Ultrastar DC HC550 18TB 7.2K RPM SATA-6GBPS 512E Helium Platform Enterprise Hard Drive WUH721818ALE6L4 by Western Digital

Rotation Speed: 7.2K RPM

The Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC550 18TB Enterprise Hard Drive boasts an impressive rotation speed of 7.2K RPM (rotations per minute). This feature plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall performance and efficiency of the hard drive, making it an excellent choice for enterprise storage solutions.

Improved Data Transfer Rates

One of the key advantages of the 7.2K RPM rotation speed is its ability to deliver faster data transfer rates. With each rotation, the drive can read and write data more quickly, resulting in reduced latency and improved overall system responsiveness. This is particularly beneficial for businesses that rely on high-speed data access, such as database management or content delivery networks.

Enhanced Sequential and Random I/O Performance

The higher rotation speed of the Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC550 enables it to achieve exceptional sequential and random I/O performance. This means that the hard drive can efficiently handle large data sets and perform simultaneous read and write operations with minimal delays. Whether you are running resource-intensive applications or managing heavy workloads, the 7.2K RPM rotation speed ensures smooth and uninterrupted data processing.

Optimized Workload Distribution

By leveraging the 7.2K RPM rotation speed, the Ultrastar DC HC550 allows for efficient workload distribution across multiple drives within a storage system. The increased rotational speed enables faster access to data, reducing bottlenecks and ensuring a balanced distribution of read and write operations. This is particularly important in enterprise environments where data-intensive applications require optimal performance from storage solutions.

Interface: SATA-6GBPS

The Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC550 18TB Enterprise Hard Drive features a SATA-6GBPS interface, providing users with a reliable and high-speed connectivity option. This interface is widely adopted in the industry and offers several benefits that enhance the overall performance and versatility of the hard drive.

Increased Data Transfer Speeds

With a SATA-6GBPS interface, the Ultrastar DC HC550 can achieve significantly faster data transfer speeds compared to its predecessors. The interface supports a maximum data transfer rate of 6 gigabits per second, allowing for swift and efficient movement of data between the hard drive and the host system. This is particularly advantageous for tasks that involve large file transfers or backup operations, as it reduces the time required to complete these operations.

Backward Compatibility

One of the key advantages of the SATA-6GBPS interface is its backward compatibility with previous SATA versions. This means that the Ultrastar DC HC550 can be seamlessly integrated into existing systems that support SATA interfaces, ensuring compatibility and ease of upgrade. This flexibility allows businesses to leverage the benefits of the new hard drive without requiring extensive infrastructure changes.

Wide Industry Adoption

The SATA-6GBPS interface has gained widespread adoption in the industry, making it a standard connectivity option for storage devices. This wide acceptance ensures compatibility with a variety of systems, servers, and storage controllers, providing users with greater flexibility in choosing their hardware configurations. Additionally, the popularity of SATA interfaces translates to a wider range of compatible accessories and peripherals available in the market.

Sector Size: 512E

The Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC550 18TB Enterprise Hard Drive incorporates a sector size of 512E, which brings several benefits in terms of data storage efficiency and compatibility with various systems and applications.

Improved Data Storage Efficiency

With a sector size of 512E, the Ultrastar DC HC550 optimizes data storage efficiency by aligning with modern operating systems and applications. The 512E format allows for better utilization of available storage capacity, reducing waste and maximizing the amount of data that can be stored on the hard drive. This is especially valuable in enterprise environments where efficient data management is crucial for cost-effectiveness and scalability.

Compatibility with Legacy Systems

The 512E sector size offers compatibility with legacy systems that rely on older sector formats, such as 512-byte sectors. This ensures seamless integration of the Ultrastar DC HC550 into existing infrastructure, allowing businesses to upgrade their storage solutions without facing compatibility issues or requiring extensive system modifications. This backward compatibility enhances the versatility and ease of deployment of the hard drive.

Support for Advanced Storage Features

The 512E sector size provides support for advanced storage features and technologies, such as error correction codes (ECC) and data integrity checks. These features help ensure the accuracy and reliability of stored data, reducing the risk of data corruption or loss. By leveraging the 512E sector size, the Ultrastar DC HC550 delivers enhanced data protection capabilities, making it an ideal choice for critical enterprise applications that require high levels of data integrity.

Platform: Helium

The Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC550 18TB Enterprise Hard Drive utilizes a Helium platform, offering numerous benefits in terms of performance, power efficiency, and reliability.

Enhanced Storage Density

The Helium platform enables higher storage density by utilizing a sealed chamber filled with helium gas instead of regular air. This design reduces drag and turbulence on the drive's internal components, allowing for more platters and data heads to be packed into the same form factor. As a result, the Ultrastar DC HC550 can provide an impressive 18TB of storage capacity, making it an excellent choice for businesses that require vast amounts of data storage.

Lower Power Consumption

Helium-filled drives offer lower power consumption compared to traditional air-filled drives. The reduced drag and turbulence result in improved energy efficiency, allowing the Ultrastar DC HC550 to operate with lower power requirements. This not only helps reduce electricity costs but also contributes to a greener and more environmentally friendly storage solution.

Enhanced Reliability

The Helium platform enhances the reliability of the Ultrastar DC HC550 by providing a more stable and controlled environment for the drive's internal components. The absence of air reduces the risk of mechanical failures, such as vibrations and turbulence-induced wear and tear. Additionally, the sealed chamber protects the drive from external contaminants, further enhancing its durability and long-term reliability.

Part Number: WUH721818ALE6L4

The Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC550 18TB Enterprise Hard Drive is identified by its unique part number: WUH721818ALE6L4. This alphanumeric code plays a crucial role in identifying and differentiating the specific model of the hard drive.

Accurate Identification and Ordering

The part number ensures accurate identification when ordering or purchasing the Ultrastar DC HC550. With numerous hard drive models available in the market, having a distinct part number helps avoid confusion and ensures that you receive the exact product you require. This is particularly important for businesses that need to maintain consistency in their hardware configurations or require specific models for compatibility with existing systems.

Product Support and Documentation

The part number serves as a reference point for product support and documentation. By providing the part number when seeking technical assistance or accessing product resources, you can ensure that the information you receive is relevant and specific to the Ultrastar DC HC550. This facilitates troubleshooting, firmware updates, and accessing user manuals or datasheets, enabling you to make the most of the hard drive's capabilities.

Compatibility Verification

When integrating the Ultrastar DC HC550 into your infrastructure or upgrading existing systems, the part number helps verify compatibility. By cross-referencing the part number with compatibility lists or consulting with hardware vendors, you can ensure that the hard drive is compatible with your system's specifications and requirements. This minimizes the risk of compatibility issues and ensures a smooth integration process.