Western Digital introduces new large-capacity 32TB SMR and 26TB CMR hard disk drives

The world of data storage is constantly evolving, with consumers embracing the speed and reliability of solid-state drives while data centers and other industries continue to rely on traditional disk drives. Leading companies like Western Digital and Seagate have been at the forefront of innovation, pushing the boundaries of HDD technology to offer higher capacities, lower costs, and improved energy efficiency.

Western Digital recently made headlines with the announcement of new data center HDDs that boast impressive capacities. The 32TB Ultrastar DC HC690 and the 26TB HD590 represent the latest advancements in storage technology, leveraging technologies like Shingled Magnetic Recording (SMR) and Conventional Magnetic Recording (CMR) to achieve these milestones.

By incorporating an 11th platter into the industry-standard HDD form factor, Western Digital has managed to increase capacity without requiring clients to overhaul their existing infrastructure. The Ultra Shingled Magnetic Recording (UltraSMR) technology used in the Ultrastar DC HC690 offers unparalleled data track arrangements, while the HD590 caters to clients who prefer the reliability of CMR technology.

Both the 32TB and 26TB HDDs from Western Digital utilize Energy-Assisted Perpendicular Magnetic Recording (ePMR) to enhance areal density, resulting in increased storage capacity. The addition of the extra platter has been instrumental in achieving these advancements, propelling the industry forward in the quest for higher storage capabilities.

While traditionally hard drives have featured up to 10 platters, the introduction of the 11th platter by Western Digital marks a significant milestone in HDD design. By optimizing the internal components and reducing the space between platters, Western Digital has managed to increase storage capacity without compromising on compatibility or power efficiency.

In the race for higher storage capacities, both Western Digital and Seagate have focused on maximizing the data stored per platter. While Western Digital leveraged ePMR technology, Seagate introduced Heat-Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR) in its 32TB HDDs. This innovative approach involves heating tiny sections of the disk to increase data density, showcasing the diversity of solutions driving the industry forward.

Western Digital’s successful implementation of the 11-platter design in both SMR and CMR drives highlights the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of storage technology. By enhancing key components like the suspension system, circuit board, disk stack, and read/write head, Western Digital has paved the way for future advancements and the promise of even higher capacities.

Looking ahead, the future of HDD technology seems bright, with forecasts predicting the arrival of 60TB HDDs by 2028 and the potential for 100TB capacities by 2030. Both Seagate and Western Digital are dedicated to exploring new recording technologies that will continue to drive the evolution of data storage, setting the stage for a future where vast amounts of data can be stored efficiently and securely.

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