Maxtor D540X-4G G-1

ACCESS – (v) Read, write, or update information on some storage medium, such as a disk. (n) One of these operations.

ACCESS TIME – The interval between the time a request for data is made by the system and the time the data is available from the drive. Access time includes the actual seek time, rotational latency, and command processing overhead time. See also seek, rotational latency, and overhead.

ACTUATOR – Also known as the positioner. The internal mechanism that moves the read/write head to the proper track. The Maxtor actuator consists of a rotary voice coil and the head mounting arms. One end of each head mounting arm attaches to the rotor with the read/write heads attached at the opposite end of each arm. As current is applied to the rotor, it rotates, positioning the heads over the desired cylinder on the media.

AIRLOCK – A patented Maxtor feature that ensures durable and reliable data storage. Upon removal of power from the drive for any reason, the read/write heads automatically park and lock in a non data area called the landing zone. AIRLOCK allows the drive to withstand high levels of non-operating shock. When power is applied to the drive, airflow created from the spinning disks causes the AIRLOCK arm to swing back and unlock the actuator, allowing the heads to move from the landing zone. Upon power down, the AIRLOCK swings back to the locked position, locking the heads in the landing zone. A park utility is not required to park the heads on drives equipped with AIRLOCK (all Maxtor drives).

ALLOCATION – The process of assigning particular areas of the disk to particular files. See also allocation unit.

ALLOCATION )UNIT.155#4;– An allocation

unit, also known as a cluster, is a group of sectors on the disk that can be reserved for the use of a particular file.

AVERAGE SEEK TIME – The average time it takes for the read/write head to move to a specific location. To compute the average seek time, you divide the time it takes to complete a large number of random seeks all over the disk by the number of seeks performed.

BACKUP – A copy of a file, directory, or volume on a separate storage device from the original, for the purpose of retrieval in case the original is accidentally erased, damaged, or destroyed.

BAD BLOCK – A block (usually the size of a sector) that cannot reliably hold data because of a media flaw or damaged format markings.

BAD TRACK TABLE – A label affixed to the casing of a hard disk drive that tells which tracks are flawed and cannot hold data. The listing is typed into the low-level formatting program when the drive is being installed. Because Maxtor disk drive’s defect-management scheme handles all such flaws automatically, there is no need to concern yourself with bad track tables.

BIT – Abbreviation for binary digit. A binary digit may have one of two values—1 or 0. This contrasts with a decimal digit, which may have a value from 0 to 9. A bit is one of the logic 1or logic 0 binary settings that make up a byte of data. See also byte.

D540X-4G specifications

The Maxtor D540X-4G, introduced in the early 2000s, is a notable hard disk drive that carved a niche in the consumer and business storage market. It is part of the D540X series, known for its reliability and substantial storage capacity for its time, boasting an impressive 4GB of storage.

One of the standout features of the D540X-4G is its advanced ATA/100 interface, allowing for a high data transfer rate of up to 100 MB/s. This was a significant leap forward in performance, enabling faster access to data and improved system responsiveness. Unlike older interfaces, the ATA/100 significantly reduced bottlenecks, making it an ideal choice for users who required efficient data management.

The D540X-4G was built on a 5400 RPM spindle speed. While this wasn't as fast as some higher-end drives available at the time, it provided a balance between speed and thermal efficiency. The combination of its rotational speed and data density allowed for a commendable average seek time, which translated into quicker file access for everyday applications, such as word processing and spreadsheet management.

Another commendable attribute of the D540X-4G is its acoustic management technology, which ensured that the drive operated quietly, minimizing distraction in office environments or home setups. This was particularly beneficial for users who needed to maintain a serene working atmosphere.

In terms of durability, the D540X-4G featured a robust design with built-in shock protection. This characteristic offered an additional layer of safety for data integrity, especially vital in portable systems where exposure to movement is frequent. Maxtor also placed a focus on providing error-correction capabilities, which further enhanced data reliability.

The D540X-4G utilized a halogen-free design in its manufacturing process, reflecting an early commitment to environmental considerations, which would become increasingly important in the years to follow.

Overall, the Maxtor D540X-4G hard drive highlighted the advancements in storage technology of the time, combining ample capacity, improved speed, and reliability in a user-friendly package. It appealed to a broad spectrum of users, from everyday home computing to small business applications, making it a valuable player in the computing landscape during its era.