1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the proper installation, operation, and maintenance of your Western Digital WD1600HLHX 160GB 10000RPM SATA Hard Drive. Please read these instructions carefully before proceeding with installation or use to ensure optimal performance and data integrity.
2. Product Overview
The Western Digital WD1600HLHX is a high-performance 3.5-inch internal hard drive designed for demanding applications. Featuring a 10,000 RPM rotational speed and a SATA 6 GB/s interface, it offers fast data access and reliable storage for your system.
- High Capacity: 160GB storage for various applications.
- Fast Speed: 10000 RPM rotational speed for quick data retrieval.
- Compact Design: 3.5-inch form factor suitable for standard desktop systems.
- Reliable Performance: Engineered for dependable data storage.
- Easy Installation: Standard SATA interface for straightforward integration.

3. Setup and Installation
This section outlines the general steps for installing the WD1600HLHX hard drive into a compatible desktop computer or server system. Ensure your system is powered off and unplugged before beginning installation.
- Prepare Your System: Power down your computer and disconnect the power cable. Open the computer case to access the internal drive bays.
- Mount the Drive: Carefully slide the WD1600HLHX drive into an available 3.5-inch drive bay. Secure the drive using screws appropriate for your computer case. Ensure the drive is firmly seated to prevent vibration.
- Connect Cables:
- Connect a SATA data cable from the drive to an available SATA port on your motherboard.
- Connect a SATA power cable from your power supply unit (PSU) to the drive's power connector.
- Close Case and Power On: Once all connections are secure, close your computer case, reconnect the power cable, and power on your system.
- Operating System Configuration: After booting, you may need to initialize and format the drive through your operating system's disk management utility before it can be used. Refer to your operating system's documentation for specific instructions.
Important Note: As indicated on the drive label, "Do not cover any drive holes." These holes are crucial for proper airflow and drive operation. Covering them can lead to overheating and potential drive failure.
4. Operating Instructions
Once installed and formatted, the WD1600HLHX hard drive functions as a standard storage device within your operating system. You can use it to store files, install applications, or as a primary boot drive.
- Data Storage: Drag and drop files, save documents, and install software directly to the drive.
- Performance: The 10,000 RPM speed is optimized for applications requiring quick data access, such as operating systems, gaming, and professional software.
- Safe Removal: For external enclosures (if applicable), always use the "Safely Remove Hardware" option in your operating system before disconnecting the drive to prevent data corruption. For internal drives, proper system shutdown is sufficient.
5. Maintenance
Proper maintenance helps ensure the longevity and reliability of your hard drive.
- Data Backup: Regularly back up important data to another storage device. Hard drives are mechanical devices and can fail.
- System Cooling: Ensure adequate airflow within your computer case to prevent the drive from overheating. The integrated heatsink on the VelociRaptor drive assists with thermal management, but good case ventilation is still important.
- Disk Health Checks: Periodically run disk error checking utilities provided by your operating system to identify and repair potential issues.
- Firmware Updates: Check the Western Digital support website for any available firmware updates for your specific model.
6. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your WD1600HLHX hard drive, consider the following common troubleshooting steps:
- Drive Not Detected:
- Verify that both the SATA data and power cables are securely connected to the drive and motherboard/PSU.
- Check your system's BIOS/UEFI settings to ensure the SATA port is enabled and the drive is recognized.
- Try connecting the drive to a different SATA port or using different cables.
- Slow Performance:
- Ensure your operating system is optimized (e.g., defragmentation for HDDs, sufficient free space).
- Check for background processes consuming disk resources.
- Monitor drive temperature to rule out overheating.
- Unusual Noises:
Clicking, grinding, or repetitive noises can indicate a potential hardware failure. Immediately back up any critical data and consider replacing the drive.
- Data Corruption:
Run disk error checking utilities. If issues persist, a reformat may be necessary (which will erase all data).
For further assistance, refer to the Western Digital support website or contact their customer service.
7. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | WD1600HLHX |
| Brand | Western Digital |
| Series | VelociRaptor |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 160 GB |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 3.5 Inches |
| Hard Disk Interface | SATA 6 GB/s |
| Hard Drive Rotational Speed | 10000 RPM |
| Connectivity Technology | SATA |
| Installation Type | Internal Hard Drive |
| Compatible Devices | Laptop (Note: While listed as compatible, this is a 3.5-inch drive typically used in desktops/servers.) |
| Item Weight | 1.05 pounds (approx. 0.48 kg) |
| Package Dimensions | 7.8 x 5 x 3.2 inches (approx. 19.8 x 12.7 x 8.1 cm) |
| Date First Available | December 27, 2013 |
8. Warranty and Support
Western Digital products are designed for reliability. Please note the following regarding your product's warranty:
- Warranty Voidance: The product warranty will be void if the seal, label, or cover is removed or damaged.
- Technical Support: For technical assistance, driver downloads, or further information, please visit the official Western Digital support website.
For the most current warranty terms and conditions, please refer to the documentation included with your product or the Western Digital website: support.wdc.com





