Western Digital has announced a new line of SAS hard disk drives, the 3.5-inch WD XE. The new line of WD XE HDDs is aimed for use in datacenters.
The WD XE is actually based on a 2.5-inch, 10,000 RPM SAS HDD placed in a 3.5-inch WD performance adapter. WD promises best-in-class performance, low power consumption and an easier upgrade path. According to WD, the new WD XE lineup will deliver up to 50 percent higher capacity, similar or better maximum sequential performance, higher reliability and up to 67 percent lower power consumption when compared to 3.5-inch 15k RPM HDDs.

Since these are aimed for use in datacenters it features dual port, full duplex connectivity for higher reliability, performance and data availability, the NoTouch ramp load technology for better data protection and 2 million hours MTBF.

Available in capacities ranging from 300 to 900GB (models: WD3001HKHG, WD6001HKHG, and WD9001HKHG), the new WD XE lineup should already be available via WD's distributor and reseller partners. The price ranges from US $299.00 to US $599.99 and all models are covered with a five-year limited warranty.



Source: WDC.com.