The Seagate Desktop SSHD is a Solid State Hard Drive (SSHD). The 8GBs of MLC NAND flash built into this model help facilitate better performance than a purely mechanical drive. Peak sequential read/write speeds are above average at 190 MB/s. The 2TB SSHD has consistently demonstrated class leading 4k random write speeds in the region of 5.0 MB/s. 4K read speeds are in the region of 0.7-0.9 MB/s which is well above average, but not record breaking. Overall the performance increases attributable to the NAND flash are very noticeable in the area of small file 4K performance where the SSHD dominates the competition. In terms of sequential speeds, the Seagate also offers better average sequential performance than most mechanical 2TB hard drives. From a value for money perspective, the 2TB SSHD is well above average, it has a brilliant 4k performance profile, strong sequential speeds and only a slightly above average price. [Dec '13HDrivePro]
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 freeware 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 upgrades.