Question: There are numerous numbers on a Western Digital drive,

  • MDL (presumably model, ex WD5000BEKT-00KA9T0) — not sure what the 99KA9T0 is.
  • WWN (ex 50014EE25AC8C945)
  • DCM (ex HBNTJBBB)
  • LBA (ex 976773168)
  • R/N (ex 77174)
  • Then there are three numbers on the back of the PCB on a sticker

    • White Sticker Left: ?2061-771714-002 AC
    • White Sticker Right: ?XT BD34 T7KQ 8 0002270
    • White Sticker far-Right: 272

    Then there is one number printed on the PCB,

    REV P12060-771714-002

    Then there is one number (or three) on the spindle,

    71206-T8Y-039X0X22MF32H

    Does anyone know what these numbers mean?

    Answer: The MDL number consists of the model and firmware,

    MDL: WD5000BEKT-00KA9T0 ?Model: WD5000BEKT ?Firmware: 00KA9T0

    The model number itself is described extensively in this PDF if the drive was produced after 2005 which does not touch on Firmware. The Model number is a serialization of

  • Initials WD
  • Drive Capacity and Form Factor
  • Business Unit/Brand
  • RPM/Buffer Size or Attribute
  • Interface Controller
  • The DCM is the (Drive Configuration Matrix) is used for matching head types, media, pre-amp etc. source There isn’t much documented on this but here is a description from a form post

    1- Motor (H) 2- Base (S) 3- Latch (E) 4- Bottom VCM (H) 5- Media (Y) 6- Headstack (V) 7- Actuator-Preamp (2)8- Top VCM (A) 9- Separator (H)