Maxtor D540X-4G G-7

Glossary

any order desired, and the address of one storage location is as readily accessible as any other.

RAM DISK – A “phantom disk drive” for which a section of system memory (RAM) is set aside to hold data, just as if it were a number of disk sectors. The access to this data is extremely fast but is lost when the system is reset or turned off.

READ AFTER WRITE – A mode of operation that has the computer read back each sector on the disk, checking that the data read back is the same as recorded. This slows disk operations, but raises reliability.

READ VERIFY – A disk mode where the disk reads in data to the controller, but the controller only checks for errors and does not pass the data on to the system.

READ/WRITE HEAD – The tiny electromagnetic coil and metal pole piece used to create and read back the magnetic patterns (write or read information) on the disk. Each side of each platter has its own read/write head.

REMOVABLE DISK – Generally said of disk drives where the disk itself is meant to be removed, and in particular of hard disks using disks mounted in cartridges. Their advantage is that multiple disks can be used to increase the amount of stored material, and that once removed, the disk can be stored away to prevent unauthorized use.

RLL – Run Length Limited. A method used on some hard disks to encode data into magnetic pulses. RLL requires more processing, but stores almost 50% more data per disk than the MFM method.

ROM – Acronym for read only memory. Usually in the form of an ROM in the controller that contains programs that can be accessed and read but not modified by the system.

ROTARY ACTUATOR – The rotary actuator replaces the stepper motor used in the past by many hard disk manufacturers. The rotary actuator is perfectly balanced and rotates around a single pivot point. It allows

closed-loop feedback positioning of the heads, which is more accurate than stepper motors.

ROTATIONAL LATENCY – The delay between when the controller starts looking for a specific block of data on a track and when that block rotates around to where it can be read by the read/write head. On the average, it is half of the time needed for a full rotation (about 8 ms.).

SCSI – Acronym for Small Computer System Interface, an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) version of Shugart Associates' SASI interface between the computer and controller. SCSI has grown in popularity and is one of the most flexible and intelligent interfaces available.

SECTOR – A section of space along a track on the disk, or the data that is stored in that section. Hard disks most often have sectors that are 512 data bytes long plus several bytes overhead for error correcting codes. Each sector is preceded by ID data known as a header, which cannot be overwritten.

SEEK – A movement of the disk read/write head in or out to a specific track.

SERVO DATA – Magnetic markings written on the media that guide the read/write heads to the proper position.

SERVO SURFACE – A separate surface containing only positioning and disk timing information but no data.

SETTLE TIME – The interval between when a track to track movement of the head stops, and when the residual vibration and movement dies down to a level sufficient for reliable reading or writing.

SHOCK RATING – A rating (expressed in Gs) of how much shock a disk drive can sustain without damage.

SOFT ERROR – An error in reading data from the disk that does not recur if the same data is reread. Often caused by power

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.