WD3200AAKS 00B3A0 = single platter

[Iceblinker]

google has surprisingly litte info. there's only one thread on the interenets about the 22B3A0, and while the results arent hopeful the guy that ran the test is an idiot and shouldn't be trusted totally

[silentpcreview.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=49672]

Yeah, I saw that - and I'm ignoring that test... for now!

I've emailed WD. Will be interesting to see if they answer.

The drives are still in the sealed bags. If I have got double-platters then I might have a go at flogging them on eBay rather than returning or using them.

[Koolpc]

Well, the 00B3A0 is definitely the single platter one.

[Iceblinker]

You say "the" single platter one, implying there is only one.

Do you know that there is definitely no other variant that is also single-platter?

[Koolpc]

What i have been told again and again on different forums. The 00B3A0 is definitely the single platter version.

[MadduckUK]

Unfortunately, Overclockers!!!

bad

have you heard anything to suggest that the 22B3A0 is not single plate?

[Iceblinker]

Thanks Koolpc, but I'm not sure you're understanding my question.

The 00B3A0 may have been the only single platter version originally, but do you know that there have not been any more since?

I think it is quite feasible that there have been minor variations already, or perhaps WD use a different prefix for OEM product.

I need to know the spec of what I have already. I know the 00B3A0 has a single-platter, but that doesn't help me right now.

[Funkstar]

Perhaps I just spend too much money, but is it relly worth all this hastle when you can garantee getting 32GB platters with the 650GB disk for less than £20 more?

[staffsMike]

Perhaps I just spend too much money, but is it relly worth all this hastle when you can garantee getting 32GB platters with the 650GB disk for less than £20 more?

Not to me but I guess every penny counts sometimes. Ebuyer have them for about £49 at the moment (Spend £1 more and get free delivery).

[Iceblinker]

It'd be double the extra money in my case because I want two drives, and I don't need all that extra capacity.

I was expecting no hassle because I thought I'd get the 00B3A0 version.

[staffsMike]

I actually have a dual platter 320GB AAKS and it's a very good drive. Not the fastest on paper I suppose but I don't notice anything particularly slow about it.

[Cistron]

I ordered mine from Scan and it was single platter. Interestingly, there seem to be more than one single platter version on the market with different enclosures and slightly varying noise characteristics.

[Iceblinker]

I enquired to Scan a few days ago and they told me they were supplying the dual version.

Thanks for the link above.

[richieuk]

Are the 640s 100% dual platter?

[staffsMike]

Are the 640s 100% dual platter?

Yep, no question.

[Iceblinker]

I've now read on silentpcreview.com that some WD6400AAKS drives have other numbers (including "22") instead of "00" at the start of the second part of the model number to indicate OEM.

I think this is bound to be true for the 3200 as well.

I'm less inclined to buy WD drives again after this experience. It's very poor that they don't make it clearer what you're getting.

[staffsMike]

Well in fairness they have made it clear to the etailers, it's written on the packet. If etailers can't be bothered to distinguish between them that's their call.