Western Digital has just introduced its newest high-capacity HDD: the Ultrastar DC HC690, a 32TB hard drive that sets a new record for the largest capacity utilizing shingled magnetic recording (SMR) technology. This latest model increases storage from the previous 28TB version, pushing the boundaries of data storage in a single drive.
Enhanced Technology
The HC690 incorporates Western Digital’s energy-assisted perpendicular magnetic recording (ePMR) technology, which has been in use since 2020 to enhance storage capabilities. Additionally, they have integrated their latest UltraSMR technology, allowing for the inclusion of 11 disks within the drive—this is a major factor contributing to the expanded storage capacity.
Performance Considerations
However, there is a minor trade-off regarding performance. Here are the stats:
The speed has decreased by approximately three percent, which could result in a slight slowdown during intensive reading or writing operations.
Other Offerings
Alongside this, Western Digital has also released the 26TB Ultrastar DC HC590, which utilizes conventional magnetic recording (CMR). This model replaces the older 24TB HC580, but like its counterpart, it experiences a small decline in performance:
For those interested in a more enterprise-oriented choice, Western Digital offers a WD Gold version of the 26TB drive.
Competitive Landscape
While Western Digital continues to dominate the storage capacity market, other companies are quickly closing the gap. Toshiba has already achieved 32TB using heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) and 31TB with microwave-assisted recording (MAMR). At the same time, Seagate is testing multi-level HAMR, with ambitious plans for a 120TB (or more) hard drive by 2030.
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