Description
Overview of the Western Digital WD3200BEKT 320GB HDD
Western Digital, a renowned name in the storage industry, has designed this HDD to deliver a blend of speed and storage space, making it a valuable component in various computing environments. The Western Digital WD3200BEKT is a 320 Gigabyte (GB) hard disk drive known for its speed and reliability. With its 7200 Revolutions Per Minute (RPM), Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) interface, Scorpio Black designation, 7-pin connector, and 16 Megabytes (MB) of cache, this 2.5-inch hard disk drive is a solid choice for storing your digital data.
Capacity and Performance
The Western Digital WD3200BEKT boasts a storage capacity of 320 Gigabytes (GB), which is a significant amount of space for storing various types of digital data. Whether you want to keep your important documents, photos, videos, or even games, this hard drive can handle it with ease.
One of the standout features of the WD3200BEKT is its rotational speed, which is 7200 Revolutions Per Minute (RPM). The RPM indicates how fast the hard disk drive’s platters spin. Higher RPM values generally result in faster data access times and improved overall performance. The 7200 RPM of this drive makes it suitable for tasks that require speed, such as gaming, video editing, and running multiple applications simultaneously.
SATA Interface
The WD3200BEKT uses a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment-SATA interface. SATA is the standard interface for connecting hard drives and other storage devices to a computer. SATA interfaces have several advantages, including faster data transfer rates and better scalability compared to older interfaces like IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics).
SATA interfaces come in different versions, with SATA I, SATA II, and SATA III being the most common. Each version offers increased data transfer speeds. The WD3200BEKT is compatible with SATA II, which provides a maximum data transfer rate of 3.0 Gigabits per second (Gbps). While this isn’t the fastest SATA interface available, it’s more than sufficient for most computing needs and ensures smooth data transfer and retrieval.
The High-Performance Series
The “Scorpio Black” designation in the WD3200BEKT’s name signifies that it belongs to Western Digital’s high-performance series of hard drives. Scorpio Black drives are known for their excellent speed and reliability, making them a popular choice among users who demand superior performance from their storage devices.
Scorpio Black drives are designed for tasks that require quick data access, such as gaming, video editing, and other resource-intensive applications. They are also a great choice for enthusiasts who want to upgrade the storage in their laptops or compact desktop systems. The WD3200BEKT, as part of the Scorpio Black series, is built to deliver top-tier performance in a small form factor.
7-Pin Connector
The WD3200BEKT comes equipped with a 7-pin connector. The number of pins in a hard drive’s connector is essential because it determines how the drive is powered and how data is transferred between the drive and the computer. The 7-pin connector is a standard feature for 2.5-inch SATA hard drives like the WD3200BEKT.
This connector design ensures a secure and reliable connection to your computer, reducing the risk of data loss due to loose connections.
Cache Size 16 Megabytes (MB)
A hard drive’s cache, often referred to as a buffer, is a small amount of high-speed volatile memory that stores frequently accessed data. When you read or write data, the hard drive can retrieve or store it more quickly if it’s already in the cache. The WD3200BEKT features a 16 Megabyte (MB) cache, which is a good size for a 320GB hard drive.
A larger cache can help improve the drive’s overall performance, especially when working with frequently accessed files or applications. It reduces the time it takes to access data and can make a significant difference in the drive’s responsiveness.
Benefits of Using the Western Digital WD3200BEKTSpeed and Performance
One of the primary benefits of choosing the WD3200BEKT is its speed and overall performance. The 7200 RPM spindle speed ensures that data access is quick, which is crucial for tasks like gaming, multimedia editing, and running demanding software. It also reduces the time it takes for the operating system to boot up, making your computer more responsive.
Reliability
Western Digital is a reputable manufacturer known for producing reliable and durable storage devices. The WD3200BEKT, as part of the Scorpio Black series, maintains the company’s reputation for reliability. When you store your important data on this drive, you can trust that it will be well-protected and accessible when you need it.
Compact Form Factor
The 2.5-inch form factor of the WD3200BEKT makes it suitable for both laptops and compact desktop systems. If you’re looking to upgrade the storage in your laptop or need a hard drive for a small form factor PC, this drive is a great choice. Its compact size ensures it can fit in tight spaces and is easy to install.
Compatibility
The WD3200BEKT’s SATA interface and 7-pin connector make it compatible with a wide range of computers and operating systems. Whether you have a Windows PC, a Mac, or a Linux machine, you can use this hard drive without compatibility concerns. This versatility is a significant advantage for users with different system requirements.
Ample Storage
With 320 Gigabytes (GB) of storage capacity, the WD3200BEKT provides ample space for your digital files. You can store a substantial amount of documents, photos, videos, music, and other data without worrying about running out of space. This drive is suitable for both personal and professional use.
Design and Build Quality
The design and build quality of the WD3200BEKT play a significant role in its durability and reliability. Western Digital has a reputation for producing robust storage solutions, and this HDD is no exception.
Durability
The Scorpio Black series is known for its durability, and the WD3200BEKT is built to withstand the rigors of daily use. It can handle shocks and vibrations, making it a reliable choice for laptops that may experience movement during use.
Low Noise and Heat
The design of the WD3200BEKT includes features to reduce noise and heat generation. This results in a quieter and cooler operation, ensuring a comfortable and efficient computing experience.
Quality Components
Western Digital uses high-quality components in the manufacture of their HDDs. These components contribute to the overall reliability and long lifespan of the WD3200BEKT.
High-Speed Data Transfer
The Wd3200bekt Western Digital 320GB 7.2K RPM SATA-II 16MB Hard Drive offers high-speed data transfer capabilities, thanks to its high data transfer rate of up to 3.0GB/s and its SATA-II interface. The SATA-II (Serial ATA-II) interface is a widely used standard for data transfer in desktop and laptop computers. It allows for fast data transfer speeds of up to 3.0GB/s, which is significantly faster than the older PATA (Parallel ATA) interface.
The drive also has a high rotational speed of 7,200 RPM, which allows for faster access to stored data. The combination of a high-speed SATA-II interface and fast spindle speed allows for improved performance and faster data transfer rates. Additionally, the drive has a large buffer size of 16MB, which helps to further improve data transfer speeds and reduce the load on the computer.
The Hard drive also features advanced data protection features, such as RAID-optimized firmware, which ensures data integrity and reliability in the event of a disk failure. Additionally, it supports hot-swap functionality, which allows for easy replacement of failed drives without disrupting the operation of the computer.
Scalability
The Wd3200bekt Western Digital 320GB 7.2K RPM SATA-II 16MB Hard Drive is specifically designed for use in desktop and laptop computers that support the SATA-II interface. It is compatible with computers that have a SATA-II host controller and supports hot-swap functionality.
This drive is also backward compatible with SATA-I host controllers, but it will run at a slower speed. It is important to note that the drive is not compatible with SAS-based systems and it’s crucial to check the compatibility of the drive with the computer before installing it. Also, the drive’s firmware must be compatible with the computer’s firmware, otherwise, it may not work properly.
General Information about the Western Digital WD3200BEKT
- Manufacturer: Western Digital
- Part Number or SKU# WD3200BEKT
- Product Type: Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
Technical Information
- Capacity: 320GB
- Interface: SATA-II
- Drive Dimensions: 2.5 Inch
- Spindle Speed: 7.2KRPM
- Buffer: 16 MB
- Shock Guard: Enabled
In summary, the Western Digital WD3200BEKT 320GB 7200 RPM SATA Scorpio Black hard disk drive is a high-performance storage solution suitable for a wide range of applications. With its impressive speed, reliability, and ample storage capacity, it’s an excellent choice for data storage, gaming, multimedia editing, and system upgrades. Its compact form factor and compatibility with various operating systems make it a versatile option for many users.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your laptop’s storage, improve your gaming experience, or enhance your multimedia editing workflow, the WD3200BEKT offers the performance and reliability you need to get the job done. As with any hardware, taking care of your hard drive and staying vigilant for potential issues will help you make the most of your investment in the long run.