Western Digital's new 30GB per platter, 5,400 rpm WD Caviar hard drive is now in volume production.

Aimed at the mainstream market, the two platter drive will be available in 30, 40 and 60GB capacities. The 40GB drive contains a 30GB and a 10Gb platter.

Western Digital says that it's quiet too, as it has a new differential preamp technology designed to eliminate grounding noise, and allow higher data rates.

A spokesman for the company said that the drive performs more than 15 per cent better than the previous generation model.

The company says it is the first to offer 30GB per platter at 5,400rpm. It reckons that first mover advantage will help it extend sales beyond the PC sector. It's not announcing prices until the drives go on sale in mid-to-late February. ®