Executive summary

Designed for both SMB/enterprise users and consumers, this white paper provides instructions for preparing an Advanced Format hard drive for a Microsoft® Windows® installation on an HP Business Notebook PC, Desktop PC, Workstation, or Retail Point-of-Sale (POS) system.

Historically, hard disk drives (HDDs) have used 512-byte sectors; however, this sector size is now limiting HDD capacity. To address this limitation, the industry is moving to Advanced Format drives with 4096-byte (4-KB) sectors – eight times larger than current drive technology. With 4-KB sectors, less space is wasted on the physical media, making the drive easier to manufacture and able to support higher capacities.

First-generation Advanced Format drives retain backwards-compatibility by using external SATA communications based on a 512-byte sector; however, these drives – also known as 512e1 drives – operate internally at 4 KB. Thus, any PC with a SATA interface can use an Advanced Format drive; however, depending on the operating system (OS) being installed, extra steps may be required to optimize performance.

If you are using an Advanced Format driver with an OS that is not Advanced Format-aware, you should take steps to align logical sectors (OS) with physical sectors (disk media) in order to optimize I/O performance.

This white paper presents a range of scenarios involving the use of Advanced Format drives and describes the actions you should take to optimize the performance of your HP Business Notebook PC, Desktop PC, Workstation, or Retail POS system. It also outlines HP tools that provide disk information and support partition alignment, and provides a “Frequently asked questions” section, as well as an appendix with technical background.

Identifying an Advanced Format drive

Options for identifying an Advanced Format drive include:

∙Running the HP Unattended Advanced Format Hard Disk Information Tool (all HP systems) or the interactive HP Advanced Format Hard Drive Information Tool (HP Business Notebook PCs only) provides a range of information about a particular HDD, including vendor, model, capacity and whether or not it is an Advanced Format drive

∙Reviewing the label on the HDD to determine if the Advanced Format logo (shown in Figure 1) is present

For more information on disk information and partition alignment tools for HP systems, refer to Summary of HP Advanced Format tools.

1Where “e” indicates that these drives emulate conventional drives, maintaining backwards-compatibility with current computers by operating internally at 4 KB and externally at 512 bytes

6005 Pro specifications

The HP 6005 Pro is a robust desktop computer that serves as a versatile solution for both business and home office environments. This model is part of HP's Pro series, designed primarily for professionals who need reliability and performance in a compact form factor. Featuring AMD's Phenom II and Athlon II processors, the 6005 Pro offers a balance of power and efficiency, making it suitable for multitasking and running demanding applications.

One of the standout features of the HP 6005 Pro is its expandability. With a variety of configuration options, users can choose from different processor speeds and RAM capacities, up to 16 GB, ensuring that the system can handle everything from simple office tasks to more complex data processing needs. The desktop supports DDR3 SDRAM, which enhances system responsiveness and enables faster data processing.

In terms of connectivity, the HP 6005 Pro is well-equipped. It includes multiple USB ports, allowing for easy connections to peripherals such as printers, scanners, and external drives. Additionally, it comes with integrated HDMI and VGA outputs, making it simple to connect to a variety of display devices for presentations, multimedia, or extended workspaces.

The HP 6005 Pro also takes security into consideration, offering features such as TPM (Trusted Platform Module) technology. This enhances data encryption and protects sensitive information, making it an excellent choice for businesses handling confidential data. Moreover, HP's BIOS protection helps safeguard the system against unauthorized access and malware attacks.

Another key characteristic of the HP 6005 Pro is its energy efficiency. With an Energy Star rating, the system not only reduces power consumption but also minimizes operational costs. This is particularly beneficial for small to medium-sized businesses looking to lower their overhead while maintaining high productivity levels.

Additionally, the compact design of the HP 6005 Pro allows it to fit comfortably in various workspace configurations, making it an ideal choice for limited office spaces. Its durability ensures that it can withstand the rigors of daily use, making it a sound investment for any budget-conscious organization.

In summary, the HP 6005 Pro combines power, flexibility, and efficiency, catering to the diverse needs of today’s professionals. With its expandable architecture, robust security features, and energy-saving capabilities, it remains a solid choice in the desktop market.