WD Caviar Black Sata III 64 MB cache models

[MilesAhead]

I noticed on Egg some WD Caviar Black models are showing up with Sata III and 64 MB cache for about $5 more than the 32 MB cache models in the same capacity.

Is anyone running one of these?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136544&cm_re=caviar_black-_-22-136-544-_-Product

I'm just curious about 'em.

I can't really get info about my disk controller but since I bought the PC first quarter of 2009 I assume it's a 3 Gb/sec controller. At least that's the type of drive they stuck in it.

[MilesAhead]

I just got the 640 GB today. A significant improvement over the 750 GB I have with 32 MB cache. My initial benchmark with Crystal Disk Mark showed sequential read/write in the mid 130 MB/sec range. My 750 GB Caviar Blacks with the 32 MB cache running the same benchmark score about 103 MB/sec. Definitely worth the $5 or so difference to get the new models!!

[NightTran]

is the hook up diff then sata?

[MilesAhead]

Nope. It drops right into a USB 2.0 or 3.0 docking station. I have no way to find out what my HD controller is rated for(it's an AMD fake raid thing that won't give any SMART info) so I'm not sure how much speed you'll see if it's on a 3 Gb/sec controller. Guess you'd have to ask someone that has it hooked up internally.

I have a USB 3.0 card, 5 Gb/sec that the USB 3.0 dock is plugged into. That may be why I'm getting the 138 MB/sec read speeds.

It works beautifully in the Sharkoon USB 3.0 dock. Spins up and down nice and quiet. If you have to wait in explorer or in an app for it to spin up, it only takes a few seconds. The spin up and down is due to the Sharkoon docking station. With the 32 MB cache Caviar Black the 500 and 640 GB models had slightly better stats than the larger capacity drives of the same model. That's probably why they released the 640 GB early, because it's a good performer. I'm very happy with it. I'm using it as my "kick ass" drive just to be source or destination for drive intensive jobs. I'll copy movies and backups and stuff to my 750s for watching on my set top box.

[MilesAhead]

For Superspeed USB 3.0 docks this drive works well with the SIIG docking station. Just thought I'd add a note since I've been using this drive in an SIIG dock for a couple of weeks now. The Sharkoon dock really allows the drive to run too hot if spun up 24/7. The cooling fan in the SIIG makes all the difference. This drive runs close to blood warm to the touch rather than hot.

I also see 1 TB WD drives are coming out with the 64 MB cache for around $100 on the bargain sites. All I know for sure is this 640 GB job is a real performer for the money.

[PurpleDemon]

is the hook up diff then sata?

Actullly you will need to jumper to 3.0 GB sec if you don't have SATA III. It doesn't come with jumpers, because at 6.0 GB sec it won't need them.

THIS is the board I used for my brother's build and it had 2 SATA III connectors.

And you also will need SATA III Cables like THIS

Of you could always add on with THIS