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Silver 3.5 inch SATA hard drive with circuit board visible

Western Digital

Western Digital Blue WD5000AAKX 500GB 7200RPM 16MB 3.5in SATA internal hard drive

SKU CH-BRMX-TE4DR

A 500 GB, 7200 RPM desktop hard drive with a 16 MB cache and SATA 6.0 Gb/s interface

  • InterfaceSATA 6.0Gb/s
  • Capacity500GB
  • NAND Flash Memory TypeOthers
  • RPM7200 RPM
  • Cache16MB
  • Form Factor3.5"
  • 500 GB capacity stores large media libraries
  • 7200 RPM spindle speed delivers responsive desktop performance
  • 16 MB cache accelerates frequent file access
  • SATA 6.0Gb/s interface provides broad motherboard compatibility
  • NoTouch Ramp Load technology protects the recording head during transport

Desktop storage for everyday workloads

The Western Digital Blue WD5000AAKX is a 3.5in internal hard drive built for desktop and all-in-one PCs. It delivers 500GB of capacity over a SATA 6.0Gb/s interface and spins at 7200 RPM with a 16MB cache. The drive suits users who need reliable bulk storage for documents, media and applications.

Software bundle simplifies migration

Free access to WD Acronis True Image is included for download. The utility clones your existing drive to the new hardware without reinstalling the operating system. Shock Guard, IntelliSeek and NoTouch Ramp Load technologies protect the mechanism during handling and daily operation.

Capacity headroom and practical limits

At 500GB the drive comfortably holds the operating system, a modest game library and large media collections. It runs out of space for users building extensive 4K video archives or maintaining multiple virtual-machine images. The SATA interface caps peak throughput below modern SSD speeds.

Highlights

  • 500 GB capacity stores large media libraries
  • 7200 RPM spindle speed delivers responsive desktop performance
  • 16 MB cache accelerates frequent file access
  • SATA 6.0Gb/s interface provides broad motherboard compatibility
  • NoTouch Ramp Load technology protects the recording head during transport

Specifications

BrandWestern Digital
InterfaceSATA 6.0Gb/s
Capacity500GB
NAND Flash Memory TypeOthers
RPM7200 RPM
Cache16MB
Form Factor3.5"

Questions about this item

Will the 16 MB cache need any replacement or firmware update during the drive's life?

The 16 MB cache is built into the drive's controller board and has no user-serviceable parts or firmware that requires periodic updates.

What limit appears first when the 7200 RPM platters run continuously — the 6.0 Gb/s SATA interface or the mechanical throughput?

The mechanical media delivers sustained transfer rates well below the 600 MB/s SATA 6.0 Gb/s ceiling, so the platters are the bottleneck.

How much noise and heat does the 3.5-inch 500 GB unit produce in all-day desktop operation?

At 15.84 oz and 1-inch height, the drive runs quietly with typical idle noise around 20 dBA and stays within normal desktop temperature ranges under continuous use.

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