Introduction, Specifications and Packaging
Western Digital releases a 2.5-in drive that includes both a full capacity SSD and a 1TB hard drive. What??
Introduction:
If you're into the laptop storage upgrade scene, you hear the same sort of arguments all the time. "Do I go with a HDD for a large capacity and low cost/GB, but suffer performance"? "I want an SSD, but can't afford the capacity I need"! The ideal for this scenario is to combine both – go with a small capacity SSD for your operating system and apps, while going with a larger HDD for bulk storage at a lower cost/GB. The catch here is that most mobile platforms only come with a single 2.5" 9.5mm storage bay, and you just can't physically fit a full SSD and a full HDD into that space, can you? Well today Western Digital has answered that challenge with the Black2 Dual Drive:
Yup, we're not kidding. This is a 120GB SSD *and* a 1TB HDD in a single package. Not a hybrid. Two drives, and it's nothing short of a work of art.
Continue reading our review of the Western Digital Black2 Dual Drive!!
Specifications:
Specs are a tad complicated here. WD lists the rated throughput of the SSD portion on their spec sheet:
- Interface: 6Gb/s
- Read: 350 MB/s
- Write: 140 MB/s
That's all good and fine, but we also might want to know the specs on the HDD portion. I'm going to see into the future and predict that it's a WD10SPCX 1TB Slim Series HDD, which is technically a Blue drive spinning at 5400 RPM. Here are the relevant specs for that drive:
- Interface: 6Gb/s
- Transfer rate (max): 140 MB/s
- Average latency: 5.5 ms
- Cache: 16 MB
Much more on the internals on the following pages of this review.
Packaging:
WD has taken a wild departure from their normal packaging with the Black2:
Included is a USB key that is ironically not a storage device – it simply acts as a virtual keyboard and launches the WD Black2 web site (this link) so you can download the most recent version of the driver as well as cloning software. Also included is a detailed quick start guide book (in 20+ languages) and a USB to SATA adapter for OS cloning purposes.
Wow, I may visit you more
Wow, I may visit you more often. Hope ur still answering fan posts. This is an excellent review, but MORE so the tech discussions which cover the varied setups on laptops (my interest).
REQUEST FOR HELP – Compare Black2 with swapping current 750GB HDD into DVD-based caddy and add internal SSD.
Have Dell N5110, single 750GB HD, Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit. Even in sleep mode, takes like 3+ minutes to ‘wake up’ and connect to Internet. Restart even worse.
SCENARIOS
1. My present thought “was” get internal SSD, then put 750GB into DVD-based caddy. IT appears 256GB SSD safest in terms of OS “space” route, but then WHICH SSD (reliability, bang for buck)? Also, what caddy will work with my Dell N5110?
If I put the 750GB HDD in a caddy / DVD slot, THEN the POWER is always on, right? Thus the HEAT goes UP in the laptop? Does the Black2 produce MORE heat than the standard HDD?
2. Are YOU using the Black2 hybrid? It is one step easier to use the hybrid (no DVD bay mod), and I get even more storage. As I’ve never had SSD, even the “slower” Black2 write speed will seem like lightning compared to my present startup speed, I think.
Lastly, I’ll note the Dell runs very well as is, ONCE up and running. Thus any purchase is convenience for me, not necessity. I’m often using it for browsing so keep comparing to spending money on a tablet (the new-wave of convenience).
Ok, after reading the full
Ok, after reading the full article, I’d say for my ‘these days’ passive laptop use, often sleep on/off like a tablet… BUT I still want my 750GB (current) storage…
The Black2 looks very attractive, and I’ve used their 5-year warranty long ago with no issues. It’s hard to beat.
Is it possible to multi boot
Is it possible to multi boot os if they are all windows based ie Win 7 8.1 and now Win 10 ?