WD Black2 Dual Drive: A Unique Solution for Laptop Storage
If you are looking for a way to upgrade your laptop storage without sacrificing performance or capacity, you might want to consider the WD Black2 Dual Drive. This innovative product combines a 120GB SSD and a 1TB HDD in a single 2.5-inch form factor, giving you the best of both worlds. In this article, we will review the features, installation, and usage of the WD Black2 Dual Drive, and help you decide if it is the right choice for you.
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What is WD Black2 Dual Drive?
The WD Black2 Dual Drive is a hybrid storage solution that offers both solid state and hard disk drives in one package. Unlike other hybrid drives that use caching algorithms to optimize performance, the WD Black2 Dual Drive lets you access and manage the SSD and HDD as separate partitions. This means you can choose what data goes to the SSD for faster access, and what goes to the HDD for larger storage.
Features and specifications
The WD Black2 Dual Drive has the following features and specifications:
Interface: SATA 6Gbps
SSD capacity: 120GB (8GB reserved for overprovisioning)
HDD capacity: 1TB (dual-platter 5400rpm)
Sequential read speed: up to 350MB/s (SSD), up to 111MB/s (HDD)
Sequential write speed: up to 140MB/s (SSD), up to 108MB/s (HDD)
Power consumption: 0.9W (idle/standby), 1.9W (read/write)
Noise level: 20dBA (idle), 21dBA (seek)
Warranty: 5 years
Price: $299
Pros and cons
The WD Black2 Dual Drive has some advantages and disadvantages compared to other storage options. Here are some of them:
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ProsCons
Provides both fast performance and large capacity in one deviceMore expensive than regular HDDs or SSDs
Gives you full control over data allocation and managementRequires driver installation and software update to access HDD
Compatible with most laptops and desktops with SATA interfaceLimited compatibility with some operating systems and devices
Included USB adapter and Acronis software for easy data migrationSSD performance is not as high as some other SSDs
Backed by a 5-year warranty and WD supportHDD is a slow 5400rpm model
How to install WD Black2 Dual Drive?
If you want to install the WD Black2 Dual Drive in your laptop or desktop, you need to follow some steps and requirements. Here are some of them:
Requirements and compatibility
The WD Black2 Dual Drive is compatible with the following operating systems:
Windows XP (32-bit version only)
Windows Vista
Windows 7
Windows 8
Windows 10
Note: Compatibility may vary depending on your hardware configuration and operating system.
The WD Black2 Dual Drive requires a SATA interface and a 9.5mm drive bay. Steps for installation
The installation process of the WD Black2 Dual Drive involves the following steps:
Backup your data from your existing drive to an external storage device.
Remove your existing drive from your laptop or desktop.
Connect the WD Black2 Dual Drive to the included USB adapter and plug it into your computer.
Download and install the WD Black2 installation software from the WD website.
Run the WD Black2 installation software and follow the instructions to clone your data from your existing drive to the SSD partition of the WD Black2 Dual Drive.
Disconnect the WD Black2 Dual Drive from the USB adapter and install it in your laptop or desktop.
Boot up your computer and verify that the SSD partition is working properly.
Download and install the WD Black2 driver software from the WD website.
Run the WD Black2 driver software and follow the instructions to unlock and access the HDD partition of the WD Black2 Dual Drive.
Format and partition the HDD as desired using Windows Disk Management or other tools.
Tips and troubleshooting
Here are some tips and troubleshooting suggestions for installing and using the WD Black2 Dual Drive:
Make sure you have enough free space on your existing drive before cloning it to the SSD partition of the WD Black2 Dual Drive. The SSD partition has a capacity of 112GB, so you need to have less than that amount of data on your existing drive.
If you encounter any problems during or after cloning your data, you can use the Acronis True Image software that comes with the WD Black2 Dual Drive to restore your data from a backup image.
If you want to use the HDD partition as a bootable drive, you need to change the boot order in your BIOS settings and make sure that the HDD partition is marked as active.
If you want to use the HDD partition as a storage drive, you can assign a drive letter and a volume label to it using Windows Disk Management or other tools.
If you experience any performance issues or errors with the WD Black2 Dual Drive, you can check for firmware and software updates on the WD website and install them if available.
How to use WD Black2 Dual Drive?
Once you have installed and configured the WD Black2 Dual Drive, you can enjoy its benefits and features. Here are some of them:
Benefits of dual-drive system
The WD Black2 Dual Drive gives you the advantages of both SSD and HDD in one device. You can use the SSD partition for your operating system, applications, and frequently used files, and enjoy faster boot times, loading times, and responsiveness. You can use the HDD partition for your media files, documents, backups, and other data that require more space, and enjoy larger capacity and reliability. You can also switch between the SSD and HDD partitions easily using the WD Black2 software or Windows Explorer.
How to manage data and partitions
The WD Black2 Dual Drive lets you manage your data and partitions as you wish. You can move, copy, delete, or rename files and folders between the SSD and HDD partitions using Windows Explorer or other tools. You can also resize, format, or delete partitions using Windows Disk Management or other tools. However, be careful not to delete or modify the hidden 8GB partition that is reserved for overprovisioning. This partition helps to improve the performance and lifespan of the SSD by providing extra space for wear leveling and garbage collection.
How to update firmware and software
The WD Black2 Dual Drive comes with firmware and software that enable its functionality and performance. You can check for firmware and software updates on the WD website and install them if available. To update the firmware, you need to download and run the firmware updater tool from the WD website. To update the software, you need to download and run the software updater tool from the WD website. You can also use these tools to check the status, health, temperature, and SMART attributes of your WD Black2 Dual Drive.
Conclusion
The WD Black2 Dual Drive is a unique solution for laptop storage that combines a 120GB SSD and a 1TB HDD in a single 2.5-inch form factor. It offers both fast performance and large capacity in one device, giving you full control over data allocation and management. It is compatible with most laptops and desktops with SATA interface, but requires driver installation and software update to access HDD. It also comes with a USB adapter and Acronis software for easy data migration. It is backed by a 5-year warranty and WD support. If you are looking for a way to upgrade your laptop storage without sacrificing performance or capacity, you might want to consider the WD Black2 Dual Drive.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the WD Black2 Dual Drive:
Q: Can I use the WD Black2 Dual Drive with a Mac or Linux computer?
A: No, the WD Black2 Dual Drive is only compatible with Windows operating systems. Mac and Linux computers do not support the driver and software that are required to access the HDD partition of the WD Black2 Dual Drive. Q: Can I use the WD Black2 Dual Drive as an external drive?
A: Yes, you can use the WD Black2 Dual Drive as an external drive by connecting it to the included USB adapter. However, you will only be able to access the SSD partition of the WD Black2 Dual Drive. The HDD partition will not be recognized by your computer unless you install the driver and software. Q: Can I use the WD Black2 Dual Drive with a RAID configuration?
A: No, the WD Black2 Dual Drive is not designed to work with a RAID configuration. The SSD and HDD partitions of the WD Black2 Dual Drive are independent and cannot be combined or synchronized with other drives. Q: Can I replace the SSD or HDD of the WD Black2 Dual Drive?
A: No, the SSD and HDD of the WD Black2 Dual Drive are integrated and cannot be replaced or upgraded. Attempting to do so will void your warranty and may damage your device. Q: How can I contact WD support if I have any issues or questions about the WD Black2 Dual Drive?
A: You can contact WD support by visiting their website at and choosing your region and product. You can also call their toll-free number or email them using their online form. 44f88ac181
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