WD Black 320GB Performance Mobile Hard Disk Drive - Fast 7200 RPM

Our review of the WD Black 320GB Performance Mobile Hard Disk Drive finds it best suited to notebook users who need a clear step up in sustained transfer speeds and cache performance for demanding tasks. The single biggest reason to consider this drive is raw, desktop-class performance in a 2.5 in form factor: a 7200 RPM motor, 16 MB cache and SATA 6 Gb/s interface combine to reduce load times for games and creative applications. For those who want affordable capacity with a performance focus, this drive delivers notable responsiveness while remaining a straightforward swap-in replacement.

Key Features

• 7200 RPM motor: Faster spindle speed reduces seek latency and improves sustained read/write performance for applications and games.
• SATA 6 Gb/s interface: A modern interface that enables higher throughput when paired with compatible notebook controllers for quicker file transfers.
• 16 MB cache: Larger drive cache smooths burst transfers and helps with multitasking during photo and video edits.
• Dual processor design: Two on-board processors increase internal command handling to keep performance steady under load.
• 320 GB capacity: Room for a sizable media library, roughly estimated to hold tens of thousands of photos, many MP3s or dozens of hours of HD video.
• 5 year limited warranty: Extended warranty period provides additional confidence for long-term use in a primary system.

Who It's For

The WD Black 320GB is aimed at power users who run heavier workloads on laptops - photo and video editors on the go, gamers wanting reduced level and asset load times, and anyone who needs a robust mechanical upgrade from slower 5400 RPM drives. It is also a good choice for users replacing a failed drive who want a balance of speed and capacity without moving to an SSD.

Those who need the absolute fastest boot and application responsiveness should look at SSDs instead, and users seeking very large capacity for archival storage may prefer higher-capacity mechanical drives; also note this package includes the drive only, so mounting screws and cables must be acquired separately.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Strong sustained throughput from 7200 RPM, SATA 6 Gb/s and a 16 MB cache for demanding tasks.
• Dual processor electronics that help maintain performance under concurrent operations.
• Good balance of capacity and performance for the price, plus a long 5 year limited warranty.
• Easy to install as a replacement in most notebook systems that accept 2.5 in drives.

Cons

• Being a mechanical drive, it cannot match SSD-level random access speed and some users report mixed longevity in real-world use.
• Noise and vibration levels vary by unit and system; some customers find it quieter than others.

Specifications

Model	WD Black 320GB Performance Mobile Hard Drive
Capacity	320 GB
Interface	SATA 6 Gb/s
Cache	16 MB
Speed	7200 RPM
Form factor	2.5 in, 9.5 mm
Warranty	5 year limited

Our Verdict

The WD Black 320GB is a sensible choice for notebook users who want noticeable performance gains over standard 5400 RPM drives without the cost of SSDs. Its combination of 7200 RPM speed, 16 MB cache and dual-processor electronics delivers value for gamers and creative users needing faster load and transfer times, though anyone requiring the fastest random access should consider an SSD instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this drive include mounting hardware?
No. The package includes the hard drive only, so mounting screws and SATA cables must be purchased separately if required.

Will it fit my notebook?
The drive is a 2.5 in, 9.5 mm mechanical drive that fits most notebooks that accept standard 2.5 in SATA drives; check your bay height and interface before buying.

How reliable is the drive?
WD backs it with a 5 year limited warranty and many users report good longevity, though some buyers have experienced early failures, so regular backups are recommended.