It seems like ages have passed since we tested internal HDD, so we decided to introduce you one hard disk. Full name of this model, WD Caviar SE16 6400AAKS-00A7B0 reveals to eagle-eye so many things. This HDD has 16MB cache memory and 640GB capacity. Connection with motherboard is accomplished through SATA2 standard.

What cannot be revealed only from HDD’s name is existence of two 320GB platters. This fact had positive effects on performances of HDD in single mode but also in very popular RAID 0 mode. For example, Seagate hard disks with 16MB cache and rotation at 7200rpm with three platters, gives RAID 0 result for 25% lower than results of tested WD Caviar. What we must mention is warming, or better to say a lack of it. This WD model was lukewarm on touch even after copying of 80GB of files with low noise level. Still, we also must say that the quietest model on market is also WD model – WD Caviar SE16 3200AAKS-00B3A0 with only one 320GB platter.

On this model one of interesting details is implemented NoTouch ramp load technology (recording head doesn’t touch disk media). Western Digital also provided for this model IntelliSeek technology that calculates optimum seek speeds to lower noise, vibration and power consumption.

By and large, if you need fast and cool HDD of big capacity, WD Caviar SE16 6400AAKS-00A7B0 is a right choice for you. When it comes to price, it is more than reasonable i.e. for 1€ you will get around 8GB. We think that it is more than clear why WD Caviar SE16 6400AAKS-00A7B0 deserves InsideHW BestBuy Award.

		WD Caviar Blue SE16 640 GB
		HD Tach 3.0.4.0
		Random Access time	12.6 ms
		Average read	95 MB/s
		WD Caviar Blue SE16 640 GB RAID 0
		HD Tach 3.0.4.0
		Random access time	14.7 ms
		Average read	177 MB/s

 Test Configuration: Intel C2Q Q6600, ASUS Rampage Formula, Win XP SP2

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