Copy far shows about the same results. It is especially noticeable when we copy large files. It looks as if we are facing true firmware optimization again. The firmware has definitely been optimized for copying of large data packs.

FC-Test benchmark results explain what we saw in Photoshop in WinBench99. since this test should include both: read and write operations of relatively large data blocks, the final results for the top P0 and L0 models appeared really close to one another.

Conclusion

In fact, you have just seen everything yourselves. It’s better to be “healthy and wealthy”, i.e. the combination of 80GB platters with 8MB cache-buffer ensures a pretty tangible advantage in most benchmarks. These HDDs are especially efficient for video editing or other work connected with large files processing. The second prize is won by the drive built on 60GB platters and featuring 8MB cache-buffer. The overall impression is a little bit spoilt by the performance slowdown under maximum workload in FileServer and WebServer patterns, but on the whole this is the best balanced solution of the entire family. The HDD with 80GB platters and 2MB cache-buffer is not any slower than the top model when reading large files, but yields in performance to “professionals” as it comes to writing. 6Y120L0-60 is the most “moderate” solution from the considered product family, but it also boasts a few strengths. In Intel IOMeter FileServer and WebServer patterns it performed not any worse than the rivals.

However, the average “business-user” will hardly feel the difference, I should say, so it is the price that will matter the most in this situation.

Now I will try to answer the question set in the very beginning of the review: which way of the HDD industry development is the most efficient? I believe you already know the answer. Only if all the considered options are reasonably combined together, we will get a worthy well-balanced product. A perfect example here is the 6Y120P0 solution with 80GB platters. Although there is still way for improvement in both: firmware and mechanics even by these drives.