Appendix A: Technical background

Since standards were introduced in 1956, industry-standard HDDs have used 512-byte sectors on their internal media. However, this relatively small sector size constrains storage capacity and has also caused manufacturing capabilities to reach a limit.

Under the sponsorship and support of the International Disk Drive Equipment and Materials Association (IDEMA), manufacturers of industry-standard HDDs are transitioning from 512-byte to 4- KB sectors on HDDs with SATA interfaces, increasing the utilization of storage space and making the newer disks easier to manufacture. HDDs with SAS interfaces are expected to transition later, possibly not before 2013.

HDD manufacturers began shipping these Advanced Format drives (4-KB sectors) in the fourth quarter of 2010 as newly-announced models. Previously-announced and currently-shipping models are not expected to transition to media with 4-KB sectors.

By using standard 512-byte sector SATA communications, first-generation Advanced Format drives maintain backwards-compatibility with current computers. Thus, these drives – sometimes referred to as 512e drives or translated drives – operate internally at 4 KB and externally at 512 bytes. However, this disparity in sector sizes can lead to performance issues.

Partition alignment

Modern operating systems use file systems with 4-KB sectors when formatting a partition. However, when the physical media and file system both use 4-KB sectors, while the SATA interface is 512-byte, misalignment can occur, impacting write performance.

Note

Misalignment occurs while file system sectors cross physical sector boundaries.

To address the risk of misalignment, a 512e drive emulates the logical 512-byte interface, taking care of all physical manipulation in the background, while maintaining backwards compatibility. However, emulation can affect performance with older operating systems such as Windows XP. This can be fixed by either reinstalling the operating system with newer install tools that are 4-KB sector-aware or using a utility that properly aligns the partitions and data on the drive.

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HP 6005 Pro manual Appendix a Technical background, Partition alignment
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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.
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