7200rpm

7200rpm refers to a rotational speed of 7200 revolutions per minute. This specification is most commonly associated with hard disk drives (HDDs). In the context of HDDs, a higher RPM generally indicates a faster data access time. This is because the read/write heads have to travel a shorter distance to reach the desired data sector on the spinning platters as the platter spins more quickly.

For many years, 7200rpm was the standard spindle speed for consumer-grade desktop hard drives. It offered a good balance between performance and cost compared to slower 5400rpm drives, while being more affordable than the then-emerging 10000rpm and 15000rpm enterprise-class drives. In modern computing, while Solid State Drives (SSDs) have largely replaced HDDs for operating system and application storage due to their significantly faster speeds, 7200rpm HDDs are still prevalent for mass storage solutions where capacity and cost-effectiveness are prioritized.

The 7200rpm speed is achieved by an electric motor within the drive that spins the internal platters. The efficiency and reliability of this motor, along with other drive components like the read/write heads and interface (e.g., SATA), contribute to the overall performance of the hard drive. While not the fastest option available in the HDD market, 7200rpm remains a relevant specification for many storage needs.