1. Introduction
Western Digital Corporation also known as Western Digital is one of the largest computer storage device manufacturers in the world. The company was founded on 23 April 1970, in Irvine, California, USA called General Digital, subsequently changing its name to Western Digital Corporation.
Official product link:
http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.aspx?id=770#Tab3
2. Packaging and accessories
The HardDisk is packaged in a transparent antistatic bag, the only protection offered by this packaging is against static discharges. The bag is thermally sealed.
3. Specifications
Brand: Western Digital
Model: WD10EZEX
Interface: SATA 6 Gb/s
Form Factor: 3.5″
Capacity: 1TB
RPM: 7200
Cache: 64mb
Dimensions: 147mm x 101.6mm x 25.4mm
Load/unload cycles: 300,000
Limited warranty (years): 2
Average power requirements (W): 6.8
Operating Temperature (°C): 0 to 60
Weight: 0.9Kg
4. Visual inspection
The WD10EZEX uses the standard 3.5” format, also the Hard Disk has a rotational speed of 7200RPM and a cache of 64mb.
From an aesthetic point of view, the only element which sets this model apart from the rest is the label applied on the front side, offering all the necessary information about the Hard Disk.
On the inferior side there is the motherboard, it uses the metallic case of the HDD as a heatsink to cool its components. Also the motherboard is mounted with the chips facing up, this they are not exposed to dust or other elements which might affect their integrity.
On the back side there are placed the power & transfer connectors, next there are a set of 4 jumpers or pins.
5. Testing
The following system was used to test the Hard Disk:
– Processor: Intel i5 4690K @ 3.9 GHz
– Motherboard: MSI Z97 Gaming 9 ACK
– RAM: 8GB DDR3 Crucial Ballistix Tactical
– SSD: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB
– PSU: Antec Edge 550W Gold
– Display: AOC i2769VM
– Case: Phanteks Enthoo Luxe White
– OS: Windows 7 64-bit Service Pack 1
To test the Hard Disk the following software was used: ATTO Disk Benchmark, HD Tune Pro 5.60, Crystal DiskMark 5.1.2, AS SSD Benchmark. In order to obtain a precise result each test was performed three times.
Crystal DiskMark 5.1.2 Read
Crystal DiskMark 5.1.2 Write
ATTO Disk Benchmark Read
ATTO Disk Benchmark Write
HD Tune Pro Read
HD Tune Pro Write
Temperature
6. Final thoughts
The WD Blue 1TB – WD10EZEX model offers a good price to performance ration, being available in capacities up to 6TB with various rotational speeds depending on the model.
The Hard Disk uses one 1TB platter which offers an advantage in terms of speed and price.
From a silence point of view, the WD10EZEX model is within the manufacturer parameters however it can be heard in certain cases.
The only drawback of this HDD is the 2 year limited warranty.
