The performance of spindle motor system is crucial to that of the hard disk drive (HDD). The spindle motor system faces tremendous challenges as the HDD industry keeps pushing up magnetic recording areal density. This paper analyzes several attributes of the spindle motor system which affect the recording density of the hard disk drive. Some of the attributes have not been highlighted and studied before. The present analysis shows that the performance of spindle motor system can be improved through the integration of optimal electromagnetic design, mechanical system enhancement and advanced power drive to meet the requirements of the next-generation hard disk drive with ultrahigh areal density.