Western Digital Red Pro Credit: Western Digital Western Digital Red Pro Hard Drive. Capacities: 2TB-14TB. Expect to pay: $190-$800. https://lpvaq.over-blog.com/2021/01/cod-4-graphics.html. WD's more enterprise-centric NAS drives add a number of features for your buying dollar that bring them above the regular Red drives. This item Seagate IronWolf 2TB NAS Internal Hard Drive HDD – CMR 3.5 Inch SATA 6Gb/s 5900 RPM 64MB Cache for RAID Network Attached Storage – Frustration Free Packaging (ST2000VN004) Seagate BarraCuda 2TB Internal Hard Drive HDD – 3.5 Inch SATA 6Gb/s 7200 RPM 256MB Cache 3.5-Inch – Frustration Free Packaging (ST2000DM008). Get a 2TB Hard Drive: – Seagate Barracuda 2TB from Amazon, B&H ($49.99) – Western Digital Caviar Black WD2003FZEX from Amazon or B&H ($119.99) Best High Performance 3TB Hard Drives: Seagate discountinued the ST3000DM008, a 7200rpm, 3TB hard drive. The new ST3000DM007 is a.
Last Updated on September 4, 2020 by Priime styles 1 1 download free.
Nowadays, the size of data is increasing day by day. People have lots of movies, games, songs, photographs and more data to store. These are the types of data that we never want to lose and want to carry anywhere we go.
Sometimes, the data is private so you don't want to store it in the cloud storage. External portable hard disks have become a part of our life to handle those huge amounts of data we come across daily. The external storage technology has increased to a tremendous amount by enabling us to store, transfer and manage GBs and TBs of data easily.
There are many brands that manufacture external hard disks for a good value for money, but from the customer point of view, an external hard disk has to be reliable and durable. Therefore, the requirements for a portable hard drive with 2TB storage or more arises. 2TB External Hard Disk is the best way to keep your favorite data with you.
So, we have done the research and going to provide you the list of top 10 cheapest 2tb external hard drives that are reliable and are a must-buy.
10 Best 2TB External Hard Drives
We have also written a 2TB external hard drive buying guide at the end of the article. There, we discuss some of the important factors of hard drives, you should consider before buying the hard drives.
Jump to What to Look for in an External Hard Drive before Buying
1. Seagate Backup Plus Slim
The Seagate Backup Plus Slim 2TB Portable External Hard Drive is an ultra slim and high-efficiency hard disk drive. The compatibility features are great with both USB 2.0 and the USB 3.0 connectivity, and it works well with a wide variety of operating systems like Windows, Mac OS, iOS, and Android.
Large volume files are dealt with quite smoothly with exceptional data transfer speed. This hard drive did not display any heating issues or vibrations. You can easily backup your Facebook, Flicker, and other content with a useful Seagate Mobile Backup Application. The USB cable is of average quality and getting a spare wire should take care of that.
This 2TB Portable External Hard Drive would make an apt choice if you are on the lookout for a hard disk drive with at least 2TB inbuilt storage. With all its advanced features at affordable pricing, it should be a perfect choice to buy.
Pros:
- Super Slim form factor
- Very Good Overall Read & Write Performance
- Free Two Year 200GB OneDrive Subscription
- Useful bundled software
Cons:
- Poor write performance
- Windows software was sluggish, at times
- Only Available In 1/2TB Capacities
2. Buffalo MiniStation Extreme NFC
Pokemon download pc. An external hard drive you can buy at affordable pricing, Buffalo's MiniStation Extreme NFC could be your match made in heaven. With compatibility for both Windows OS and Mac OS, the Buffalo MiniStation Extreme NFC is very flexible. This hard drive comes with a rugged case that's dust and water resistant, along with a built-in USB 3.0 cable.
Moreover, not only is your data kept protected from knocks and drops with the rugged shell, but it also allows 256-bit AES security features and NFC (Near Field Communication) features as well. Essentially it enables you to unlock the drive to get to your files quickly by tapping the supplied NFC card onto the drive's body.
Pros:
- Built-in USB cable
- Hardware encryption
- Mac and PC format utility
- Ruggedized and water resistant
Cons:
- NFC card is easy to lose
- Doesn't unlock via smartphones
3. WD My Passport Ultra 2TB
The WD My Passport Ultra 2TB Portable External Hard Drive is a fantastic product with the right mix of specs and features. The hard disk is slim and lightweight that makes it easy to handle and transport. It exceeds all your expectations when it comes to data transfer speeds but doesn't come near the top of the leaderboard.
This hard drive offers a useful 256-AES encryption feature that lets you secure it with a password. It is compatible well with both Windows and Mac OS and its backup feature is extremely smart that only allows the files which have been newly added or altered. The one small flaw it has is that the encryption feature does not compatible with Linux OS. The WD My Passport Ultra 2TB Portable External Hard Drive is a stunning product from a trustworthy brand. It should make a great choice for you.
Pros:
- Excellent large-block transfer rates
- Included WD software for local and cloud backups adds value
Cons:
- No option to exclude/include extensions.
4. Samsung T5 SSD
The Samsung T5 Portable SDD is a bit pricey, but the speed and security it comes with are worth it for those looking for durable performance. It comes in light weight (2 ounces) and small as the palm of your hand. The all-metal, shock-resistant enclosure is rugged and portable, making it safe to just stash in a bag on the go.
Moreover, it has a super fast transfer speed up to 540 MB/s that is about five times as fast as a standard HDD, making it much faster to move giant files like 4K videos and high-resolution photos. The T5 compatible with USB 3.1 Type-C and Type-A ports, and works with Windows, Mac, and Android devices.
Pros:
- Streamlined, metal enclosure
- Excellent performance
- Easy-to-use software
- Full hardware-based encryption
Cons:
- No backup software
5. Toshiba Canvio Basics
The Toshiba Canvio Basic 2TB External Hard Disk Drive is another quality device in our list. The solid build quality and sleek, compact design from Toshiba makes it a sturdy device. It is compatible with Windows OS and Mac OS. The Canvio drive can handle large volume file transfer quite smoothly.
Best 2tb Hdd For Nas External Hard Drive
The data transmission speed it works exceeds your expectations. You can easily connect it with Smart TV through TV USB port. Toshiba is popular name in the hard disk industry and this hard disk is unbeatable in terms of value for money and portability. This 2TB wired external hard disk drive is a great product to meet your extensive storage needs.
Pros:
- 1TB platter technology
- Pocket sized
Cons:
- The provided USB 3.0 cable is a bit short for PC use.
- Not the fastest external drive
6. Transcend StoreJet 25H3P
Transcend StoreJet 25H3P 2.5-inch 2 TB Portable External Hard Drive is what stands out the most and it gives it a sturdy and rugged look. It has superlative data transfer with 3.0 USB port. The durability of the external hard disk is also enhanced by Military-grade shock resistance with a high-tech three-stage shock protection system.
This 2TB HDD also offers a Transcend Elite Data Management Software that let you arrange and systematize your data better. This external hard disk is compatible with USB 3.0, 2.0 and supports most of the commonly used operating systems. The Transcend StoreJet external hard drive is a must-buy if durability is your biggest concern.
Pros:
- Fast transfer rates
- Three stage shock protection system
- One Touch auto backup button
- Power saving sleep mode
Cons:
- Only available in purple
- Drive does not ship with Mac software
7. Sony PSZ-HB2T/BC 2TB Pro External Hard Disk Drive
Sony PSZ-HB2T/BC 2TB Pro External Hard Disk Drive external hard disk is a perfect choice for lovers for brand Sony. The build quality is excellent, and the drive is sure to last for a long while. The attractive slim and compact design from Sony gives it an elegant look. The hard disk proves to be a steady performer with fast data transfer speed.
The hard disk offers some additional utility features such as an automatic cloud backup with preloaded Back-Up Manager software. This includes password protection security and free backup software. The drive uses AES 256-bit algorithm data encryption and password protection technologies which give complete security to your data. The Sony PSZ-HB2T/BC 2TB Pro External Hard Disk Drive is a quality product from a top brand.
Pros:
- Great performance
- AES 256-bit encryption
- additional utility features
Cons:
- More expensive per-GB
8. Lenovo F309
The Lenovo F309 2TB External Hard Disk Drive is an amazing product from a trusted brand, and its reasonable pricing makes it a true value for money gadget. The hard disk feels pretty sturdy with the solid build quality it has. The sleek and compact shape it has, give it some good portability and easy handling.
The USB 3.0 connection offers easy and quick data transmission. Its performance and speed are comparable to products from more expensive brands. No compatibility issues so you can use it with different operating systems, desktops and notebooks. It has electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection of up to 8 KV that guards it against shock.
Pros:
- Good performance
- sleek and compact shape
- ESD protection
- No compatibility issues
Cons:
- No backup software
9. ADATA HV620 2TB USB 3.0 Stylish and Sleek External Hard Drive
The Adata HV620 External Drive 2TB will suit those looking for a rugged storage device that can provide ample capacity without costing too much. Its performance is superb well and remains the only SSD we've seen that is IP68 rated. The solid-state drive that resides in this drive, it's faster than external drives that use traditional spinning hard drives.
Moreover, This external drive offers great transfer speeds as well as rugged protection. Also, you don't have to worry about missing out on storage space just because it uses an SSD – this external drive really does hit all the right notes.
Pros:
- Scratch-Prevention Design
- Sleek and Glossy
- LED Indicator Shows Transfer Status
- SuperSpeed USB 3.0
Cons:
3. WD My Passport Ultra 2TB
The WD My Passport Ultra 2TB Portable External Hard Drive is a fantastic product with the right mix of specs and features. The hard disk is slim and lightweight that makes it easy to handle and transport. It exceeds all your expectations when it comes to data transfer speeds but doesn't come near the top of the leaderboard.
This hard drive offers a useful 256-AES encryption feature that lets you secure it with a password. It is compatible well with both Windows and Mac OS and its backup feature is extremely smart that only allows the files which have been newly added or altered. The one small flaw it has is that the encryption feature does not compatible with Linux OS. The WD My Passport Ultra 2TB Portable External Hard Drive is a stunning product from a trustworthy brand. It should make a great choice for you.
Pros:
- Excellent large-block transfer rates
- Included WD software for local and cloud backups adds value
Cons:
- No option to exclude/include extensions.
4. Samsung T5 SSD
The Samsung T5 Portable SDD is a bit pricey, but the speed and security it comes with are worth it for those looking for durable performance. It comes in light weight (2 ounces) and small as the palm of your hand. The all-metal, shock-resistant enclosure is rugged and portable, making it safe to just stash in a bag on the go.
Moreover, it has a super fast transfer speed up to 540 MB/s that is about five times as fast as a standard HDD, making it much faster to move giant files like 4K videos and high-resolution photos. The T5 compatible with USB 3.1 Type-C and Type-A ports, and works with Windows, Mac, and Android devices.
Pros:
- Streamlined, metal enclosure
- Excellent performance
- Easy-to-use software
- Full hardware-based encryption
Cons:
- No backup software
5. Toshiba Canvio Basics
The Toshiba Canvio Basic 2TB External Hard Disk Drive is another quality device in our list. The solid build quality and sleek, compact design from Toshiba makes it a sturdy device. It is compatible with Windows OS and Mac OS. The Canvio drive can handle large volume file transfer quite smoothly.
Best 2tb Hdd For Nas External Hard Drive
The data transmission speed it works exceeds your expectations. You can easily connect it with Smart TV through TV USB port. Toshiba is popular name in the hard disk industry and this hard disk is unbeatable in terms of value for money and portability. This 2TB wired external hard disk drive is a great product to meet your extensive storage needs.
Pros:
- 1TB platter technology
- Pocket sized
Cons:
- The provided USB 3.0 cable is a bit short for PC use.
- Not the fastest external drive
6. Transcend StoreJet 25H3P
Transcend StoreJet 25H3P 2.5-inch 2 TB Portable External Hard Drive is what stands out the most and it gives it a sturdy and rugged look. It has superlative data transfer with 3.0 USB port. The durability of the external hard disk is also enhanced by Military-grade shock resistance with a high-tech three-stage shock protection system.
This 2TB HDD also offers a Transcend Elite Data Management Software that let you arrange and systematize your data better. This external hard disk is compatible with USB 3.0, 2.0 and supports most of the commonly used operating systems. The Transcend StoreJet external hard drive is a must-buy if durability is your biggest concern.
Pros:
- Fast transfer rates
- Three stage shock protection system
- One Touch auto backup button
- Power saving sleep mode
Cons:
- Only available in purple
- Drive does not ship with Mac software
7. Sony PSZ-HB2T/BC 2TB Pro External Hard Disk Drive
Sony PSZ-HB2T/BC 2TB Pro External Hard Disk Drive external hard disk is a perfect choice for lovers for brand Sony. The build quality is excellent, and the drive is sure to last for a long while. The attractive slim and compact design from Sony gives it an elegant look. The hard disk proves to be a steady performer with fast data transfer speed.
The hard disk offers some additional utility features such as an automatic cloud backup with preloaded Back-Up Manager software. This includes password protection security and free backup software. The drive uses AES 256-bit algorithm data encryption and password protection technologies which give complete security to your data. The Sony PSZ-HB2T/BC 2TB Pro External Hard Disk Drive is a quality product from a top brand.
Pros:
- Great performance
- AES 256-bit encryption
- additional utility features
Cons:
- More expensive per-GB
8. Lenovo F309
The Lenovo F309 2TB External Hard Disk Drive is an amazing product from a trusted brand, and its reasonable pricing makes it a true value for money gadget. The hard disk feels pretty sturdy with the solid build quality it has. The sleek and compact shape it has, give it some good portability and easy handling.
The USB 3.0 connection offers easy and quick data transmission. Its performance and speed are comparable to products from more expensive brands. No compatibility issues so you can use it with different operating systems, desktops and notebooks. It has electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection of up to 8 KV that guards it against shock.
Pros:
- Good performance
- sleek and compact shape
- ESD protection
- No compatibility issues
Cons:
- No backup software
9. ADATA HV620 2TB USB 3.0 Stylish and Sleek External Hard Drive
The Adata HV620 External Drive 2TB will suit those looking for a rugged storage device that can provide ample capacity without costing too much. Its performance is superb well and remains the only SSD we've seen that is IP68 rated. The solid-state drive that resides in this drive, it's faster than external drives that use traditional spinning hard drives.
Moreover, This external drive offers great transfer speeds as well as rugged protection. Also, you don't have to worry about missing out on storage space just because it uses an SSD – this external drive really does hit all the right notes.
Pros:
- Scratch-Prevention Design
- Sleek and Glossy
- LED Indicator Shows Transfer Status
- SuperSpeed USB 3.0
Cons:
- No free backup software
10. WD Elements 2TB Portable
The WD Elements 2TB USB 3.0 Portable Hard Disk is a perfect storage solution from Western Digital. The amazing portability on offer has to be its USP. The drive is extremely lightweight, slim and compact in design and it is an easy fit into your pocket. Its plastic body makes the product extremely durable.
Best 2tb Hard Drive
The drive compatible with both USB 3.0 and 2.0 connections and offers amazing transfer speed. The USB cord is of good quality, but its short length might disappoint many users. This portable drive also includes a free trial of WD SmartWare Pro automatic backup software. It can be a great choice if you are looking for a reliable 2TB external hard disk.
Pros:
- Low price.
- Huge capacity.
- No external source needed for power.
Cons:
- No free backup software
What to Look for in an External Hard Drive before Buying
Capacity: The capacity is the most important thing, you need really depends on your lifestyle. If you're a photographer or videographer, for instance, you'll require something with a large capacity that can store all of your media files. In that case, you should go for 4TB and above. If, however, you're a student who just needs to back up some term documents and smartphone photos, 1TB or 2TB should be plenty.
Transfer speed: Backing up your files takes time, depends on the size of data. If you have a lot of data to backup, you could be looking at a couple of hours at the least. If speed is your concern, buy an external hard drive with transfers speeds of at least 120MB/s for writing and 130MB/s for reading.
Portability: There are a lot of pretty hefty hard drives out there, but if you're often on the go, portability is key. Some devices are as compact in design as a deck of cards, which make them easy to put into your bag or pocket for convenient backing up.
Recommended Articles:
We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
There's a lot that goes into building a server. Often, the CPU (central processing unit), RAM, and other network-attached storage (NAS) device characteristics get the primary focus. However, a homelab relies heavily on storage space. While sheer volume of hard disk drive (HDD) space is important, many other elements are crucial. Check out the best HDD for NAS use 2020, from what to look for in a server harddrive to which server drives you should buy!
What to Look for in an HDD for NAS 2020
When selecting a NAS hard drive, there's a lot to think about. Most obviously, storage space matters. Think about how much total hard disk space you'll need as well as the number of HDDs you'll be using in conjunction. If you're running RAID, make sure that the server-caliber drive is RAID-capable. Reliability is important as well. Often times, servers run 24/7, so an always-on NAS stresses its disk drives more so than the average consumer PC that gets powered off occasionally. Think about your preferred RPM, or revolutions per minute. The faster RPM such as 5400 and 7200 a server hard drive has, the speedier it will be. HDD cache size matters as well since it utilizes memory to boost effective disk speeds. Finally, cost is a huge factor. In general, server-class hard drives retail for more than comparatively-sized consumer drives. Still, budget NAS drives do exist.
What to look for in a server hard drive:
- Storage space
- RAID capabilities
- Reliability
- RPM
- Cache size
- Price
Best HDD for NAS 2020 Overall – Seagate IronWolf
Seagate is a renowned name in the PC storage space, and the Seagate IronWolf NAS drive lineup stays at the head of the pack. The IronWolf homelab HDDs come in a variety of sizes ranging from 1TB all the way up through 14TB. While the 1TB, 2TB, 3TB, and 4TB drives are 5900 RPM, the 6TB through 14TB drives are 7200 RPM NAS drives. Coupled with a 256MB cache for RAID, Seagate's IronWolf NAS series is a high-performing server hard drive option. There's a standard SATA 6Gbps intreface, great reliability that's engineered for a 24/7 always-on server environment, and silent, vibration-free operation. In my Lenovo ThinkStation TS140 Plex server, I use Seagate IronWolf NAS-class HDDs. I've yet to encounter any issues, and run my media server round the clock. As is to be expected, you'll pay a premium for Seagate's IronWolf line when compared with consumer drives. But you'll enjoy better performance, speed, and reliability for a server setting, so it's definitely worth the cost.
Pros:
- 1TB-14TB capacities available
- 5900 RPM (1TB-4TB), 7200 RPM (6TB-14TB)
- 256MB cache
- RAID-ready
- Reliable
- Suitable for 24/7 operation
- Silent, vibration-free drives
- 6Gbps SATA interface
- 3.5-inch internal drive
Cons:
- More expensive than consumer HDDs
Best Price-to-Storage Server Harddrive 2020 – Western Digital Red
Boasting up to a 14TB capacity, the Western Digital Red series sports a ton of different storage capacities, excellent performance, and top-notch reliability. Larger WD Red NAS HDDs feature bigger caches. The 14TB version is a 5400 RPM drive, while the 1TB variant comes with a 64MB cache, and the 8TB, 10TB, and 12TB drives arrive with a 256MB cache. For a massive amount of storage space, the Western Digital Red line offers great value and performance. Unfortunately, the 5400 RPM isn't as ideal as 7200 RPM would be. Bettertouchtool 3 344 feet. Granted, that's a minimal performance gain particularly when compared with solid-state drives (SSDs), when it comes to a multi-drive environment, speed matters. If you need a faster server-class drive, the WD Gold series steps up to 7200 RPM. Still, the 512MB cache on the 14TB WD Red model compensates somewhat for its lower revolutions per minute. With excellent price-to-storage space ratios, the Western Digital Red HDDs are among the best server harddrive options on the market.
Pros:
- 1TB-14TB storage capacities
- RAID-capable
- 5400 RPM
- 64MB cache (1TB), 256MB cache (8-12TB), 512MB cache (14TB)
- Good price-to-storage ratio
- Engineered for 24/7 NAS use
- Silent, vibration-free operation
- 6Gbps SATA interface
- 3.5-inch internal drive
Cons:
- Not 7200 RPM
- Middling small block sequential transfer speeds
Best Reliable Server Hard Drive – Toshiba N300
Although Toshiba may be more well-known for its consumer electronics such as TVs, the Toshiba N300 is a fantastic and reliable HDD for NAS environments. You'll find capacities spanning 4TB through 14TB, with the 4TB and 6TB models boasting a 128MB cache, and its 8TB to 14TB drives upping the ante to a 256MB cache. The entire lineup comes with a speedy 7200 RPM. While most network-attached storage device hard disk drives are engineered for reliability, the Toshiba N300 line is rated for a 180TB per year workload. With tons of different storage capacities, 7200 RPM across the entire array of HDDs, and up to a 256MB cache, the N300 is a compelling option for any homelab or enterprise server. Yet, Toshiba N300 drives are notorious for being somewhat noisy. Although this doesn't really impact performance, if you're running a home server, the noise level of the N300 might be an annoyance. However, if you can live with this inconvenience, you'll appreciate a reliable, speedy, large storage capacity NAS drive.
Pros:
Best 2tb Hdd External
- 4TB-14TB storage capacities
- 128MB cache (4TB, 6TB), 256MB (8TB, 10TB, 12TB, 14TB)
- Reliable, rated for a 180TB/year workload
- Good bang-for-the-buck
- Engineered for 24/7 operation
- RAID-capable
- 6Gbps SATA interface
- 3.5-inch internal PC drive
Cons:
- Somewhat noisy operation
Best Enterprise-caliber NAS Hard Drive 2020 – Seagate Exos
Although most NAS drives should be fine for use in a home server, an enterprise environment is generally more demanding. Accordingly, a hard disk drive built with additional performance enhancement features is a must. The Seagate Exos is a worthy inclusion in any enterprise setting, from small business NAS devices to major corporation server racks. Onboard, you'll find helium-protected components, up to 16TB of storage space, a 256MB cache, and 7200 RPM. With blisteringly fast read/write speeds, the Seagate Exos family is a versatile professional server harddrive. Features such as TurboBoost technology for elevate performance while lowering the risk for data loss in the event of a power outage makes the Exos suite of Seagate HDDs a best bet for the most demanding of situations. The Seagate Exos drives can be a bit loud compared to consumer drives and even other NAS hard disks, but particularly if you're deploying in a business setting, that shouldn't be an issue.
Pros:
- 1TB-16TB storage capacities
- 256MB cache
- 7200 RPM
- 3.5-inch internal drive
- Helium-filled for component protection
- Advanced features such as TurboBoost to increase performance while lowering the risk of data loss
- 6Gbps SATA interface
- Engineered for enterprise environments
- Suitable for 24/7 use
- RAID-capable
Cons:
- Somewhat noisy
Best Server Harddrive for Surveillance Cameras 2020 – WD Purple
All sorts of servers exist, from home media servers to file servers. While many pre-built surveillance cameras are available, surveillance NAS drives cater to video security systems. Even some NAS devices from the likes of Synology come with IP (Internet protocol) camera licenses for digital video camera surveillance systems. And the Western Digital Purple suite focuses on optimizing for video footage. The WD Purple range comes in sizes from 1TB to 14Tb with 5400 and 7200 RPM options. You'll find up to a 512MB cache. Created with 24/7 operation in mind, Western Digital Purpler NAS drives can support up to 64 cameras and are rated for an up to 180TB per year workload. Stepping up to its high-capacity 8TB, 10Tb, 12TB, and 14TB HDDs, WD Purple disks feature advanced features such as support for deep learning analytics in artificial intelligence-capable NVRs, and an impressive 360TB per year workload. Because Western Digital Purple drives are optimized for video recording, often times write speeds are faster than read speeds. That shouldn't be a major concern, but it's worth noting.
Pros:
- 1TB-14TB sizes available
- 7200 RPM and 5400 RPM options available
- 512MB cache
- 6Gbps SATA interface
- Great price-per-TB
- Engineered with surveillance systems in mind, support for up to 64 IP cameras
- 180TB/year workload (1TB-6TB), 360TB/year workload (8TB-14TB)
- Support for AI and deep learning applications
Cons:
- Typically faster write than read speeds
Best SSD for NAS Use 2020 – Seagate IronWolf SSD
Although spindle drives remain prevalent, solid-state drives boast better performance with faster read/write speeds and improved reliability. But there's a higher cost for SSDs than traditional HDDs. For deploying an SSD in a server environment, the IronWolf SATA SSD NAS line is an excellent choice. Best voice recorder windows. You'll find drives in capacities varying from 240GB to 3.84TB. IronWolf NAS SSDs are RAID-ready and as such function flawlessly in multibay settings. Unlike the average server hard drive, Seagate network-attached storage solid-state drives come in a 2.5-inch drive form factor. Benefits include blazing fast speeds, silent, cool operation, and the ability to run worry-free in an always-on environment. A sustained data rate of up to 560MB/s is incredibly impressive. Disappointingly, all of this awesomeness comes at a cost – quite literally. While it's true that there's an upcharge for NAS HDDs, server SSDs are even more expensive. The 3.84TB IronWolf SATA SSD clocks in at over $800 USD. For that price you could get two 14TB spindle drives. The price-per-gigabyte is extraordinarily high. Nevertheless, if your server needs SSD performance and reliability, the Seagate IronWolf SSD family leads the pack.
Pros:
- 240GB-3.84TB storage capacities available
- 2.5-inch internal drive
- 6Gbps SATA interface
- RAID-ready
- 560MB/s sustained data rate
- 24/7 environment capable
- DuraWrite technology for increased performance and reliability
- Cool operation
- Silent
Cons:
- Expensive
Best Budget SSD for Server Use 2020 – WD Red SSD
Western Digital Red SSDs are budget-priced, at least where solid-state drives are concerned. With storage capacities spanning 500GB to 4TB, the WD Red NAS SSDs balance price with performance. You'll find up to a 560MB/s sustained data rate in a 2.5-inch internal PC drive form factor. Ushering in the cool, silent, reliable operation of solid-state drives, WD Red NAS SSDs are compelling options. Admittedly, the price-per-GB is still much higher than a comparatively-sized HDD. However, you'll gain a ton of added benefits. If the price isn't a deterrent, the WD Red SSD lineup is a great way choice for any server.
Pros:
- 500GB-4TB storage capacities available
- 24/7 environment
- RAID-ready
- 6Gbps SATA interface
- 2.5-inch internal drive
- Up to 560MB/s sustained data rates
- Silent, cool, vibration-free operation
Cons:
- High price-per-GB
Best HDD for NAS 2020 – Final Thoughts
Overall, there are loads of server hard drive options for every use and budget. WD Red and Seagate IronWolf HDDs are perfect for home servers and business settings alike. Seagate Exos enterprise-certified NAS HDDs come equipped with premium features such as helium for protection and performance enhancement. WD Purple drives sacrifice a bit of read speed for write speed, and cate to video surveillance systems. And while the most common HDDs for NAS purposes are traditional spindle drives, you'll find high-performance (and price) NAS SSDs as well from the likes of Western Digital and Seagate.
Your turn: What HDD for NAS environments do you recommend in 2020?
We are a participant in affiliate programs such as the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. However, all products are thoroughly tested and reviews are honest and unbiased