WD Black 2TB Platter Count Change

cortexodus

[H]ard|Gawd
Joined
Feb 20, 2009
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Hey folks. I had 2x WD2003FZEX units in RAID0 and one of them decided to acquire some uncorrectable sectors. So, off to RMA it goes. In the meantime, I picked up a replacement hoping to just reassemble the 4TB RAID0 array and go back to using things like normal. I noted when I picked up the new drive that it seemed slightly lighter, but it didn't occur to me that the drive would really be any different until I looked at the drive chassis recess and noted that it was actually recessed. The new drive's platter count is definitely different.

It seems to me that this new 2TB drive likely only has 2 platters in it whereas the one that borked on me and its twin are 4x 500GB platter designs.

Here's some pics

I guess it probably doesn't matter, but I'm not inclined to put two drives with radically different physical characteristics into a RAID array. Anyone have any thoughts?
 
I was hoping you to say there was 1 platter instead of 2... 1TB platters have been around for several years now. I would find it strange that WDC was using 500GB platters in any drive last year. I mean I have 3 platter 2TB drives that I purchased in 2011.
 
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Less platters, less heads, higher speeds. It's gonna be nice if the replacement drive will be 2 platters like the one you bought. If so, use the "4" platter for backup/storage.
3 x 667 platters are around for at least 7 years.

RAID works perfect on almost any HDD configuration, even with different sizes/brands.
 
I wouldn't worry about running the two together in a raid. You'll still be limited by the performance of the old drive, like before.
 
Well, the RMA'ed drive was received and they've shipped me a replacement. We'll see what I get, I suppose.
 
Update: Replacement drive received. Appears that I got a 4 platter drive.
 
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