Western Digital WD5000AAVS 500GB 5400 to 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Hard Drive Bare Drive

Pros: Drive particularly useful in external enclosures and for archiving larger files, which is what I am using it for.

Cons: Western Digital marketing has weasel-worded the specs of this drive. New evidence from Silent PC reports this is -not- a 7200rpm drive - it is actually a 5400rpm drive. See below. It is unfortunate WD decided to spec this drive in a way that the average consumer would be unable to determine its exact rotational speed without the use of test equipment.

Overall Review: I felt it important to amend my earlier review with additional information discovered since the first review was submitted to correct the record. Independent analysis of the Green Power drives by Silent PC reports that these currently operate at a fixed rotational speed of 5400rpm. Additional independent recommendations suggest you not use this drive as a primary workhorse (C:) drive, as its speed and head parking feature may slightly compromise performance.

All this being said, I remain fully satisfied with my purchase for my purposes.

Pros: Purchased 09/08 and just started failing. While it was running it worked great everywhere including xbox 360. Fast, quiet and mounted perfectly every time.

Cons: USB port always felt loose and sometimes the jack would fall out.

Overall Review: I agree with Rocket with the exception of one important point. The drive carries a 3 year limited warranty. If you run the diagnostic software that comes with the drive called "Lifeguard", it should report back what the problem is. In my case it was failing in numerous places. This is what WD will also check to determine if indeed it falls under the definition of a defective product. I am in the process of filling out an RMA now and shopping for a drive to attempt to copy off as much as possible which is what WD recommends on their support site.