Western Digital 22TB WD Red Pro NAS Internal Hard Drive

Western Digital 22TB WD Red Pro NAS Internal Hard Drive — image 1
Western Digital 22TB WD Red Pro NAS Internal Hard Drive — image 2
Western Digital 22TB WD Red Pro NAS Internal Hard Drive — image 3
Western Digital 22TB WD Red Pro NAS Internal Hard Drive — image 4
Western Digital 22TB WD Red Pro NAS Internal Hard Drive — image 5
Western Digital 22TB WD Red Pro NAS Internal Hard Drive — image 6
Western Digital 22TB WD Red Pro NAS Internal Hard Drive — image 7
Western Digital 22TB WD Red Pro NAS Internal Hard Drive — image 8
89%
95%
Performance
90%
Reliability
88%
Ease of Setup
92%
Workload Capacity
87%
Noise Level
93%
Compatibility with NAS Systems
91%
Durability
82%
Price-to-Value Ratio
89%
Operating Temperature
85%
Customer Support
84%
Energy Efficiency
90%
Warranty & Support
More

Overview

The Western Digital 22TB WD Red Pro NAS Internal Hard Drive is a powerful storage solution designed specifically for network-attached storage (NAS) environments. This high-capacity drive offers 22TB of storage and operates at 7200 RPM, ensuring fast data access and transfer speeds. It is part of the WD Red Pro series, a lineup known for its durability and optimization for demanding, always-on workloads. With a 512MB cache and a SATA 6 Gb/s interface, this NAS hard drive is well-suited for high-performance tasks in professional and business settings.

Features & Benefits

This NAS hard drive is engineered for 24/7 operation, making it ideal for businesses and teams that need reliable storage for continuous data access. It handles up to 550TB of data transfer annually, which ensures smooth operation even under heavy workloads. The drive uses CMR technology for more stable performance compared to SMR drives, making it a better choice for critical applications. Additionally, it is compatible with most NAS systems from top manufacturers, ensuring flexibility and ease of integration into existing setups.

Best For

The Western Digital 22TB WD Red Pro drive is best suited for small to medium-sized businesses and professionals who require large capacity and high reliability. It’s a solid choice for environments with high data demands, such as media production, IT departments, and data backup services. If you need a hard drive that can withstand heavy usage and continuous operation, this product provides the stability and performance needed to keep your NAS systems running smoothly.

User Feedback

Users generally appreciate the long-lasting durability and reliable performance of this NAS drive in high-demand environments. Many note that it operates quieter and cooler than other similar drives, which is a major benefit in energy-conscious setups. However, some have expressed concerns about the higher price compared to smaller capacity options, making it less suitable for users with smaller data storage needs. Overall, it is well-regarded for its high performance in professional NAS applications, though it may be overkill for casual or personal use.

#Internal Hard Drives
#Data Storage
#Computers & Accessories
#Electronics

Pros

  • This NAS hard drive performs reliably in demanding 24/7 environments, handling large workloads with ease.
  • The 22TB capacity provides ample space for businesses that need to store extensive data archives.
  • Users appreciate the low noise and cooler operation compared to other drives in the same class.
  • CMR technology delivers more stable and durable performance, making it a solid choice for NAS systems.
  • The 7200 RPM speed and 512 MB cache result in fast data access and quick read/write speeds.
  • Compatible with a wide range of NAS systems, making it easy to integrate into existing setups.

Cons

  • Its high price point makes it a less viable option for small businesses with limited budgets.
  • Some users find the 22TB capacity excessive for their needs, leading to underutilized space.
  • While it's ideal for heavy workloads, lighter home use might not justify the cost or performance.
  • A few buyers mention compatibility issues with older or less common NAS models.
  • The drive may not offer enough value for those who only need smaller capacities or lower performance.
  • Though reliable, the drive’s size and power consumption could be overkill for basic home use.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user reviews from a variety of platforms and languages, the feedback for the Western Digital 22TB WD Red Pro NAS Internal Hard Drive highlights both its strong performance and its relatively high price. Spam, bot-generated, or incentivized reviews were excluded to ensure the ratings reflect authentic, high-quality user experiences. The scores below reflect both the strengths and concerns shared by users worldwide.

Performance
95%
Users consistently praise the exceptional performance of this device, especially for demanding tasks like large file transfers and multi-user environments. Its 7200 RPM speed and 512 MB cache make it ideal for NAS setups requiring quick access to data, ensuring smooth operation even under heavy loads.
A few users noted that while performance is excellent, the drive can be overkill for smaller setups where lower-capacity options would suffice. The high price might not be justifiable for those not needing maximum throughput.
Reliability
90%
Many buyers report that this NAS hard drive delivers consistent, long-lasting reliability for extended use in NAS systems. Its design specifically caters to 24/7 operation, which results in fewer failures and increased peace of mind, particularly for businesses relying on continuous data access.
However, a small number of users mentioned concerns over its lifespan in less demanding environments. For users with minimal heavy data use, there’s some hesitation about whether the investment in such a high-capacity, high-durability drive is worth it.
Ease of Setup
88%
The setup process is generally straightforward, with most users finding it easy to install in compatible NAS systems. Thanks to its plug-and-play nature and wide compatibility, even those with limited technical expertise can integrate it into their network with minimal effort.
Some buyers did encounter minor hiccups during setup, particularly in older NAS models or with less common configurations. Although the setup process is simple, users reported needing additional troubleshooting for optimal performance in certain setups.
Workload Capacity
92%
This device excels in handling demanding workloads, with a 550TB/year rating that ensures it can sustain heavy usage over time. Many users in data-intensive industries appreciate this drive’s ability to handle high volumes of data without compromising performance, even under continuous usage.
However, a few users found that the high workload capacity is unnecessary for their lighter usage needs. Smaller businesses or personal users may feel the need for such a robust drive is excessive, which makes the cost less appealing for them.
Noise Level
87%
Many users found that this drive runs quieter than similar drives in the same category, which is a big plus for home offices or quieter work environments. The noise level is well-controlled, even during heavy usage, ensuring minimal disruption in noise-sensitive setups.
That said, some users did report that while quieter than some alternatives, it’s not entirely silent. For those in very noise-sensitive environments, even slight sounds during intense workloads may still be noticeable.
Compatibility with NAS Systems
93%
The drive is highly compatible with most NAS systems from leading brands, making it a versatile option for various setups. Users were pleased that it integrates smoothly with their existing systems without requiring additional hardware or software adjustments.
In some cases, users reported that very old or niche NAS models had difficulty recognizing the drive. Though this is rare, compatibility issues may arise in highly specific or older configurations.
Durability
91%
This drive's durability stands out, with many buyers emphasizing its ability to withstand constant use in enterprise-level environments. It’s built to last, with positive feedback about its long-term performance and low failure rate even in high-demand settings.
A few buyers mentioned concerns about its robustness when used in less demanding or home-office setups. While the durability is excellent for business use, some found it over-engineered for personal storage needs, leading to a higher price for a feature they don’t fully utilize.
Price-to-Value Ratio
82%
18%
The drive's high performance and durability make it a solid investment for users who need powerful, high-capacity storage for NAS systems. For those running data-heavy operations, the price is justified by the overall value and longevity of the drive.
The high price point is the most common drawback noted by users. Smaller businesses or home users often feel that the cost is too steep, especially when considering other less expensive alternatives that meet basic storage needs.
Operating Temperature
89%
Users appreciate that the drive operates efficiently within its optimal temperature range, preventing overheating during extended usage. This makes it ideal for long-term operations without the worry of thermal issues that could affect reliability or longevity.
Some users did note that under extreme conditions, the drive can run slightly warmer than expected. While this didn’t lead to failures, those with very tight cooling systems might need to monitor temperatures more closely.
Customer Support
85%
Customer support is generally rated highly, with users praising their quick responses and helpful solutions. Many buyers were satisfied with the assistance received, particularly when setting up or troubleshooting compatibility issues with older NAS models.
On the other hand, a small group of users expressed dissatisfaction with support delays during high-demand periods. There were reports of longer wait times for more complex technical inquiries, especially in off-hours or weekends.
Energy Efficiency
84%
Several users appreciated the drive's energy-efficient operation, particularly in environments where keeping power usage low is a priority. Even with continuous operation, it consumes less energy compared to other drives in its class, helping to reduce operational costs.
A few users noted that while energy-efficient, the device still consumes more power than smaller or lower-capacity drives. For those with a need to minimize electricity costs, this might be a drawback, especially when running multiple units.
Warranty & Support
90%
With a 5-year warranty, users feel reassured about the longevity and protection of their investment. The warranty coverage is seen as generous, and users were happy with the straightforward process for replacements or repairs in the rare event of failure.
Some users mentioned that the warranty doesn’t cover all potential issues, particularly those related to improper installation or handling. Additionally, the process of initiating a warranty claim can be slow, according to a few buyers.

Suitable for:

The Western Digital 22TB WD Red Pro NAS Internal Hard Drive is well-suited for small to medium-sized businesses or professionals who require a reliable and high-performance storage solution for data-heavy applications. Its large capacity, high-speed performance, and ability to handle continuous 24/7 operation make it an excellent choice for NAS environments. This device is ideal for IT departments, media production companies, and those needing to manage extensive backup systems. With a 550TB/year workload rate, this drive performs well in multi-user setups, making it a great fit for organizations that need stable and durable storage over time.

Not suitable for:

However, this drive is not ideal for casual or home users with lighter data storage needs. The high price and large capacity may be excessive for those only storing personal data or running minimal operations. Additionally, users with older or niche NAS systems may face compatibility issues. This product is also over-engineered for those who do not require such high performance, making it a less cost-effective choice for smaller businesses or individuals who can meet their needs with lower-capacity drives.

Specifications

  • Capacity: Offers a high storage capacity of 22TB, ideal for large-scale data storage needs.
  • Speed: Operates at a 7200 RPM speed, ensuring fast read and write performance for demanding applications.
  • Cache: Equipped with a 512 MB cache to improve data transfer speeds and overall performance.
  • Interface: Uses a SATA 6 Gb/s interface for reliable and fast connectivity with compatible NAS systems.
  • Technology: Features CMR (Conventional Magnetic Recording) technology for stable and durable performance in NAS environments.
  • Workload Rate: Handles a heavy workload of up to 550TB per year, designed for continuous and demanding data use.
  • Operating Temperature: Optimal operating temperature of up to 40°C, ensuring efficient cooling during heavy use.
  • Form Factor: Standard 3.5-inch form factor, compatible with most NAS systems and enclosures.
  • Noise Level: Designed for quiet operation, minimizing noise during high-load conditions, making it ideal for office and home environments.
  • 24/7 Operation: Engineered to support 24/7 operation, making it reliable for continuous, non-stop use in multi-user setups.
  • Compatibility: Compatible with most NAS systems from leading manufacturers, ensuring wide system support.
  • Warranty: Backed by a 5-year limited warranty, offering peace of mind for long-term use and support.
  • Power Consumption: Designed for low power consumption, contributing to energy efficiency during continuous operation.
  • Durability: Built for heavy workloads, with high reliability and durability, suitable for businesses and data-intensive applications.
  • Data Security: Includes features that help prevent data corruption, enhancing security for critical business data.
  • RAID Compatibility: Fully compatible with RAID configurations, providing data redundancy and protection in multi-drive setups.
  • Form Factor Compatibility: Works well with desktop and rackmount NAS systems, making it a versatile storage solution.

FAQ

This NAS hard drive offers a high-capacity 22TB of storage, ideal for users with large data storage needs, such as businesses and professionals working with media files or large databases.

Setting up this drive is straightforward. Simply connect it to your NAS unit via the SATA interface, ensuring it is properly mounted. Once connected, initialize and format it through your NAS’s management software. Follow any additional instructions for optimal configuration, especially if using RAID setups.

The 22TB WD Red Pro is compatible with most NAS systems from leading manufacturers, such as Synology, QNAP, and Asustor. However, it’s always recommended to check your NAS model’s compatibility, especially when dealing with older or custom-built systems.

While the Western Digital 22TB WD Red Pro is designed for business-level storage needs, home users who require substantial data storage for media libraries or backups may also find it useful. However, its large capacity and higher price point may be overkill for casual home use.

CMR, or Conventional Magnetic Recording, provides more stable and durable performance, especially when handling large, constant data writes. Compared to SMR (Shingled Magnetic Recording), CMR ensures better reliability in multi-user NAS environments, making this drive ideal for business use.

This 22TB drive is designed to operate quietly, even under heavy workloads, making it a good choice for office or home environments where noise levels matter. Users have noted that it runs quieter and cooler compared to many other drives of similar capacity.

The drive comes with a 5-year limited warranty, offering protection against defects in materials or workmanship, which is a great assurance for businesses relying on continuous performance.

This drive is built to handle up to 550TB of data per year, making it an excellent choice for businesses and professionals who deal with heavy data usage, including backup systems and large-scale media storage solutions.

Yes, this NAS hard drive is designed to operate 24/7, ensuring continuous performance in multi-user or data-intensive environments. It’s ideal for scenarios where the system must remain active at all times without performance degradation.

When considering this 22TB WD Red Pro drive, think about your storage needs, budget, and the capacity requirements of your NAS system. It’s perfect for users who require high performance and large storage, but its higher price may not be justified for those with smaller storage demands or limited budgets.