Although hard disk drives (HDDs) have mostly disappeared from everyday use, they remain essential for companies that need large-scale data storage, especially cloud service providers. Solid-state drives (SSDs) are faster and more efficient, but their high costs make them impractical for these companies. Western Digital has responded to this need by launching a new 26 TB HDD, designed specifically for cloud companies and data centers.
Western Digital’s 26 TB HDD: A New Era in Cloud Storage
So, Western Digital’s Ultrastar DC HC670 UltraSMR HDD, now available through Bottom Line Telecommunications, is designed to handle massive data storage demands. With a huge 26 TB capacity, it’s ideal for cloud providers and data centers. However, these drives come with a steep price tag. You can’t buy just one—there’s a minimum order of 20 units. And the total cost is $9,142, or about $457 per drive.
Gizchina News of the week
Advanced Technology: Shingled Magnetic Recording (SMR)
The key to this drive’s high capacity is its use of Shingled Magnetic Recording (SMR) technology. SMR increases storage density by overlapping the magnetic tracks on the disk. Allowing more data to fit in the same physical space. The Ultrastar DC HC670 also offers a solid balance of performance, with a 7200 RPM spin speed, a 512 MB cache, and a transfer speed of 261 MB/s, making it a powerful option for companies that need to store vast amounts of data.
Important Considerations
While the 26 TB capacity is impressive, buying and using these drives comes with some challenges. For one, there is a 15-business-day waiting period for units that aren’t in stock. Also, once purchased, the drives cannot be returned or exchanged, so buyers need to be sure of their decision. Perhaps most importantly, the Ultrastar DC HC670 requires specialized software modifications to work properly. It means it’s not suitable for casual users or those without the technical know-how.
This drive is clearly intended for large organizations with substantial storage needs, not for individual users. However, for businesses that run data centers and are willing to invest around $9,000, the Ultrastar DC HC670 offers an affordable and efficient way to manage huge amounts of data in the cloud.
