The VelociRaptor without the IcePack Posted on 24/07/2008 at 14:03 by Marc
Western Digital has just announced the availability of its VelociRaptor in 2"1/2 format, or in other words, without an IcePack radiator enabling it to fit into a 3"1/2 slot. Contrary to the version with the IcePack (WD3000GLFS), this model is available in 300 GB (2 platters) and also 150 GB (a single platter): the WD3000BLFS and WD1500BLFS. Normally, Western planned these models for 1U and 2U blade servers.
As we noticed in our test of the VelociRaptor, while the IcePack improves cooling, it can also increase the drive’s noise levels. The release of a model without it fortunately means that you do not lose the warranty which would otherwise not be applicable if you separated the drive from the IcePack yourself. However, it’s recommended that you ventilate the hard drive casing as the VelociRaptor’s controller has the tendency to increase in temperature.
