Desktop Computer Review: Western Digital Wd5001Aals 500Gb 7200Rpm 32Mb Sata Ii-300 Review

I Replaced the Seagate 320GB SATA Boot HD that came installed on my PC.It was forever slow and needed CHKDSK /F run almost daily. So, after running tests and wiping the Seagate, and nothing changed, I decided to go back to a Western Digital Drive (I have 3 others, a Maxtor and a Seagate).

While I really liked the fast response from Seagate Support Dept., after doing all they told me to do, the drive just was not "right" and it never got any better.

After investigating many drives, I decided on this 500GB Black Caviar from Western Digital.Four things convinced me to take the plunge:

1) WD now has a 5 year warranty on the "Black Caviar" series.
2) The 32MB Cache (Not indispensable, but a noticeable performance increase)
3) This Drive is a"SATA II" HD and is definitely faster than the Seagate 320GB "SATA I" Boot HD that came with my Computer.
4) I currently running 2 External SATAII Hard Drives: 1-750GB ("Cavalry" Brand [Terrible case and very POOR Fan!!) AND 1-1TB Fanless External, sold under the name "FANTOM" [which is Super Speedy, never runs hot and has been a great surprise]. Both have Western Digital Drives in them and perform quite well, better than my internal Seagate, in all respects.

In addition, I purchased a very useful peripheral. The "THERMALTAKE BlacX Duet eSATA/USB (P/N:ST0014U) Dual Drive Docking Station", so I could still use my Seagate 320GB.I am very pleased with it, and highly recommend it. {http://www.amazon.com/Thermaltake-BlacX-Portable-External-ST0014U/dp/B002MUYOLW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1257605119&sr=8-1}

(Note: The "THERMALTAKE BlacX Duet was listed by AMAZON as being sold by "AntOnline", so the same day I purchased my WD 500GB Black Caviar from Amazon (Using my Amazon PRIME Account), I ordered the "BlacX Duet" and a External 6' eSATA Cable from "AntOnline" on the Amazon site.Both items were shown as "In Stock".

To my surprise and dismay, Amazon notified me, a number of days later, that "AntOnline" could not ship, as they had neither of the 2 items I ordered. I already had received my new WD Drive, from Amazon, and was pressed for time so I had to rush order the "Duet" from another OnLine Provider.

While this may be an isolated case, I feel the need to add this, because I will NEVER buy anything from "AntOnline" again, no matter how attractive the price may appear to be.

I am sharing my personal experience with "AntOnline" so you do not go through the same."Caveat Emptor"!!

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Product Description:
Western Digital Caviar Black 500 GB Bulk/OEM Hard Drive 3.5 Inch, 32 MB Cache, 7200 RPM SATA II WD5001AALS