Performance in Intel IOMeter Workstation Pattern

Using the Workstation pattern, we checked out the performance of the drives under a workload typical for the disk subsystem of a workstation.

The first graph shows the results when the entire HDD capacity was involved. Again, Hitachi 7K60 goes unrivalled. As the data block size increases, it gets even farther ahead. Seagate Momentus takes the second place: it is pretending to compete with the leader on small data blocks, but gives up trying soon. Two Hitachi models – 5K80 and DK23FB-40 – are struggling for the third place. Toshiba MK8025GAS was the slowest here, just a little behind the unpredictable Hitachi 40GN.

The diagram above shows the total performance index for each drive so that we could position them more exactly. As you see, Seagate Momentus is doing well enough, in spite of the difference in the spindle rotation speeds (5,400rpm against 7,200rpm).

The graphs show the performance of the drives when only 32GB of their total capacity are used. Hitachi 7K60 feels all right under such conditions, and Seagate Momentus takes the second place without any problems. Hitachi DK23FB-60 and Hitachi 5K80 are arguing over the third place. Hitachi 40GN is the slowest of all (I wouldd say “traditionally”).

The integral performance rating doesn’t clear up the mess over the third place: Hitachi DK23FB-60 and Hitachi 5K80 both show the same result.