Western Digital 14TB WD Red Plus NAS Internal Hard Drive

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87%
92%
Performance
89%
Reliability
87%
Ease of Use
91%
Compatibility with NAS Systems
88%
Workload Handling
74%
Noise Level
90%
Data Transfer Speed
85%
RAID Setup Performance
80%
Energy Efficiency
92%
Value for Money
86%
Durability
90%
Ease of Installation
More

Overview

The Western Digital 14TB WD Red Plus NAS Internal Hard Drive is designed for demanding 24/7 use in small to medium business NAS systems. With a large capacity and high performance, this NAS drive delivers the reliability and endurance needed for continuous operations. As part of the WD Red Plus series, it’s optimized for NAS applications, offering seamless compatibility and robust data handling. This drive supports high-capacity storage while maintaining energy efficiency, making it an excellent choice for businesses that require dependable, high-performance storage solutions.

Features & Benefits

This NAS hard drive features a 7200 RPM rotational speed, providing fast data transfer rates essential for performance-heavy tasks. Its 512MB cache enhances throughput and minimizes latency, ensuring smooth operation in a business environment. The drive uses CMR (Conventional Magnetic Recording) technology for superior data integrity and reliability over time. With a SATA 6 Gb/s interface, it delivers quick connectivity to NAS systems. Supporting workloads of up to 180TB per year, it’s built to handle continuous, high-demand usage without compromising performance.

Best For

This WD Red Plus drive is ideal for small to medium businesses looking for reliable, high-capacity NAS storage. It's well-suited for environments that require continuous data access and large storage capacities, such as file servers or backup systems. Users with RAID setups will benefit from its consistent performance and reliability. If you need a hard drive that can handle large, continuous workloads while keeping your system running smoothly, this NAS hard drive offers an efficient and dependable solution for business-grade storage needs.

User Feedback

The majority of users have praised this NAS hard drive for its reliability and ease of use in various NAS systems. Many customers have reported seamless integration with RAID configurations, ensuring data is consistently available with minimal downtime. Some users, particularly in home office settings, noted it as a solid upgrade for managing large data collections. However, a few have expressed concerns about the drive's noise during heavy use, particularly in quieter environments. Overall, it’s widely regarded as a reliable option for business data storage.

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Pros

  • This NAS hard drive is highly regarded for its consistent performance in 24/7 business environments.
  • The 7200 RPM rotational speed ensures fast data transfer, ideal for high-demand applications.
  • Many users appreciate its seamless integration with NAS systems, particularly in RAID setups.
  • The 512MB cache improves overall data throughput, making large file handling more efficient.
  • It’s capable of supporting workloads up to 180TB per year, making it a solid choice for businesses with heavy data demands.
  • This device is part of the reliable WD Red Plus series, which is known for its durability and long-term performance.

Cons

  • Some users find the drive’s noise level a bit higher than expected during heavy operations.
  • It may not be the best option for casual home users or small personal setups with limited storage needs.
  • A few buyers have reported difficulties in configuring the drive with older NAS systems.
  • Its large 14TB capacity might feel excessive for users with smaller storage needs, making it less cost-effective for personal use.
  • This NAS hard drive is not particularly lightweight, which could be a downside for users with space constraints.
  • While great for RAID, some users have mentioned occasional issues with data recovery in specific configurations.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user reviews across multiple countries, languages, and platforms, the feedback for the Western Digital 14TB WD Red Plus NAS Internal Hard Drive has been aggregated. Authentic, high-quality feedback was considered, filtering out spam, bot-generated, and incentivized content to ensure accurate results. The scores reflect both strengths and occasional pain points mentioned by users, offering a balanced view from real-world usage.

Performance
92%
Users consistently praise the high-speed performance of this NAS hard drive, especially its 7200 RPM rotational speed. Many report smooth operation, even under demanding data loads, making it ideal for business environments where quick access to data is critical. This drive's ability to handle large volumes of data efficiently has been a standout feature for users in 24/7 operational settings.
While most users are pleased with the performance, a few have noted that the drive can become slightly noisy under heavy load. Some users also mention that the speed may not be as noticeable for basic home office or personal storage applications.
Reliability
89%
Many buyers highlight this NAS hard drive’s exceptional reliability, particularly in demanding, always-on business environments. The use of CMR (Conventional Magnetic Recording) contributes to the drive's stability, and its ability to support up to 180TB of annual workload reassures users looking for long-term dependability in their storage solutions.
A few users have pointed out that while the drive is reliable for most tasks, it can sometimes experience issues with data recovery when handling sudden system failures. A small number of buyers also reported minor concerns with its longevity in environments with extreme heat.
Ease of Use
87%
Buyers appreciate the simplicity of installing and integrating this drive into their NAS systems. The setup process is often described as straightforward, and the included NASware firmware ensures smooth compatibility with various platforms. For businesses looking for a plug-and-play solution, this drive meets expectations without any hassle.
Some users, particularly those with more advanced NAS setups, feel that the drive could benefit from more customizable firmware options. A few reviewers have also mentioned that the initial setup instructions could be clearer for beginners.
Compatibility with NAS Systems
91%
The drive is highly compatible with a broad range of NAS systems, as indicated by its seamless integration into popular platforms. The NASware firmware is praised for improving compatibility and optimizing performance, particularly in multi-drive configurations. Users have found this drive to be a great fit for small to medium-sized business NAS systems.
Some users with older or niche NAS systems report occasional compatibility issues. A few have mentioned that the firmware might need manual updates in certain cases to ensure full compatibility, which can be a bit tedious for non-technical users.
Workload Handling
88%
The drive’s ability to handle up to 180TB of annual workload is a key strength, particularly for businesses that require high-capacity storage solutions for continuous operation. Many users appreciate the durability of this drive, which can endure large volumes of data traffic without slowing down or showing signs of wear.
A few reviewers felt that the drive’s workload handling could be better suited for more specialized enterprise environments. Some smaller businesses have mentioned that, for their needs, the high workload capacity might be more than necessary, potentially leading to a less efficient use of storage resources.
Noise Level
74%
26%
When operating under normal conditions, many users have found the noise level to be acceptable. The drive doesn’t produce excessive sound when in idle or light usage, making it suitable for environments that do not require total silence.
Several users noted that the drive can become noticeably noisy when handling large data transfers or under heavy load. This could be a concern for users in quieter office environments or those sensitive to noise levels from their equipment.
Data Transfer Speed
90%
With a 7200 RPM speed and a 512MB cache, this drive is well-regarded for its quick data transfer capabilities. Many users mention that they experience faster read/write speeds compared to older, lower-capacity drives, which improves workflow efficiency and overall system performance.
Some users, however, feel that the data transfer speed does not live up to expectations when the drive is used in non-RAID configurations. For users with single-drive setups, the speed may not be as significant a jump compared to other drives in the same category.
RAID Setup Performance
85%
This drive performs excellently in RAID configurations, especially in multi-drive arrays. Users appreciate its stable performance, even when handling complex RAID setups in business environments. The drive’s ability to deliver consistent speeds and data integrity is highly valued by users managing large amounts of critical data.
A few users mentioned occasional issues with RAID arrays in certain configurations, particularly when combining this drive with older models or incompatible hardware. While these issues were not widespread, they were notable enough for users to consider other drives in more specific setups.
Energy Efficiency
80%
20%
Many users appreciate that this hard drive is relatively energy-efficient compared to similar high-capacity drives, especially when used in a 24/7 environment. The power consumption remains reasonable even when the drive is constantly running, making it a good choice for businesses looking to minimize energy costs.
Some buyers have pointed out that the energy efficiency could be improved, particularly in larger NAS setups. While not a major issue, users running several drives in a system have reported slightly higher power consumption than anticipated, especially under heavy workloads.
Value for Money
92%
Users generally feel that this drive offers great value for its price, especially considering its large 14TB capacity, 7200 RPM speed, and reliable performance. For small to medium businesses, this NAS hard drive is a solid investment that delivers both performance and durability at a competitive price point.
A few users mentioned that while the drive is an excellent value, it might be overkill for personal or light office use. Smaller users with lower storage needs could find the price a bit high for the level of performance they actually require.
Durability
86%
This drive is built to last, with several users reporting that it continues to perform reliably for extended periods in demanding, 24/7 business environments. The CMR technology and robust design make it a durable choice for handling heavy workloads and ensuring long-term reliability in NAS systems.
However, some users experienced early failure after heavy continuous usage, particularly in environments with high humidity or temperatures. These failures were relatively rare but worth noting for users in extreme conditions.
Ease of Installation
90%
The installation process for this drive is simple and straightforward, especially for those familiar with NAS systems. Many users report that they were able to quickly get it up and running without any technical issues, which is a significant benefit for businesses in need of a hassle-free setup.
While most users had no issues, a few reported that the setup process was slightly more complex than expected, especially when configuring it with older NAS systems or less common models. In these cases, some additional manual setup was required.

Suitable for:

The Western Digital 14TB WD Red Plus NAS Internal Hard Drive is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses that require reliable and high-performance storage for 24/7 operations. Users with NAS systems will benefit from its seamless compatibility, thanks to the NASware firmware, and its ability to handle up to 180TB of annual workload. This drive is especially valuable for businesses that require large, efficient data storage and high-speed data transfers. Its 7200 RPM speed and 512MB cache make it a great choice for users managing heavy workloads or RAID setups in dynamic environments where speed and reliability are crucial.

Not suitable for:

While the Western Digital 14TB WD Red Plus NAS Internal Hard Drive excels in business environments, it may not be the best choice for casual home users or individuals with smaller storage needs. Its high capacity and advanced features might be overkill for personal use or light storage tasks. Additionally, the drive may generate more noise during heavy operations, which could be distracting in quiet home offices or personal setups. Users with older or non-standard NAS systems might also encounter compatibility issues, requiring more time to configure the drive properly.

Specifications

  • Capacity: Offers a massive 14TB of storage for high-capacity needs, ideal for large data storage in business environments.
  • Rotational Speed: Operates at 7200 RPM, providing fast data transfer speeds for high-performance applications.
  • Cache Size: Equipped with a 512MB cache, enhancing data throughput and improving overall system responsiveness.
  • Interface: Uses a SATA 6 Gb/s interface, enabling quick and efficient connectivity for data transfer.
  • Workload Rate: Designed to support workloads of up to 180TB per year, making it reliable for heavy business use.
  • Technology: Features Conventional Magnetic Recording (CMR) technology for better reliability and performance compared to SMR drives.
  • NASware Firmware: Incorporates NASware firmware, ensuring seamless integration and compatibility with most NAS systems.
  • Form Factor: Comes in a 3.5-inch form factor, compatible with most NAS systems and designed for easy installation.
  • Dimensions: Measures 5.79 x 4 x 1.52 inches, providing a compact yet powerful storage solution for NAS environments.
  • Weight: Weighs 1.52 lbs, a standard weight for a high-capacity 14TB hard drive.
  • Compatibility: Fully compatible with small to medium business NAS systems, offering stable performance for data-heavy applications.
  • Power Consumption: Operates efficiently with low power consumption, ideal for 24/7 business use in NAS systems.
  • Temperature Range: Supports operating temperatures ranging from 32°F to 140°F (0°C to 60°C), suitable for business environments.
  • Reliability: Built for continuous operation, ensuring high reliability and durability for 24/7 usage.
  • MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures): Offers an MTBF of up to 1 million hours, reflecting the drive's long-term reliability in demanding environments.
  • RAID Compatibility: Perfectly suited for RAID configurations, providing redundancy and performance for business-critical data storage.
  • Noise Level: Operates with a moderate noise level, typical of 7200 RPM drives, though generally manageable in a business setting.

FAQ

This 14TB NAS hard drive is designed for small to medium businesses that need reliable, high-capacity storage for 24/7 operations. It's perfect for NAS systems and RAID configurations, ensuring smooth data handling in business environments.

Setting up this drive is straightforward. Simply connect it to your NAS system via the SATA interface. It’s pre-formatted for NAS use, and the NASware firmware ensures seamless compatibility. You can use the included tools or your NAS system's interface to integrate it into your setup.

With a 7200 RPM rotational speed and a 512MB cache, this drive offers excellent data transfer rates, making it ideal for high-performance environments. It's optimized for handling large volumes of data and can support up to 180TB of workload per year, ensuring it can keep up with heavy business usage.

While this NAS drive is compatible with most modern NAS systems, it may not work well with very old models, especially those that lack support for drives with larger storage capacities or 7200 RPM speeds. Always check your NAS system’s compatibility with 3.5-inch, SATA-based drives.

While this drive is designed for business use, particularly for NAS systems, some home users may find it suitable for personal storage needs if they require high capacity. However, its 14TB size might be excessive for casual home users, making it more ideal for professional setups.

This device is built specifically for continuous 24/7 operations, with features like CMR technology and NASware firmware, ensuring stable and reliable performance. Users report minimal downtime, and its robust design is suited for constant use in demanding business environments.

If you experience a failure, it’s recommended to use data recovery software or contact your NAS system's support for assistance. While this device is generally reliable, having a backup solution in place is always a good practice, especially for critical business data.

Compared to consumer-grade drives, this NAS hard drive is designed specifically for small to medium businesses, offering higher endurance, faster performance with 7200 RPM speeds, and specialized firmware to ensure seamless integration with NAS systems and RAID configurations.

Some users report that the drive can be slightly noisier compared to other lower-speed drives, especially under heavy load. However, this is typical for 7200 RPM drives, which prioritize performance over quiet operation. If noise is a concern, consider placing the NAS unit in a dedicated, sound-insulated area.

With its high-quality build and reliability, this 14TB NAS hard drive is designed for long-term use in business environments. Under normal conditions, you can expect it to last several years. Many users report it performing well even after extensive use, but longevity will depend on factors like operating conditions and maintenance.