Hitachi Introduces New Deskstar Hard Drives

Hitachi Global Storage Technologies today announced two new 3.5-inch hard drives : Deskstar T7K500 and Deskstar 7K160. Novelties feature 7,200 RPM spin speeds and 3Gb/s SATA interfaces. The new drives use 160GB+ per platter technology to deliver up to one-half terabyte (500GB) of storage capacity in a one-, two- and three-disk design.

Besides optional 3Gb/s SATA interfaces, both Deskstar drives feature Native Command Queuing (NCQ). NCQ is a method of controlling commands sent from the host processor to the drive to enable faster application activities for the end user.

The new Deskstar drives feature a fast interface transfer rate and available 16 MB data buffers on the Deskstar T7K500 SATA version for quicker system boot-up, screen refreshes and more efficient data processing. Hitachi's "Smooth Stream" technology also improves performance for audio/video storage applications.

Also, the Deskstar T7K500 and Deskstar 7K160 support "Thermal Fly Height Control" (TFC) to improve data integrity. TFC technology uses an internal thermal sensor that monitors temperature and makes adjustments to improve error rates in extreme temperature conditions. The drives also include an optional low power mode to minimize power requirements and enable cooler system operation.

The Deskstar drives protect customer data with up to 350 G (2ms) of non-operating shock for increased drive reliability and data protection. Both Deskstar models include Hitachi's load/unload technology, which provides a safety ramp for the read-write heads that help protect user data in non-power mode. Fluid dynamic bearing motors are also used to ensure "whisper-quiet" operation.

Hitachi's two new Deskstar drives meet the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) compliance directive issued last year by the European Union (EU). The Deskstar drives are backed by Hitachi's renowned compatibility testing labs and worldwide distribution support. The drives, which carry three-year warranties, are expected to ship worldwide in early 3Q 2006.

Deskstar T7K500 Specifications:

• 500/400/320/250 GB (GB = 1 billion bytes, accessible capacity may be less)
• 998 Mb/s max. media data rate
• 8.5 ms average seek time
• 7,200 RPM, 4.17 ms average latency
• ATA-133/Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s
• 8 MB data buffer – PATA
• 16/8 MB data buffer - SATA
• 26.1 mm in height (max)
• 118 billion bits per square inch maximum areal density
• 3/2 platters
• 6/4 recording heads
• 350 G (2ms) non-operating shock (2 disk)
• 300 G (2ms) non-operating shock (3 disk)
• 6.0 (3 disk)/5.0 (2 disk) watt idle power (Parallel ATA)
• 7.0 (3 disk)/6.0 (2 disk) watt idle power (Serial ATA)
• 3.0 (3 disk)/2.8 (2 disk) Bels typical idle acoustics
• 0-60 degrees C operating temperature
• Fluid Dynamic Bearing (FDB) spindle motor

Deskstar 7K160 Specifications:

• 160/80 GB (GB = 1 billion bytes, accessible capacity may be less)
• 966 Mb/s max. media data rate
• 8.5 ms average seek time
• 7,200 RPM, 4.17 ms average latency
• ATA-133/Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s
• 8 MB data buffer
• 26.1 mm in height (max)
• 120 billion bits per square inch maximum areal density
• 1 platter
• 2/1 recording heads
• 350 G (2ms) non-operating shock
• 4.9 watt idle power (Parallel ATA)
• 5.9 watt idle power (Serial ATA)
• 2.5 Bels typical idle acoustics
• 0-60 degrees C operating temperature
• Fluid Dynamic Bearing (FDB) spindle motor

Source: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies

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