WD Ultrastar HC560 20TB 7200RPM SATA HDD

WD Ultrastar HC560 20TB 7200RPM SATA HDD — image 1
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86%
93%
Performance
91%
Reliability & Durability
88%
Value for Money
90%
Capacity for Large Datasets
85%
Power Efficiency
77%
Noise Levels
85%
Compatibility
80%
Ease of Installation
89%
Warranty & Support
86%
Long-Term Value
80%
SATA Interface Performance
92%
MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures)
More

Overview

The WD Ultrastar HC560 20TB 7200RPM SATA HDD is a robust solution designed for demanding storage needs. With its 20TB capacity, this high-capacity HDD is built for performance and durability, making it a reliable choice for enterprise-level environments. Offering a 3.5-inch form factor, this hard drive is tailored to handle intensive data tasks like backups, archiving, and large-scale storage. Its SATA 6Gb/s interface ensures smooth data transfer, making it ideal for high-volume workloads.

Features & Benefits

This 20TB HDD delivers impressive storage space, making it suitable for managing vast datasets. The use of ePMR and CMR technology ensures broad compatibility with a range of enterprise applications. Additionally, the inclusion of OptiNAND and HelioSeal technologies improves both power efficiency and the drive’s durability. This HDD is designed for 24/7 operation, ensuring consistent performance under heavy workloads while maintaining reliability and low failure rates over its extended lifespan.

Best For

This WD Ultrastar hard drive is ideal for businesses and data centers seeking high-capacity, reliable storage. It is particularly well-suited for backup, archival, and general data storage in enterprise environments. With its large 20TB capacity and robust construction, it caters to users who need long-term reliability and performance for managing massive datasets. Its proven technology makes it an excellent choice for applications where reliability and durability are top priorities.

User Feedback

Users praise the WD Ultrastar HC560 for its consistent performance in demanding environments. Many highlight its long lifespan and low failure rates, making it a trustworthy choice for critical data storage. Some users have also mentioned its excellent ability to handle large data volumes with ease. However, a few customers noted that the drive is somewhat bulkier compared to smaller models, which may be a consideration for those with space constraints in certain systems.

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Pros

  • 20TB of storage provides ample space for large-scale enterprise data needs.
  • ePMR and CMR technology ensures compatibility with a broad range of applications.
  • OptiNAND and HelioSeal technologies enhance durability and power efficiency.
  • Designed for 24/7 operation, making it ideal for high-demand environments.
  • The 7th generation HelioSeal design ensures reliability and long-term field performance.
  • Users report low failure rates, contributing to high reliability over time.

Cons

  • Not suitable for smaller businesses with limited data storage needs.
  • The drive’s large capacity may be overkill for home users or low-demand applications.
  • Its SATA 6Gb/s interface may not be fast enough for certain high-speed operations.
  • Some users have mentioned the drive's noise may be noticeable in quiet environments.
  • It’s a bulky 3.5-inch drive, which may not fit in all setups or racks.
  • The high cost may be prohibitive for businesses with smaller storage requirements.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user feedback from multiple sources and languages, the WD Ultrastar HC560 20TB 7200RPM SATA HDD has earned a range of ratings reflecting its strengths and minor pain points. We focused on genuine reviews from trusted platforms, filtering out spam, bot-generated, and incentivized comments. Both positive aspects like performance and durability, as well as occasional concerns, have been considered in these scores to provide a balanced overview for potential buyers worldwide.

Performance
93%
Many users praise the excellent speed and responsiveness of this storage solution, making it a solid choice for high-demand tasks. The 7200RPM speed is particularly valued in enterprise settings, where large datasets need to be accessed and managed quickly. This high-performance hard drive meets the needs of demanding environments like data centers and enterprise applications.
Some users noted that while the performance is strong, it can struggle with sustained heavy workloads over long periods. A few also mentioned occasional slower read/write speeds when the drive is near full capacity, though this is not a widespread issue.
Reliability & Durability
91%
The drive’s 24/7 operation capability is highlighted by many reviewers, emphasizing its dependability in enterprise environments. Its low failure rate and high MTBF (mean time between failures) give users confidence in long-term use, especially in critical applications where data integrity is paramount.
Although most users report high reliability, a few mentioned concerns about the drive’s ability to endure extreme temperatures. In some cases, there were complaints of slowdowns or issues when used in less optimal conditions, such as non-air-conditioned server rooms.
Value for Money
88%
Many reviewers feel this 20TB HDD offers solid value for its storage capacity and enterprise-grade reliability. It provides an impressive balance of price and performance for users in need of large-scale data storage. Given its long lifespan and performance under heavy workloads, users feel it justifies the investment in a professional setup.
A few buyers feel that the initial cost is a bit steep compared to other 20TB options, especially for smaller businesses or personal use. However, most agree that for enterprise applications, the cost is justified by the durability and capacity it provides.
Capacity for Large Datasets
90%
This storage solution's massive 20TB capacity is a significant advantage for users managing large datasets, backups, and archives. It's particularly valued in data centers, where the drive offers sufficient room for data-heavy operations without frequent upgrades. Users can store vast amounts of information without compromising on performance.
Some users noted that while the storage capacity is generous, it may not be fully utilized in smaller setups, leading to underuse of the available space. For those not requiring such large storage, it may feel like overkill and lead to unnecessary costs.
Power Efficiency
85%
Several users highlight the drive’s power efficiency as a standout feature, particularly in enterprise environments where energy consumption is a concern. The integration of OptiNAND and HelioSeal technology helps reduce power usage while maintaining performance, which is appreciated for long-term operational cost savings.
Despite its efficient design, a few users still mention that the drive can get warm during prolonged use. This results in higher energy consumption compared to other solutions, especially in larger, multi-drive systems where power efficiency is crucial for minimizing operational expenses.
Noise Levels
77%
23%
In general, users find the noise levels acceptable for a drive of this size and performance. It's quiet enough for use in office or data center environments, with only occasional audible sounds during heavy usage, which most find non-disruptive.
A few buyers noted that while the drive is generally quiet, it can become louder when under heavy load or operating for extended periods. This may be a concern for those working in noise-sensitive environments where silent operations are essential.
Compatibility
85%
Users report excellent compatibility with a wide range of enterprise systems and data center setups. The SATA 6Gb/s interface and support for both ePMR and CMR technologies make it versatile for various enterprise applications, from archival to backup and storage management.
Some users have mentioned that while the drive is highly compatible with modern systems, it can have occasional issues with older hardware or non-standard configurations. In such cases, additional configuration steps or adapters might be necessary.
Ease of Installation
80%
20%
The installation process is straightforward, with many users finding it easy to integrate into their existing server setups. The plug-and-play nature of the SATA connection simplifies installation, and it is quickly recognized by most operating systems, reducing setup time significantly.
However, some users have pointed out that setting up the drive in more complex server environments might require technical expertise. Additionally, configuring for RAID setups can be slightly more involved for those not experienced with enterprise storage systems.
Warranty & Support
89%
The five-year warranty provided with this drive gives many buyers peace of mind, ensuring long-term support and reliability. Users appreciate the robust warranty and find that Western Digital's customer support team is responsive and helpful in case of any issues.
A small number of users reported slow response times from customer support in specific regions, leading to frustrations with resolving issues quickly. However, these instances appear to be rare, and most users had positive experiences with the service provided.
Long-Term Value
86%
Several users feel that the drive offers great long-term value due to its durability and the extensive lifespan provided by its field-proven HelioSeal design. The low failure rates and extended warranty contribute to a sense of security and long-term investment.
A few reviewers did express concerns about the long-term costs, particularly in systems that require multiple drives. Over time, this can lead to higher total investment, which may not be ideal for smaller operations or businesses with tight budgets.
SATA Interface Performance
80%
20%
The 6Gb/s SATA interface ensures smooth data transfer, even with large file sizes. Users appreciate that the interface allows for effective handling of large volumes of data, making it suitable for both professional and personal use where high-speed data access is required.
However, some users feel that the performance might be slightly limited compared to newer interfaces like NVMe. For applications demanding ultra-fast read/write speeds, the SATA interface may not fully meet expectations, especially in more advanced or high-speed environments.
MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures)
92%
The projected 2.5M hours MTBF adds to the overall reliability of the drive, reassuring users that it can withstand heavy use over an extended period. Many businesses depend on this metric to gauge the long-term stability of their storage solutions, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
While the MTBF is high, some users questioned the actual real-world longevity of the drive in environments where it’s constantly accessed. Though no major issues have been reported, a few buyers expressed curiosity about how the drive would perform after many years of operation under continuous load.

Suitable for:

The WD Ultrastar HC560 20TB 7200RPM SATA HDD is an ideal choice for businesses, data centers, and enterprises requiring large-scale storage solutions. Its 20TB capacity is perfect for managing vast amounts of data, making it suitable for archival, backup, and data storage applications. Companies that prioritize reliability and durability, especially in environments requiring 24/7 operation, will find this drive a valuable asset. IT professionals managing high-performance systems or handling sensitive, large datasets will appreciate its robust performance and low failure rates, ensuring seamless operation over the long term. Data centers and enterprises that demand consistent and efficient storage for heavy workloads will benefit most from this high-capacity drive.

Not suitable for:

This storage solution may not be the best fit for individual users or smaller businesses with limited storage needs. While its large capacity is beneficial for large-scale operations, smaller setups or those with fewer data demands could find the drive's size and cost overkill. Home users or small offices looking for more affordable, less bulky options might be better served by drives with smaller capacities. Additionally, those requiring cutting-edge performance or higher-speed interfaces like NVMe may find the SATA 6Gb/s interface limiting for certain high-speed applications. Lastly, users in extremely noise-sensitive environments may not find this device ideal, as a few have reported slight noise during prolonged use.

Specifications

  • Capacity: Offers a total storage capacity of 20TB for high-volume data storage in enterprise applications.
  • Speed: Operates at 7200RPM, providing consistent and reliable read/write performance.
  • Form Factor: 3.5-inch form factor, standard for desktop and enterprise-grade hard drives.
  • Interface: Uses a SATA 6Gb/s interface for high-speed data transfer between the drive and connected systems.
  • Technology: Incorporates ePMR (energy-assisted PMR) and CMR (Conventional Magnetic Recording) technologies for enhanced storage efficiency and compatibility.
  • HelioSeal: Equipped with HelioSeal technology to improve power efficiency and durability through sealed helium-filled design.
  • OptiNAND: Features OptiNAND technology for improved power efficiency, optimizing the storage for enterprise environments.
  • MTBF: Projected Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) of 2.5 million hours, indicating high reliability and longevity.
  • Warranty: Comes with a 5-year limited warranty, ensuring long-term reliability and support.
  • Intended Use: Designed for enterprise, data centers, and other high-capacity storage environments.
  • Compatibility: Compatible with a wide range of enterprise applications, including backup, archival, and large-scale data storage.
  • Operating Temperature: Supports a typical operating temperature range of 0°C to 60°C, suitable for demanding environments.
  • Power Consumption: Optimized for low power consumption, enhancing energy efficiency in large data storage systems.
  • Vibration Tolerance: Built to withstand vibration in rack-mounted configurations, reducing performance degradation.
  • Cache: Cache size is unspecified, though the device prioritizes reliable storage over high-speed caching.
  • Drive Lifespan: The drive is designed for long-term durability with a focus on low failure rates and extended lifespan.
  • Weight: Weighs approximately 0.7 kg (1.54 lbs), a typical weight for enterprise-class hard drives.
  • Noise Level: Noise levels are typical for 7200RPM drives, which may be more noticeable in quieter environments.
  • Operating Conditions: Engineered for 24/7 operation in enterprise-grade conditions, ideal for mission-critical applications.

FAQ

This hard drive offers an impressive 20TB of storage, providing ample space for large-scale data storage in enterprise environments, including data centers and backup systems.

While this device is designed for enterprise use, it may be overkill for home users due to its large storage capacity. It is ideal for businesses, data centers, or users who require high-capacity storage for large datasets.

The WD Ultrastar HC560 is specifically designed for 24/7 operation in demanding environments. With an MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) of 2.5 million hours, it ensures high durability and reliability for continuous use.

This device uses ePMR (energy-assisted Perpendicular Magnetic Recording) and CMR (Conventional Magnetic Recording) technology, which enhances compatibility with a wide range of enterprise applications. It also features OptiNAND and HelioSeal technology for improved power efficiency and durability.

While technically compatible with many NAS and server setups, the large 20TB capacity and enterprise-focused design may not be ideal for home use. It’s better suited for high-capacity, business-critical applications where performance and reliability are prioritized.

Some users report that the WD Ultrastar HC560 20TB HDD can be relatively loud, especially during high-demand operations. It is designed for enterprise use where noise levels may be less of a concern, but it could be noticeable in quieter environments.

This hard drive comes with a 5-year warranty, which provides peace of mind for enterprise users who rely on long-term durability and performance.

Yes, the WD Ultrastar HC560 20TB HDD is compatible with RAID configurations, making it an excellent choice for data redundancy and high-availability setups in enterprise environments.

With a 7200 RPM speed and SATA 6Gb/s interface, this hard drive provides reliable performance for data-intensive applications, such as backup and archival in data centers. However, users needing extremely fast read/write speeds may consider other options with higher interface speeds.

The primary drawbacks are its large form factor (3.5 inches) and high capacity, which may be too much for smaller storage needs. Additionally, the drive’s relatively high cost may make it unsuitable for smaller businesses or personal use.