At the start of this month, WD quietly announced on its website the release of a new data center hard drive named Ultrastar DC HC555. This drive is available in five storage capacities: 12 TB, 14 TB, 16 TB, 18 TB, and 20 TB. It offers two interfaces, 6Gb SATA and 12Gb SAS (with the 12 TB model supporting only SAS), and comes with two security configurations: SE (Secure Erase) and SED (Self-Encrypting Drive). In total, there are 17 models to choose from.
Compared to the company’s existing data center hard drives, the most notable feature of the Ultrastar DC HC555 is its use of Energy-assisted perpendicular magnetic recording (ePMR) technology, which claims to enhance storage capacity while lowering overall ownership costs (including unit storage and operating expenses).
Previously, the Ultrastar DC HC650, launched in 2020, and the Ultrastar DC HC560, introduced in 2022, also utilized ePMR technology. They integrated energy-assisted magnetic recording (EAMR), a three-stage actuator/three-axis drive arm (TSA), and helium packaging technology (HelioSeal), providing two types of drives: shingled magnetic recording (SMR) and conventional magnetic recording (CMR). However, these models were limited to a maximum capacity of 20 TB.
The newly launched Ultrastar DC HC555 clearly provides more options for storage capacity. Additionally, when we closely examine the specifications of the three ePMR products, it is evident that the Ultrastar DC HC555 offers a solid sustained data transfer rate. For instance, the 20 TB model achieves a rate of 285 MB/s, while the other models reach 269 MB/s. This performance is better than that of the Ultrastar DC HC650 (250 MB/s) and slightly below the Ultrastar DC HC560 (291 MB/s).
Furthermore, many specifications are shared among these models. For example, the buffer memory capacity is 512 MB, the rotational speed is 7200 RPM, the average access latency is 4.16 milliseconds, the workload is 550 TB per year, and the reliability measured by mean time between failures (MTBF) is 2.5 million hours, with a limited product warranty of 5 years.
Regarding power consumption, when comparing WD’s various CMR hard drives with a 20 TB capacity, the existing Ultrastar DC HC560 operates at 6.9 watts or 7.0 watts and idles at 5.8 watts or 6.1 watts. In contrast, the newly launched Ultrastar DC HC555 operates at 6.4 watts and idles at 5.3 watts, showing slight improvements in power saving.
Product information
WD Ultrastar DC HC555
●Manufacturer: WD
●Recommended selling price: not provided by the manufacturer
●Size: 3.5 inches
●Design: Helium packaging
●Capacity: 12 TB, 14 TB, 16 TB, 18 TB, 20 TB
●Transmission specifications: 6Gb SATA, 12Gb SAS
●Supported disk format: 512e
●Buffer memory: 512 MB
●Rotational speed: 7200 RPM
●Maximum sustained transfer rate: 285 MB/s
●Workload endurance: 550 TB per year
●Mean time between failures (MTBF): 2.5 million hours
●Operating power consumption: SAS interface model 8.8 watts or 9.2 watts, SATA interface model 6.4 watts
Weight: 679 or 690 grams
●Product warranty: 5 years
[Note: Specifications and prices are provided by the manufacturer and may change periodically. Please contact the manufacturer for accurate information]
WD Ultrastar DC HC555: A Comprehensive Overview of the Innovative Data Center Hard Drive
At the beginning of this month, WD quietly announced the release of the groundbreaking Ultrastar DC HC555, a new data center hard drive designed to cater to diverse storage needs. This advanced HDD offers five storage capacities: 12 TB, 14 TB, 16 TB, 18 TB, and 20 TB, along with two interface options: 6Gb SATA and 12Gb SAS (note that the 12 TB model only supports SAS). For security, users can choose between two configurations: SE (Secure Erase) and SED (Self-Encrypting Drive), resulting in a total of 17 models to select from.
Key Features of the Ultrastar DC HC555
The Ultrastar DC HC555 stands out in WD’s lineup of data center hard drives due to its use of Energy-assisted Perpendicular Magnetic Recording (ePMR). This cutting-edge technology significantly enhances storage capacities while driving down total ownership cost—both per unit storage cost and operational expenses.
Comparison with Previous Models
Prior to the Ultrastar DC HC555, WD launched the Ultrastar DC HC650 in 2020 and the Ultrastar DC HC560 in 2022, both of which also utilized ePMR technology. While these models introduced innovations such as energy-assisted magnetic recording (EAMR), three-stage actuators, and helium sealing (HelioSeal), they were limited to a maximum capacity of 20 TB. The Ultrastar DC HC555, meanwhile, pushes the envelope with higher capacity options and superior sustained data transfer rates.
Performance Specifications
The Ultrastar DC HC555 models boast impressive specifications, particularly in sustained data transfer rates. Here’s a breakdown:
| Model | Sustained Data Transfer Rate |
|---|---|
| 20 TB | 285 MB/s |
| Other Models | 269 MB/s |
In comparison to the Ultrastar DC HC650 (250 MB/s) and Ultrastar DC HC560 (291 MB/s), the Ultrastar DC HC555 delivers remarkable efficiency and performance.
Shared Specifications Across the Series
The Ultrastar DC HC555’s specifications echo those of its predecessors:
- Buffer Memory: 512 MB
- Rotation Speed: 7200 RPM
- Average Access Latency: 4.16 ms
- Workload Capacity: 550 TB/year
- Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF): 2.5 million hours
- Warranty: 5 years
Power Consumption Efficiency
Power consumption is a critical factor for data center operations. The Ultrastar DC HC555 demonstrates improved energy efficiency compared to its predecessors. Below is a quick comparison:
| Model | Operating Power Consumption | Idle Power Consumption |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrastar DC HC560 | 6.9W – 7.0W | 5.8W – 6.1W |
| Ultrastar DC HC555 | 6.4W | 5.3W |
This reduction in power consumption can lead to significant cost savings over time, making the Ultrastar DC HC555 an appealing choice for enterprises focused on operational efficiency.
Product Information at a Glance
WD Ultrastar DC HC555 Specifications:
- Manufacturer: WD
- Form Factor: 3.5 inches
- Mechanical Design: Helium-sealed
- Storage Capacities: 12 TB, 14 TB, 16 TB, 18 TB, 20 TB
- Transmission Interfaces: 6Gb SATA, 12Gb SAS
- Supported Disk Format: 512e
- Buffer Memory: 512 MB
- RPM: 7200
- Max Sustained Transfer Rate: 285 MB/s
- Workload Endurance: 550 TB/year
- MTBF: 2.5 million hours
- Operational Power Consumption: SAS model: 8.8W – 9.2W, SATA model: 6.4W
- Weight: 679g or 690g
- Product Warranty: 5 years
[Note: Specifications and prices are provided by the manufacturer and may change from time to time. Please contact the manufacturer for the most accurate information.]
Benefits of Choosing the Ultrastar DC HC555
The Ultrastar DC HC555 offers several benefits for businesses looking to upgrade their data storage solutions:
- Scalable Storage: With options ranging from 12 TB to 20 TB, organizations can easily scale their infrastructure as needed.
- Lower Total Cost of Ownership: Enhanced technology significantly reduces per unit storage costs and operational expenses.
- Enhanced Energy Efficiency: Lower power consumption translates to reduced electricity costs, especially in large deployments.
- Robust Performance: Higher sustained transfer rates ensure fast access to data, improving overall business productivity.
Real-World Applications and Use Cases
With its versatile storage options and cutting-edge technology, the Ultrastar DC HC555 is suitable for various applications:
- Enterprise Storage: Ideal for businesses needing high-capacity storage for large volumes of data.
- Cloud Solutions: Perfect for cloud service providers seeking reliable and efficient data storage.
- Virtualization: Supports virtualized environments, enhancing performance and flexibility.
- Backup Solutions: Effective for businesses focusing on disaster recovery and data backup strategies.
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