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WD Builds High-Capacity, Helium-Filled HDDs

Posted by timothy on from the it-slices-it-dices-it-sings-in-falsetto dept.

Lucas123 writes "Western Digital subsidiary HGST today announced that after 10 years of development it is preparing to release 3.5-in data center-class HDDs that are hermetically sealed with helium inside. The helium reduces drag and wind turbulence created by the spinning platters, all but eliminating track misregistration that has become a major issue to increasing drive density in recent years. Because of that, HGST will be able to add two more platters along with increasing the tracks per inch, which results in a 40% capacity increase. The drives will also use 23% less power because of the reduction of friction on the spindle. HGST said the new seven-platter helium drives will weigh 29% less per terabyte of capacity that today's five-platter drives. In other words, a seven-platter helium disk will weigh 690 grams, the same as today's five-platter drives."

6 of 356 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Why not a vacuum by suso · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I meant against the platter.

  2. Scarce(r) resource by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    What about the impending Helium shortage?

    http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/health/med-tech/why-is-there-a-helium-shortage-10031229

    1. Re:Scarce(r) resource by Jeremi · · Score: 5, Insightful

      You got the last apple of earth on your hand with no means to cultivate... What you do?

      Reformat it and install Debian.

      --


      I don't care if it's 90,000 hectares. That lake was not my doing.
  3. Re:Why not a vacuum by nschubach · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Wouldn't that be like strapping an eraser to the end of your pencil so anything you write will be cushioned by the soft rubber?

    --
    Every time I start to have faith in humanity, I ruin it by driving to work between 7 and 8 am.
  4. Re:Done 40 years ago by xlsior · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Except that helium molecules are so small, they slowly leak out of pretty much any 'sealed' container?

  5. Not to worry, monitor indicator. by SuperKendall · · Score: 4, Insightful

    anyone buying these need to ask what happens when the helium inevitably leaks out...

    No worries; when the balloon attached to the side is half-full you know it's time to replace the drive and then find a child to give the balloon to.

    Or if you are not in a hurry take the drive in to any Party Center USA store for a free refill.

    --
    "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley