helpful resources for Advanced Format(4096K) drives

[HaQue]

I was imaging a heap of new dell Optiplex PCs at work today and came across some interesting utilities and manuals that are helpful in explaing and working with AF drives.

The first one is a simple util called "Dell Advanced Format HDD Detection Tool Utility"and it is a Command Line Utility(elevation required). Basically prints out details of how the disk is configured relating to AF, and alignment. Output like:

Code:

C:\Users\admin\Desktop\DELL_ADVANCED-FORMAT-HDD-DET_A00_R306204>DellAFDT.exe
Model:                                        Hitachi HDS721616PLA380
Serial#:                                      PVF90XXXXX346N
Advanced Format:                              No
Partition Alignment:                          Aligned
    Partition 1:                              Aligned [C:]
Identify Data Word 106:                       0x0
Identify Data Word 117:                       0x0
Identify Data Word 118:                       0x0
Identify Data Word 209:                       0x0

Model:                                        ST3250312AS
Serial#:                                      5VY5XXXX
Advanced Format:                              No
Partition Alignment:                          Aligned
    Partition 1:                              Aligned [D:]
Identify Data Word 106:                       0x0
Identify Data Word 117:                       0x0
Identify Data Word 118:                       0x0
Identify Data Word 209:                       0x0


Second one is "Paragon Alignment Tool Utility"
havent looked at it much as I dont plan to play with the disks in these PCs but the docs are pretty interesting if you havent seen much about AF and want to get a handle on it. The disk test in the docs is particularly interesting as the speed is a dramatic change if the alignment is correct.

from "Why alignment of extended partitions is not necessary - statement.pdf"

Code:

Simple test:
1. Writing 15GB of data (154 files x 100MB each) from ALIGNED PRIMARY partition to UNALIGNED LOGICAL partition, located within UNALIGNED EXTENDED partition. Complete time: 23 min 53 sec.
2. Writing 15GB of data (154 files x 100MB each) from ALIGNED PRIMARY partition to ALIGNED LOGICAL partition, located within UNALIGNED EXTENDED partition. Complete time: 14 min 48 sec.
3. Writing 15GB of data (154 files x 100MB each) from ALIGNED PRIMARY partition to ALIGNED LOGICAL partition, located within ALIGNED EXTENDED partition. Complete time: Complete time: 14 min 49 sec.

a good explanation of alignment and Advanced Format is in the docs:

The software was available on dell site optiplex 3010. May work on other systems, but as always, read the T & C, YMMV, You break it, you bought it and wear a condom.

Dell Specific Paragon Alignment Tool Utility filename: PARAGON-SOFTWARE-GROUP_HDD-T_A01_R306379.exe
folders:Recovery CD Image
User Manuals & FAQs Docs
Windows Installation Package

Dell Advanced Format HDD Detection Tool Utility : DELL_ADVANCED-FORMAT-HDD-DET_A00_R306204.exe


I thought the info may be enlightening for non-gurus like me out there, EnjoY !

[TerraNova]

thanks for sharing

[fzabkar]

Here is another tool:

WD Align Windows - Powered by Acronis:
http://support.wdc.com/product/downloadsw.asp?sid=128

File Name: AcronisAlignTool_s_e_2_0_111.exe
File Size: 69.4 MB
Version: 2.0.111
Publish Date: 1/27/2012
Release Notes: http://support.wdc.com/download/notes/W ... _Notes.pdf

WD Align will allow the user to realign partitions on internal Western Digital Advanced Format Drives (AFDs).

WD Align is intended to be run on your Western Digital Advance Format drive WITHOUT a jumper installed across pins 7-8.

WD Align is only necessary for users who have:

- Installed Windows XP to a WD AFD
- Cloned a source bootable hard drive with any Windows OS to a target AFD
- Created single or multiple partitions on an AFD using Windows XP

[fzabkar]

Dell's "Advanced Format HDD Detection Tool Utility" appears to rely on the content of Identify Device data words 106, 117, 118, and 209. AIUI, reporting a drive's AF status is optional, so AF drives may not always identify themselves as such. In fact I have seen this behaviour in some WD and Samsung models, IIRC.

I'm also wondering whether WD's alignment jumper (7-8) is always reported. This jumper adds a +1 sector offset to each LBA. If the jumper is not detected by the software, then a drive may appear to be non-aligned (boot sector at 63) whereas in fact it may be aligned (logical sector 63 = physical sector 64 / .

Another question I have is in relation to FAT32 volumes. Aligning an NTFS volume is relatively easy (by locating the boot sector on a physical sector boundary), but FAT32 volumes have FATs which don't necessarily end on a 4KB boundary. Therefore ISTM that one would need to ensure that the root directory is aligned to a physical sector (by padding the area beyond the second FAT), and that the cluster size is a multiple of 4KB.

[HaQue]

Thanks fzabkar, now if I only had time to read!