WD2500KS impressions

HammerSandwich · Post by **HammerSandwich** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 3:43 pm

I just got a WD2500KS as an upgrade for my main PC. If it proved too loud, the backup plan involved putting it into my fileserver/backup machine. Both of these PCs have used Samsung SP1614Cs for a while now. I have 1 Nidec and 2 JVCs, though I'd say all 3 are comparable in noise.

The WD's idle noise proved roughly the same as the Samsungs'. No spurious tones stand out from the normal FDB/airflow whoosh. Seeking is another matter, with the WD having a significantly sharper, louder sound. I have yet to experiment with AAM settings; the WD is as delivered, with the Samsungs in performance mode. All drives have been placed on Sorbothane, and I have not detected any differences in vibration. I believe the WD to be quicker as well - just enough to notice subjectively. Of course, I may be fooling myself on this point, for the difference is subtle.

Certainly a nice drive for the money, but people seeking the ultimate in silence should look elsewhere. (And that location does not permit 3.5" drives.)

QuietOC · Post by **QuietOC** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 3:56 pm

My WD2500KS has proved much quieter than the 250GB Seagate 7200.8 PATA drive it replaced. Idle is very quiet, seeks are quite noticeable if hard-mounted. I really didn't notice them when I had the drive sitting on a piece of foam however.

HiFi · Post by **HiFi** » Sat Mar 18, 2006 2:55 pm

i wish i had seen this thread before i made my post. i think the WD is better since it has 16mb cache opposed to samsungs 8mb. this review has convinced me to get the WD.

QuietOC · Post by **QuietOC** » Sat Mar 18, 2006 4:19 pm

HiFi wrote:i wish i had seen this thread before i made my post. i think the WD is better since it has 16mb cache opposed to samsungs 8mb. this review has convinced me to get the WD.

Check out StorageReview's 250GB drive roundup.

I don't think they got a very good WD2500KS sample as far as noise levels for the roundup. Their WD4000KD and WD3200JD idle noises were 40.1dB/A and 41.7dB/A. They also have the WD2500KS being considerable louder than the 400GB 7200.8. Drive noise may just be luck of the draw.

You also might want to check out the new WD3200KS.

HammerSandwich · Post by **HammerSandwich** » Sun Mar 19, 2006 8:44 am

Possible, but Storage Review's noise measurements are highly suspect. This has been discussed here at some length, so search if you want to read more.

BTW, I should have mentioned that the WD2500KS has a firmware bug and reports ridiculous temperatures. My drive supposedly idles at 60C, and I've seen as high as 85C when defragging. If you buy one of these drives, just ignore the temps until there's a firmware fix.

quikkie · Post by **quikkie** » Mon Mar 20, 2006 6:37 am

HammerSandwich wrote:Possible, but Storage Review's noise measurements are highly suspect. This has been discussed here at some length, so search if you want to read more.

BTW, I should have mentioned that the WD2500KS has a firmware bug and reports ridiculous temperatures. My drive supposedly idles at 60C, and I've seen as high as 85C when defragging. If you buy one of these drives, just ignore the temps until there's a firmware fix.

strange - mine runs at around 30-33C (10-13C above ambient).

I'll check the manufactured date on mine, maybe that will help...
EDIT:
Model: WDC WD2500KS-00MJB0
Firmware revision: 02.01C03
manufactured: Jun 2005

HiFi · Post by **HiFi** » Mon Mar 20, 2006 9:00 pm

off topic but...if i order this drive from a place like zipzoomfly, do they include the sata cable or do i have to purchase that separately?

WD2500KS impressions

WD2500KS impressions

Re: WD2500KS impressions