Western Digital Caviar SE Aka WD2500JD

The WD2500 is an old friend that appeared in stores way back in late April 2003. Western Digital hasn't rested on its laurels since then and also offers external versions of the top models, which interfaces used (both Firewire and USB 2.0) inevitably slowed down.

The desktop model features similar technology inside but is sold with smaller capacities, meaning that models like the WD800JB or the WD1200JB are also products of today's technology based on 80 GB per platter.

As requested, we received only the drive for this test. Complete kits, however, should be available from popular electronics discounters. These always contain a data cable as well as an adapter, an installation disk for the PCI SATA controller from Promise, also included, as well as installation instructions and screws. Thus it contains everything you need to get the WD2500JD up and running in no time, even in older computers.

But with 32.8 MB/s, it clocks the highest minimum read transfer rate. Scoring just a hair less on the writing test, it is best in class in this area as well. We came up with decent results with Business Disk Winstone 99, which were backed up by the I/O Meter benchmark. Here and in a few other disciplines, the WD hard drives are no match for the 7K250.