The next big thing since the Raptor hard drive series is set to be unveiled later today by Western Digital and it bears the Velociraptor name. Dubbed VelociRaptor VR150, the new hard drive comes packing some 300GB worth of storage space, all spinning at 10,000 rpm.

The new high-end desktop drive comes in a 2.5-inch form factor but it is enclosed in a 3.5-inch IcePack which acts as a heatsink for the drive and also enables it to be installed in standard HDD bays. Boasting 16MB of buffer, the 300GB VelociRaptor has a SATA 3.0 Gbps interface, a MTBF (mean time before failure) of 1.4 million hours and offers a sustained data rate of up to 120 MB/s.

Said to have a maximum noise output of 36dBA, the VelociRaptor is set to have a 5 year warranty and a price tag which is set to be around $300. More photos coming as soon as WD makes the official announcement.

Update: Western Digital has officially introduced the VelociRaptor. The drive will be available in Alienware ALX desktops before the end of the month with the e and retail channel set to get it by mid-May.