Western Digital Unveils New 32TB HDDs: A Leap in Data Storage Capacity and Technology

Western Digital has moved the capacity of its 3.5 “drives from 24 to 26 TB in the case of HDDs with current recording (CMR) and from 28 to 32 TB in models with shingles (SMR). which is already It also has 32TB drives.

But competitors use a different approach. Seagate helped itself to recording capability with the new HAMR technology with laser heating, thanks to which narrower recording tracks can be used. WD is using the method of stabilizing stops by heating the rear. In the past, the company wanted to use microwave radiation (MAMR) instead of lasers, but they did not complete the implementation with satisfactory quality.

But she proposed an intermediate stage called ePMR, which does not heat the track with any special component, but sends a higher current to the recording head. This will create a stronger magnetic field, which allows writing even into narrower tracks.

With HAMR and MAMR technologies, even higher data density on the plate can be achieved. Seagate is currently at 3.2TB per disk, Western Digital at 2.9TB. For the new disc, the manufacturer was therefore the first to use 11 discs instead of 10.

The new 32TB Ultrastar DC HC690 drive with 7200 rpm and 512MB cache guarantees speeds of up to 269 MB/s when reading and 257 MB/s when writing. It will be available in SATA and SAS versions. Next to it, there will also be a 30TB version, also with 11 plates, but a slightly lower density. The two Ultrastars are meant for data centers, they won’t be ordinary mortals.

The current registration change is called the Ultrastar DC HC590, and in addition to the 26TB capacity, it will also be available in 24TB. These models guarantee a higher speed up to 302 MB / s, or 288 MB / s. It will also have a commercial product of WD Gold that anyone can buy.