A data zone optimization method and architecture for optimizing the location of the data zone on a data storage disk is disclosed. The data zone is preferably biased toward the outer diameter of the disk, and is referenced to a data zone starting location established proximate a load/unload ramp apparatus. An optimum starting location for the data zone of an initially unformatted data storage disk is preferably determined by contacting the load/unload ramp with the transducer assembly, disengaging the transducer assembly from the ramp, and writing servo information indicative of the data zone starting location at a disk location proximate the ramp and transducer assembly contact point. Servo information indicative of the data zone is written at inner diameter disk location with respect to the optimum data zone starting location. The optimized data zone architecture may have a predetermined or variable data storage capacity.