The ST1000DX001 is a Solid State Hard Drive (SSHD). There is 8GB of MLC NAND flash built into this model which helps facilitate better performance than a purely mechanical drive. The peak sequential read /write speeds of 190 MB/s are around 10% higher than average for a mechanical drive, but no where near typical SSD speeds. We have seen peak 4k write speeds as high as 5.72 MB/s, which is very impressive and to date the highest 4k read speed is 1.24 MB/s which is less impressive but still above average for a top end mechanical drive. The performance increases attributable to the NAND flash are primarily noticeable in the area of small file performance and the Seagate offers only marginally better sequential performance than other mechanical 1TB hard drives. Overall the ST1000DX001 is a very solid performer and bests the group average by 30%. The larger 2TB version (ST2000DX001) has similar performance but represents even better value for money. [Feb '14HDrivePro]
The WD Blue EALX (2010) is sold as an all round desktop drive. This model is nearly four years old now and can't compete against the newer competition. WD superseded this drive in 2012 with the EZEX. Comparing the EALX and EZEX reveals that the newer EZEX drive is approximately 30% faster yet both drives still retail for almost the same price. With average sequential read/write speeds of 109/97 MB/s the EALX lags the group leaders by 40%. Average small file 4K performance clocks in at 0.67/1.85 MB/s which is again around 40% slower than the top ten group leaders. With an effective speed of just 102 MB/s the 2010 WD Blue lags its peers by 34%. There are both cheaper and faster alternatives available elsewhere. [Mar '14HDrivePro]
We calculate effective speed which measures performance for typical consumers. Effective speed is adjusted by current cost per GB to yield value for money. Our calculated values are checked against thousands of individual user ratings. The customizable table below combines these factors to bring you the definitive list of top HDDs. [HDrivePro]
Welcome to our PC speed test tool. UserBenchmark will test your PC and compare the results to other users with the same components. You can quickly size up your PC, identify hardware problems and explore the best value for money upgrades.