Performance

Just like in case of the recently tested Maxtor network storage device, we had pretty limited number of tests that we carried out. WD NetCenter drive has very specific application, i.e. it is intended primarily for reading and writing different files. That is why we performed only those tests from the FC-Test tool package that deal with this type of operations.

We used the same five patterns differing only by the number and size of files included into them to measure the read and write speeds. This time we could evaluate the performance of our today’s hero more objectively, because we could compare the obtained results against those we have already received during the tests of the Maxtor external network solution. The only thing I have to stress before we pass over to the discussion of obtained results, is that the drives from Maxtor and WD are of different storage capacities, which makes the direct comparison not absolutely correct.

Well, all allowances made, let’s move on to the actual performance analysis.

On the first diagram there are the write speed measurements. As we can see, both drives performed close enough in three patterns consisting of a limited number of larger files. The small performance difference lies within the allowed measuring error. Unfortunately, the write speed is not really impressive. It is the actual bandwidth of the network interface that limits the drive’s performance. In Programs and Windows patterns that consist of a lot of small files the performance is noticeably lower. However, WD NetCenter gets about 1.5 times faster during write operations than its rival from Maxtor. I assume our hero boasts a more efficient buffer, i.e. much better finalized firmware version.

On the second diagram that stands for the read speed testing results we do not see any principal differences. The overall performance numbers grew bigger, but the general picture remained pretty much the same. Both hard drive solutions runs almost equally fast again in three patterns dealing with a limited number of larger files. And in the remaining two patterns WD NetCenter wins the race with a significant advantage over the competitor. Moreover, in Windows patter, WD solution proves almost twice as fast as its rival. Of course, our props to better firmware and as a result, more efficient work of the buffer and the drive in general.