving as a mount for a 3.5-inch drive bay.
Inside, the newer VelociRaptor carries a 64MB cache and can talk to SATA3 interfaces to maximize its bandwidth. WD promises a higher level of reliability, particularly in multi-drive workstations and servers where vibration might become a factor.
The updated drive line is already shipping. Getting the signature 1TB version will cost $320, but 500GB and 250GB versions are also available at much lower prices of $210 and $160.
