Pros: The latest series of Raptor drives are a definite improvement over the initial offering. The increase in cache size also helps the performance a fair bit, but does not alleviate the need for a SATA II interface to provide full burst performance. The drive is also CAPABLE of utilizing the TLER utility in RAID array configurations, but is NOT activated from the factory (discussed hereafter).

Cons: There are several performance items lacking in these drives that keep them from being an absolute world-class drive. First is the lack of a SATA II (3.0 Gb/s) interface. The second is the lack of a full shroud to encase the SATA and Power connectors. Third is the failure to inform the buyer that the TLER function is NOT active from the factory, despite advertising claims alluding to the contrary.

Overall Review: Western Digital STILL has not posted a word about the fact that the TLER function on the Raptor drives is NOT activated. Also, no where on the WD web site does it even mention that a "Secret Utility" has been developed by WD to activate or deactivate the TLER function, and can only be obtained from WD Tech Support (if at all). It leaves the buyer in the dark, and that is disgraceful on the part of WD!