Western Digital RMA question

[polonyc2]

I recently bought a Western Digital 500 GB SATA 3.0 hard drive...it started making this screeching noise every so often so I did an RMA...the model # of my drive was WD5000AAKS

http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.asp?driveid=301&language=en

the drive that was sent back to me from RMA was model # WD5001ABYS

http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.asp?driveid=399&language=en

is this a better drive they sent me back?...how does it compare to my old drive in terms of noise levels, temperatures and performance/speed?...my original drive had 3 platters how many platters does this drive have? (I googled and could not find the answer)

 

[Forceman]

That is the RE2 drive, which is the enterprise version. Basically the same drive, but optimized for server use. Should be a suitable replacement - they are rated for heavier use, although they might be a little slower than the desktop versions (I've heard but never seen confirmed). I'd say that was an acceptable substitution from your perspective - I'd be satisfied getting that drive back if it was me.

 

[polonyc2]

yeah looks like it will perform at least as good, if not better then my old drive...and the Enterprise drives comes with a longer warranty (5 years compared to 3 for the desktop drives)

Should be a suitable replacement - they are rated for heavier use, although they might be a little slower than the desktop versions (I've heard but never seen confirmed)

the Enterprise drives are slower then their desktop counterparts?