WD5000AAKS vs WD5000KS

[Steppenwolf2170]

Was wondering if anyone knew the difference between these two drives. Most the major stats seem to be the same, though i read some where that the WD5000AAKS i think uses less platters then the WD5000KS. But in the end I dont really know if that is a good or bad thing. Was just looking for some input people might have about it.

 

[firemist]

I believe the AAKS is using the high density platters announced by WD in this release (uses 3 platters in the 500)

http://www.wdc.com/en/company/releases/PressRelease.asp?release=43FE74C0-93E6-4092-8C89-DF8A6E93CCAA}

I looks like they are puting the AA in the model to indicate the 160 gig platter. Should be quieter and may have a slight power reduction over the non AA version. Also needs fewer heads so it should be a better drive

 

[KTev]

The higher data density should also give slightly higer average read/write performance.

 

[notesdude]

I just bought an external SATA array setup... I have one of each of these drives. Was wondering if they could be used in the same RAID array?

Thanks!

 

[rickkipp]

Seems like your question is answered. I would also read up on the Samsung 500gb HD here:

http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,123680/article.html

 

[notesdude]

Not sure how the question was answered unless I missed something.

The RAID setup I bought had no drives. I already have a WD5000KS and a WD5000AAKS. I also have a HD S72505 that I could use as well... just not sure if mixing disks (not having identical models with same capacity) could cause any issues.

Thanks for the tip on the Samsung drives!

 

[jt001]

Mixing different drives will work but the performance will probably be reduced

 

[RichPLS]

Reduced from what? Performance certainly won't be reduced if compared to a single drive... but should match the equivlant of two RAID drives matching the slower drives spec, but that should be minimal compared to the RAID boost.

 

[jt001]

Faster throughput than a single drive of course, but on my system of 5 WD drives when I add in a Seagate the access time goes up about 6ms, and I've heard of others having similar problems so I don't think it's worth it.

 

[RichPLS]

5ms access time is a problem?

 

[HostingSaoPaulo]

Well it's alot if you ask me.

 

[sabot00]

5ms access time is a problem?

Depends on the application, the Intel X25-M has a access time of 1ms so compared to that yeah it's long.