Learn how to determine if an internal hard drive used Ait or Helium.*END
An Internal Hard Drive can be made with Air or Helium.
Why fill a drive with helium?
There is less friction inside the drive when filled with helium. Helium is lighter than air. Thinner disks can be used inside the drive so more data can be saved. More disks also increases the transfer speed of the drive.
Need more help?
- Western Digital Blog: Helium Hard Drives
- Answer ID 13652: Types of Drives Inside a Western Digital External Drive Enclosure
Air or Helium?
The hardware design of an Air Drive will differ from a Helium Drive.
The label on the drive can vary from HGST, Western Digital or WD (UltraStar, Gold, Red Pro, Purple Pro, White Label).
Air Drive Hardware Design | Helium Drive Hardware Design |
![]() |
![]() |