First Hard Disk Drive Shipped (IBM 350 RAMAC)

What Happened on This Day: The First Hard Disk Drive Shipped

September 13th marks the day in 1956 when IBM shipped the first unit of the IBM 350 (RAMAC), the world's first computer equipped with a hard disk drive.

The Massive Machine That Changed Computer Memory Forever

The IBM 350 shipped on this day would go on to reshape the entire history of computer data storage.

• The event: On September 13, 1956, IBM shipped the first unit of the IBM 350 (RAMAC), a computer equipped with a hard disk drive
• Its size: The hard disk itself was roughly the size of a large refrigerator, with storage capacity that was minuscule by today's standards
• What made it innovative: Unlike earlier data storage methods, it enabled "random access," allowing quick retrieval of needed information
• What came after: This technology laid the foundation for decades of miniaturization and capacity growth, turning the hard disk into an essential storage device for modern computers and servers

From a Room-Sized Machine to Storage in the Palm of Your Hand

The hard disk that once took up an entire room has, through decades of technological progress, become dramatically smaller while holding far more data. Today we carry storage capacities unimaginable at the time in devices that fit in the palm of a hand.

Ways to Mark the Day

• Learn more about the history of computer storage devices
• Check the storage capacity of your own computer or smartphone
• Review your backup plan for important data
• Look up images and information about the IBM 350 and RAMAC

A Small First Unit That Opened the Door to the Digital Age

This day is a chance to reflect on the origins of technology that underpins today's information society. Take a moment on September 13th to appreciate the long history behind the digital devices we now take for granted.