The FAEX WD Black (2010) is nearly four years old and has been replaced by the WD Black FZEX (2013). Comparing the FAEX and FZEX models shows that the newer FZEX model is around 11% faster on average. The main performance improvements are in the area of sequential writes where the newer FZEX is 30% faster (148 vs 114 MB/s). As a new purchase, the FAEX would have to come at a significant discount to the newer FZEX in order to make it worth considering. The FAEX has a reasonably well-rounded performance profile with above average 4K speeds but it's overpriced and lags the group leaders in terms of value for money. [Nov '12HDrivePro]
This is the most recent version (2013 FZEX) of Western Digital's best performing consumer storage drive, its predecessor was the WD1002FAEX which is now four years old. With average sequential read/write speeds of 150 MB/s this version outperforms its predecessor by a whopping 50%. Small file random 4K speeds have remained broadly unchanged with average read/write rates of 0.9/2.19 MB/s. Overall the 2013 WD Black has a very good performance profile and it also represents reasonable value for money, at least in the 1TB category. There are some good alternatives to the 2013 Black including the 2012 Blue. Looking at the 2013 Black vs 2012 Blue shows that both drives have similar performance. Power consumption (6.8/6.1 Watts active/idle) and noise levels (29.5 dBA) are also identical making it a tough call between the two. There is however, as always, better value amongst the larger capacities. [Feb '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.