Western Digital updated its Black HDD series. The new disks have 800GB platters as the previous models, as well as the same 7200RPM spin rate. WD brings in more performance though, the 4TB model for instance now promises sustained data rates of 171MB/s, versus 154MB/s before.

What's new? Better performance. The 4TB model's maximum sustained data rate has jumped from 154 to 171MB/s, for example. The lower-capacity variants get similar speed bumps, which are detailed in the latest datasheet. WD mentioned even larger performance increases to us, including a 48% boost for the 4TB drive, but we'll reserve judgment until we can test one for ourselves. The Black's higher speeds appear to come largely from improved algorithms and an updated controller with "double the bits" of its predecessor. According to WD, the "high resolution controller" improves tracking precision, which in turn accelerates overall performance. The processor still has dual cores, but it looks like those cores have been upgraded from 32 to 64 bits—with tangible results. - Via techreport.

WD shows faster Black series HDDs