Running out of space on your PC or laptop can slow you down and force you to delete important files. The Western Digital Blue 500GB (WD5000AAKX-RFB) 16MB 3.5" 7200 RPM Hard Drive gives you reliable, high-speed storage that fits into most desktop towers, letting you keep photos, videos and work documents safe and instantly accessible.
Key Features of a 500 GB Hard Drive
- Capacity: 500 GB. Plenty of room for a large media library and everyday files.
- Speed: 7200 RPM. Faster spindle speed means quicker data retrieval and smoother multitasking.
- Cache: 16 MB. A larger buffer reduces latency when reading and writing large files.
- Interface: Serial ATA. Modern connection ensures compatibility with current motherboards.
- Power (idle): 6.1 W. Low energy use while the drive is not active helps keep electricity bills down.
- Power (read/write): 6.8 W. Consistent power draw provides stable performance during heavy use.
- ShockGuard: Instant protection against bumps while running, reducing risk of data loss.
- Data Lifeguard: Built-in error detection and automatic repair keep your files safe over time.
- Acoustic emission: 29 dB. Quiet operation means the drive won’t distract you in a home office.
- Weight: 450 g. Light enough for easy handling during installation.
Why Choose a Western Digital Hard Drive
If you’re building a new desktop or upgrading an older system, you need storage that balances capacity, speed and durability without breaking the bank. Many users struggle with slow loading times and unreliable drives that fail after a few years. This hard drive offers a proven track record, extensive compatibility testing and technologies that protect both the hardware and your data, making it a sensible fit for home and small-business PCs.
Benefits of Western Digital Hard Drive
- Reliability: Data Lifeguard continuously monitors and repairs errors, so you can trust your files stay intact.
- Quiet operation: Low acoustic pressure means the drive runs silently, ideal for workspaces.
- Energy efficient: Low idle power consumption reduces heat and saves electricity.
- Shock resistance: ShockGuard shields the drive from accidental bumps, extending its lifespan.
- Fast access: 7200 RPM spindle speed and 16 MB cache deliver quick file transfers.
Usages of a 500 GB Hard Drive
A 500 GB hard drive is perfect for desktop computers used for family photo archives, small business data servers, or as a secondary storage solution for gaming rigs that need extra space for large game installs and media collections. It fits seamlessly into standard 3.5-inch drive bays, providing a straightforward upgrade path for most PCs.
Specifications
| Features |
| Start/stop cycles | 300000 |
| Storage drive buffer size | 16 MB |
| Hot-swap | No |
| Type | HDD |
| Interface | Serial ATA |
| HDD size | 3.5" |
| HDD speed | 7200 RPM |
| HDD capacity | 500 GB |
| Power |
| Operating voltage | 5 / 12 V |
| Power consumption (idle) | 6.1 W |
| Power consumption (read) | 6.8 W |
| Power consumption (write) | 6.8 W |
| Power consumption (standby) | 0.7 W |
| Operational conditions |
| Non-operating shock | 350 G |
| Operating shock | 65 G |
| Storage temperature (T-T) | -40 - 65 °C |
| Operating temperature (T-T) | 0 - 60 °C |
| Packaging content |
| Storage drive adapter included | No |
| Weight & dimensions |
| Weight | 450 g |
| Depth | 147 mm |
| Height | 25.4 mm |
| Width | 101.6 mm |
| Other features |
| Acoustic pressure emissions | 29 dB |
| Certification | RoHS |
| Data transfer rate | 6 Gbit/s |
| Depth (imperial) | 14.7 cm (5.79") |
| Drive device, transfer rate | 126 MB/s |
| Fibre Channel | No |
| FireWire 400 | No |
| FireWire 800 | No |
| Height (imperial) | 2.61 cm (1.03") |
| Internal | Yes |
| Operating temperature (T-T) | 0 - 60 °C |
| Storage temperature (T-T) | -40 - 65 °C |
| USB 2.0 ports quantity | 0 |
| USB 3.2 Gen 1 (3.1 Gen 1) ports quantity | 0 |
| USB powered | No |
| Width (imperial) | 10.2 cm (4") |
| Product colour | Black |
| Ethernet LAN | No |
| Power requirements | DC 12V |
