Description
Product Overview of the Western Digital WUH722020ALE6L4 20TB Hard Disk Drive
The Western Digital WUH722020ALE6L4 is a hard disk drive (HDD) specifically designed for data centers. It offers an impressive storage capacity of 20 terabytes (TB), making it suitable for organizations that deal with massive volumes of data on a daily basis. Whether it’s storing important documents, large media files, or databases, this HDD has the capacity to handle it all. This hard drive is part of their Ultrastar DC HC560 series, designed to meet the demands of data centers, and it comes with several advanced features and technologies to ensure reliability and optimal performance.
Storage Capacity and Form Factor
The Western Digital WUH722020ALE6L4 is an imposing data storage solution with a whopping 20 terabytes (TB) of storage capacity. This massive storage space is essential for organizations and data centers dealing with large amounts of data, such as video content, databases, and archival data. To put it into perspective, a 20TB HDD can store approximately 4 million high-resolution photos, 6,000 hours of 4K video, or 20 million songs.
This storage giant comes in a 3.5-inch form factor, which is the standard size for most data center HDDs. This compatibility ensures it can be easily integrated into existing server and storage infrastructures.
Rotational Speed – 7.2K RPM
The Western Digital WUH722020ALE6L4 operates at a rotational speed of 7,200 revolutions per minute (RPM). This 7.2K RPM is considered a sweet spot for HDDs in data centers. It strikes a balance between speed and power consumption, making it suitable for various applications that require both capacity and performance.
A higher RPM means that data can be accessed and transferred more quickly, which is crucial for data center operations. However, the trade-off is increased power consumption and heat generation. The 7.2K RPM of this drive ensures data access speeds that are acceptable for most data center tasks without causing excessive power draw.
Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) Interface
The Western Digital WUH722020ALE6L4 utilizes a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) interface. SATA is a widely adopted interface standard for connecting storage devices to computers and servers. It offers several advantages, including ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and broad compatibility.
SATA interfaces are known for their hot-swapping capabilities, which means drives can be replaced or added without shutting down the server. This is a crucial feature in data center environments where uptime is paramount. Additionally, SATA cables and connectors are readily available, making it easier to source replacement parts if needed.
Impressive Data Transfer Speed – 6 Gigabytes Per Second (GBPS)
The SATA interface of the Western Digital WUH722020ALE6L4 offers a data transfer speed of 6 gigabytes per second (GBPS). This data transfer rate is more than sufficient for most data center applications. It allows for the fast and efficient reading and writing of data, ensuring that the drive can keep up with the demands of modern data centers.
The 6GBPS speed is in line with SATA III, which is the latest SATA revision as of my last knowledge update in January 2022. SATA III provides a considerable boost in data transfer rates compared to its predecessors, which is advantageous for data-intensive tasks.
512MB Buffer for Enhanced Performance
To further enhance its performance, the Western Digital WUH722020ALE6L4 is equipped with a generous 512MB buffer. The buffer, also known as cache memory, acts as a temporary data storage area that can be accessed quickly by the HDD. This feature accelerates data read and write operations, especially for frequently accessed data.
In a data center environment where multiple requests are processed simultaneously, having a large cache can significantly improve overall system responsiveness and reduce latency. The 512MB buffer in this HDD makes it suitable for handling complex workloads and maintaining data integrity.
Advanced 512e Format
The Western Digital WUH722020ALE6L4 employs the 512e format, which stands for 512 bytes per sector with the advanced format. This format is part of the transition from the older 512B sector size to the newer 4KB sector size. The 512e format maintains compatibility with systems designed for the older sector size while allowing for the use of larger 4KB sectors internally. This transition is important for optimizing data storage efficiency and error correction.
The use of the 512e format also enables better error correction and increases the overall reliability of the HDD. Data integrity is paramount in data centers, and this format helps ensure that data is stored and retrieved accurately.
OptiNAND Technology for Data Integrity
Data integrity is a primary concern in data center operations, and Western Digital addresses this concern with its OptiNAND technology. OptiNAND is a suite of technologies designed to improve data reliability by enhancing error correction capabilities. It is particularly important in environments where data corruption can have serious consequences.
This technology optimizes the error correction process, ensuring that data read from the drive is accurate and free from errors. It is particularly valuable in high-capacity drives like the WUH722020ALE6L4, where the risk of data corruption naturally increases with the volume of stored data.
Designed for Data Centers
The Western Digital WUH722020ALE6L4 is purpose-built for data center environments. Its design and features are tailored to meet the specific demands of data storage and processing in large-scale data centers. Here are some of the aspects that make it an ideal choice for such environments:
- High Capacity: The 20TB capacity allows data centers to store massive amounts of data without the need for numerous drives, reducing complexity and power consumption.
- Reliability: Data centers require hardware that can operate 24/7 without fail. The WUH722020ALE6L4 is designed to be highly reliable and withstand constant use.
- Performance: The combination of 7.2K RPM, 6GBPS SATA interface, and a large buffer ensures that this drive can handle data-intensive workloads efficiently.
- Error Correction: The 512e format and OptiNAND technology enhance error correction, reducing the risk of data corruption.
- Helium Platform: The helium-filled enclosure contributes to lower power consumption and better cooling, increasing the drive’s lifespan in a data center environment.
High Performance
To assess the real-world performance of the Western Digital WUH722020ALE6L4, let’s look at some key performance benchmarks:
- Sequential Read/Write Speed: The sequential read and write speeds of this drive are impressive. In a data center scenario, this translates to quick data retrieval and efficient data storage.
- Random Read/Write Speed: Random read and write operations are essential for tasks like database access. The WUH722020ALE6L4 performs well in these operations, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
- Latency: Low latency is critical for data center operations, and this drive’s performance ensures minimal delays in data access.
- Workload Performance: In multi-user and multi-application environments, the drive maintains levels, ensuring a smooth user experience.
- Power Efficiency: The helium platform and efficient design result in lower power consumption, which can significantly reduce operating costs in large data centers.
Reliability and Durability
In a data center, the reliability and durability of storage devices are paramount. Downtime due to drive failures can lead to significant financial losses and data integrity issues. The Western Digital WUH722020ALE6L4 is engineered with the following reliability features:
- MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures): This drive boasts a high MTBF rating, indicating a low likelihood of failure. It can withstand the rigors of 24/7 operation.
- Error Correction: With the 512e format and OptiNAND technology, this drive excels in error correction, reducing the risk of data corruption.
- Shock and Vibration Resistance: Data centers are dynamic environments with equipment that can generate vibrations. This drive is built to withstand such conditions, ensuring consistent performance.
- Temperature Control: The helium-filled enclosure and efficient design contribute to better temperature control, reducing wear and tear on internal components.
Environmental Considerations
Data centers are increasingly focusing on sustainability and reducing their carbon footprint. The Western Digital WUH722020ALE6L4 addresses some of these concerns through its design:
- Energy Efficiency: The helium platform reduces power consumption and heat generation, making it more energy-efficient compared to air-filled drives.
- Longevity: The drive’s design, with an emphasis on cooling and durability, extends its lifespan, reducing the frequency of drive replacements and e-waste.
- Compliance: Western Digital adheres to environmental regulations and certifications. Be sure to check if this drive complies with the necessary environmental standards for your data center.
Compatibility
The Western Digital WUH722020ALE6L4 is compatible with a wide range of systems and operating environments. This includes compatibility with various operating systems, server hardware, and RAID controllers commonly used in data centers. Before implementing the drive in your data center, it’s essential to ensure it works seamlessly with your existing infrastructure.
General Information of the WUH722020ALE6L4 SATA 6GBPS HDD
- Manufacturer: Western Digital
- Part Number or SKU# WUH722020ALE6L4
- Product Type: Hard Disk Drive
- Interface: SATA 6GBPS
Technical Information of 20TB Hard Disk Drive
- Capacity: 20TB
- Spindle Speed: 7.2K RPM
- HDD Form Factor: 3.5inch
Drive Performance
- Interface Transfer Rate: 600 Mbps
- Sustained Transfer Rate: 269/257 Mbps
- Average Latency: 4.16 Ms
- Buffer: 512 MB
- Rotational Speed: 7200 RPM
In summary, the Western Digital WUH722020ALE6L4 is a remarkable data center hard disk drive designed to meet the growing storage demands of modern data centers. With its enormous 20TB capacity, 7.2K RPM speed, SATA interface, and a host of advanced technologies such as the 512e format, OptiNAND, and the helium platform, it offers an excellent balance of capacity, performance, and reliability.
This drive is purpose-built for data centers, where reliability, performance, and data integrity are of utmost importance. Its impressive performance benchmarks, high reliability, and durability make it an attractive choice for organizations and data centers dealing with large-scale data storage needs.
Furthermore, the drive’s environmental considerations, including energy efficiency and longevity, align with the growing focus on sustainability in the data center industry. Overall, the Western Digital WUH722020ALE6L4 is a standout choice for data center operators looking to enhance their storage infrastructure with a high-capacity and high-performance solution that meets the demands of the digital age.
