Maxtor D540X-4K 20.4/40.0/60.0/80.0 GB AT 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.

BLOCK – A sector or group of sectors. By default, a block of data consists of 512 bytes.

Maxtor D540X-4K 20.4/40.0/60.0/80.0 GB AT G-1

D540X-4K specifications

The Maxtor D540X-4K is a notable hard disk drive that has made its mark in the world of computer storage solutions. Launched in the early 2000s, this drive was known for its high capacity and reliable performance, making it a popular choice among consumers and businesses alike.

One of the main features of the D540X-4K is its generous storage capacity. With a range of models available, users could select from configurations starting at 40GB to larger sizes, accommodating a wide variety of storage needs. This capacity was particularly advantageous during an era when digital media was rapidly expanding, allowing users to store everything from documents and photos to videos and applications without running out of space.

The D540X-4K utilizes an IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) interface, also known as PATA (Parallel ATA), which ensures compatibility with a broad spectrum of computers. This interface was standard at the time, making the drive accessible to a wide user base. The drive also supports ATA-100, providing data transfer rates of up to 100 MB/s, which was impressive for its time.

In terms of performance, the drive operates at a speed of 5400 RPM, which, while not the fastest in comparison to modern solid-state drives, provided a suitable balance of speed and efficiency for the average user’s needs. This rotational speed ensured decent read and write times for everyday applications, making it a reliable option for personal computing.

Another characteristic of the D540X-4K is its advanced data protection features. The drive was equipped with Maxtor's unique Shock Protection Technology, which helps protect the drive’s internal components from damage due to shocks or drops. This feature contributed to increased reliability, especially for users in mobile or high-traffic environments.

The Maxtor D540X-4K also incorporates a Cache Buffer, which enhances performance by temporarily storing frequently accessed data. The cache sizes varied across models, with options of 2MB or more, aiding in quicker data retrieval and overall improved system responsiveness.

In summary, the Maxtor D540X-4K is a hard drive that stands out for its storage capacity, compatibility, and protective features. Even today, it serves as a reminder of the evolution of data storage technologies, as it laid the groundwork for the high-capacity drives we utilize in modern computing. Its legacy continues to influence new technologies while reflecting the needs of the early digital era.