Western Digital is preparing a 28TB hard drive, Based on ePMR and UltraSMR technology

In a recent earnings call, Western Digital divulged its plans to initiate sampling tests on its 28TB nearline hard drive, specifically designed for hyperscale data centers, in the forthcoming weeks. These hard drives employ ePMR (energy-assisted perpendicular magnetic recording) and UltraSMR technologies, delivering unprecedented storage capacity.

According to Seeking Alpha, Western Digital’s CEO, David Goeckeler, attested that their new offerings are built upon the successful foundation of ePMR and UltraSMR technologies. These technologies’ functionality and reliability have garnered the trust of global customers. In response to the escalating market demand, swift certification and enhancement of these products are imminent.

The 28TB hard drive from Western Digital employs their second-generation ePMR technology and boasts an enhanced head design to achieve higher areal density and thinner magnetic tracks. The UltraSMR technology increases tracks per inch (TPI) by introducing large data block coding and advanced error correction algorithms, enabling greater drive capacity. Compared to the traditional CMR medium, the areal density is improved by approximately 20%. As indicated by the most recent information from Western Digital, the introduction of ePMR 2 technology is planned to begin with select 24TB models.

Western Digital currently markets 26TB hard drives to specific users. Given the multitude of hardware and software issues involved, corporations need a certain level of product understanding, naturally extending the certification process. However, with the 28TB hard drives, the validation process is expected to accelerate, partly due to the pressure exerted by competitors like Seagate. Seagate has already commenced the evaluation of its 32TB HAMR drives, anticipated to be operational by early 2024, while Western Digital’s HAMR drives will likely require approximately an additional year and a half.

In the upcoming period, Western Digital plans to increase hard drive capacity from 20TB to over 30TB, deploying a gamut of technologies such as ePMR, OptiNAND, and UltraSMR.