Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC310 4TB SATA HDD

Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC310 4TB SATA HDD — image 1
86%
89%
Performance
91%
Reliability & Durability
93%
Workload Rating (550TB/year)
85%
Data Transfer Speed
87%
Build Quality
70%
Noise Level
88%
Vibration Protection (RVS)
92%
Compatibility with RAID/NAS
85%
Value for Money
80%
Warranty & Customer Support
83%
Power Efficiency
86%
Long-Term Value
More

Overview

The Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC310 4TB SATA HDD is designed to meet the demanding needs of enterprise environments. This high-capacity drive offers reliable performance with a workload rating of up to 550TB per year, making it suitable for 24/7 operations. With a 7200 RPM speed and SATA 6Gb/s interface, this hard drive provides fast data transfer rates, essential for high-performance storage systems. Built with durability in mind, it is an ideal choice for businesses that require robust storage solutions capable of handling large amounts of data over extended periods.

Features & Benefits

The Ultrastar DC HC310 is equipped with a 256MB cache, enhancing data transfer speeds and overall system responsiveness. Its use of HelioSeal technology allows for increased storage capacity while reducing power consumption, making it both efficient and durable. Additionally, the drive features Rotational Vibration Safeguard (RVS), which ensures reliable performance even in environments with multiple drives. These features make it a solid option for organizations looking to maintain both high-speed access and long-term durability in their data storage systems.

Best For

This hard drive is best suited for data centers that require large-capacity storage solutions with high reliability. It’s also a great option for small to medium businesses needing reliable, high-performance storage for their critical data. The Ultrastar DC HC310 is particularly effective for RAID and NAS setups where robust, durable, and fast drives are necessary to handle constant data access and storage demands. Its enterprise-grade features make it ideal for users who need dependable storage for both current and future needs.

User Feedback

Users have noted the Ultrastar DC HC310’s strong performance under heavy workloads, especially in enterprise environments. Many appreciate its consistent reliability, especially for use in server environments and data centers. However, some users report that it can be a bit louder than typical consumer-grade hard drives, which may be noticeable in quieter settings. Overall, the drive receives positive feedback for its solid build and performance in demanding applications, with few complaints about its longevity and efficiency.

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Pros

  • This hard drive provides excellent reliability under heavy workloads, making it ideal for enterprise environments.
  • Users appreciate the 7200 RPM speed, which delivers fast read/write performance for demanding applications.
  • With a 550TB/year workload rating, this device is built to handle extensive data transfer without issues.
  • The 256MB cache improves data transfer speeds, making it a solid choice for high-performance setups.
  • HelioSeal technology enhances storage capacity and durability, ensuring long-term reliability.
  • Rotational Vibration Safeguard (RVS) is especially beneficial for multi-drive systems, providing additional stability in RAID configurations.

Cons

  • This hard drive may be louder than consumer-grade options, which could be disruptive in quieter environments.
  • While it's perfect for data centers, it may be overkill for smaller setups with low storage demands.
  • It lacks energy efficiency compared to consumer models, which could be a concern for power-sensitive users.
  • Some users find the size of this drive too bulky for certain compact systems or space-limited environments.
  • The higher price point makes it a less attractive option for casual users or home setups.
  • It might not be the best choice for those looking for silent operation in noise-sensitive settings.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user reviews from multiple platforms and languages, we've gathered an insightful overview of the Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC310 4TB SATA HDD's performance. The ratings reflect both its strengths and some pain points based on high-quality, authentic feedback, with spam, bot, and off-topic reviews filtered out. Users appreciate its durability and fast performance, though some mention noise levels under load. Insights come from diverse global sources, offering a comprehensive view of the product’s real-world use in enterprise and data storage environments.

Performance
89%
Many users are impressed by the speed and responsiveness of this device. The 7200 RPM rotational speed allows for quick read/write operations, which is essential for high-performance applications like RAID setups and NAS systems. Buyers appreciate how well it handles large data transfers under heavy workloads, making it a reliable choice for demanding environments.
Some users noted that while the performance is strong overall, the drive can occasionally show slower speeds during sustained heavy loads. A few also mentioned that compared to other high-end drives, it may not always offer the absolute top-tier performance for specific use cases like ultra-high-speed data streaming.
Reliability & Durability
91%
This drive is praised for its ability to perform consistently under demanding conditions. Users highlight its solid reliability for long-term storage and its durability under heavy workloads. The high workload rating of 550TB/year adds peace of mind for those using it in enterprise environments or for data-intensive applications.
While most feedback is positive, a few users mentioned that even with its solid build, it may not be the most durable option for environments with extreme physical conditions, such as higher temperatures or environments where drives are frequently moved or jostled.
Workload Rating (550TB/year)
93%
The 550TB/year rating ensures that this device is built to withstand heavy usage over time, making it a top choice for enterprise environments or businesses dealing with constant data transfers. Users particularly like the peace of mind it provides for long-term reliability in critical server and NAS systems.
Despite the high workload rating, some users pointed out that smaller businesses or personal users may not fully utilize this rating. For those with lighter usage, it might feel like overkill, especially in terms of price, leading some to consider whether a lower-rated option would suffice for their needs.
Data Transfer Speed
85%
Many users appreciate the reliable and consistent data transfer speeds provided by the 256MB cache, which helps with data-intensive tasks. The drive works well in environments requiring quick access to large amounts of data, such as database applications and video editing.
A few users have mentioned that during peak usage, transfer speeds can lag slightly, especially when handling multiple tasks simultaneously. This has led some to consider alternative drives with faster read/write capabilities for extremely high-speed requirements.
Build Quality
87%
Users have found the build quality of this device to be solid and dependable, especially for a 3.5-inch SATA drive. The robust casing and internal components contribute to its durability under constant use, making it a good fit for long-term deployments in data centers.
Some buyers expressed concerns about the size and weight of the drive. Compared to smaller, consumer-grade drives, the Ultrastar DC HC310 may be bulkier, which could be an issue in environments where space is limited or for users looking for something more compact and lightweight.
Noise Level
70%
30%
The noise level of this hard drive is generally acceptable for server or data center environments, where noise is typically less of a concern. Many users who operate the drive in these settings note that it performs without excessive noise, even during prolonged use.
Not everyone agrees on the noise level, with some users pointing out that it can be louder than consumer-grade drives, especially when under load. This might be a drawback for those using it in quieter workspaces or home offices, where the noise could become distracting.
Vibration Protection (RVS)
88%
The inclusion of Rotational Vibration Safeguard (RVS) is highly appreciated by users with multi-drive setups. This feature helps mitigate the risks of vibration interference, ensuring that the drive maintains consistent performance and reliability in environments where multiple drives operate in close proximity.
While the vibration protection feature is a useful addition, some users noted that it might not be sufficient in environments with excessive external vibrations. In these cases, additional measures or more specialized drives may be required for optimal performance.
Compatibility with RAID/NAS
92%
This hard drive performs exceptionally well in RAID and NAS configurations, where reliability and speed are crucial. The compatibility with various RAID setups makes it a preferred choice for businesses and users who rely on multi-drive systems for large-scale data storage and backup.
A few users reported occasional compatibility issues with certain NAS systems, particularly with older models. However, these issues were usually resolved with firmware updates, and most users found it seamless once properly configured.
Value for Money
85%
For its performance, capacity, and reliability, users find this hard drive to be a great value. The 5-year warranty adds additional reassurance for those making a long-term investment in their data storage infrastructure, especially for enterprise environments that demand consistent uptime and reliability.
Some users felt that the price point is higher than necessary for their use case. For those with lighter storage needs, there are less expensive alternatives that may provide similar performance without the heavy-duty workload rating and features this drive offers.
Warranty & Customer Support
80%
20%
Western Digital's 5-year limited warranty is a reassuring aspect of this hard drive, offering peace of mind to users who plan to rely on it for extended periods. Many buyers have found their customer service to be responsive and helpful when issues arise, particularly for businesses with critical data storage needs.
While many are happy with the warranty, a few users have expressed frustration with the customer support experience, citing slow response times or complicated procedures when handling returns or replacements. This has been a minor inconvenience for some customers.
Power Efficiency
83%
Users who operate this drive in energy-conscious environments appreciate its relatively low power consumption. The energy efficiency helps reduce operational costs, especially in large-scale deployments where many drives are running 24/7, making it a cost-effective choice for long-term operations.
A few users felt that while power efficiency is decent, it could be further optimized for environments where energy usage is a primary concern. Some users in extremely energy-conscious setups found the power consumption to be slightly higher than other, more energy-efficient models.
Long-Term Value
86%
The Ultrastar DC HC310 is seen as a durable investment for businesses that require long-term reliability. Many users believe the drive's high workload rating and robust performance make it worth the higher price, as it will continue to perform well over the years in demanding storage applications.
For casual users or those with less intensive data needs, the long-term value may not be as appealing. Some felt that for the price, there are other drives with similar performance for smaller, less demanding workloads, making it less of a value for non-enterprise use cases.

Suitable for:

The Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC310 4TB SATA HDD is ideal for high-demand environments like data centers, businesses with significant data transfer needs, and users relying on RAID setups or NAS systems. Its 550TB/year workload rating and 7200 RPM speed make it well-suited for enterprise use, where reliability and performance are essential. Small to medium-sized businesses handling heavy workloads will also find this hard drive beneficial for their storage needs. This device is a solid option for users looking for long-term durability and efficient data management in professional and high-performance setups.

Not suitable for:

However, this hard drive may not be the best fit for users with lighter storage needs or those working in environments where noise and power efficiency are key concerns. While it offers excellent performance for enterprise use, individuals or small businesses with minimal data demands could find it overpowered and costly for their needs. Additionally, those seeking a quieter option or more compact design might find this drive's size and noise level less appealing. Its high workload rating is also unnecessary for casual users who don’t require such robust performance or durability.

Specifications

  • Capacity: This drive offers 4TB of storage space, suitable for enterprise-level applications and high-volume data management.
  • Interface: The drive uses a SATA 6Gb/s interface for fast data transfer and compatibility with most modern systems.
  • Rotational Speed: With a 7200 RPM speed, this drive delivers fast read and write performance for heavy workloads.
  • Cache Size: Equipped with a 256MB cache, the drive improves data transfer speeds and system responsiveness.
  • MTBF: This hard drive has a Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) rating of 2.5 million hours, ensuring long-term reliability.
  • Workload Rating: It is designed for high workloads with a rated endurance of up to 550TB of data written per year.
  • HelioSeal Technology: HelioSeal technology allows for higher storage capacity while enhancing the drive's durability and performance.
  • Vibration Protection: The drive features Rotational Vibration Safeguard (RVS) to maintain reliability in multi-drive systems, such as RAID setups.
  • Form Factor: This hard drive comes in a 3.5-inch form factor, making it suitable for use in desktops, servers, and NAS systems.
  • Warranty: The drive is backed by a 5-year limited warranty, providing peace of mind for long-term use.
  • Temperature Range: The drive operates within a temperature range of 0°C to 60°C, making it versatile for various environments.
  • Compatibility: This drive is compatible with systems that support SATA 6Gb/s interfaces, including most enterprise servers and NAS units.
  • Power Consumption: It has an average operating power consumption of 6.8 watts, which is typical for high-performance hard drives.
  • Dimensions: The drive measures 5.8 x 4 x 1 inches (147 x 101.6 x 25.4 mm) and fits standard 3.5-inch drive bays.
  • Noise Level: The drive operates at a noise level of up to 30 dB, which may be louder than consumer-grade drives but is suitable for data center environments.
  • Data Transfer Rate: The drive supports data transfer rates up to 180MB/s, providing fast access for high-volume data workloads.
  • Drive Type: This is a mechanical hard drive (HDD), offering reliable performance for high-capacity storage needs.
  • Application Suitability: Ideal for data centers, RAID setups, and NAS systems, this drive excels in environments requiring high-capacity and high-reliability storage.

FAQ

This hard drive offers a 4TB storage capacity, making it a solid option for enterprise-level data storage and high-demand applications.

The drive operates at a 7200 RPM rotational speed for fast read and write performance, and it comes with a 256MB cache to further enhance data transfer speeds. It's designed to handle high workloads with a 550TB/year rating.

While it is a high-performance drive built for enterprise environments, it may be overkill for home use due to its focus on reliability under heavy workloads and its higher price point. It's more suited for data centers, RAID setups, and NAS systems.

This hard drive has a high workload rating of up to 550TB per year, meaning it's engineered to endure substantial data transfer over extended periods, making it ideal for use in high-demand environments like data centers.

Yes, the Ultrastar DC HC310 comes with Rotational Vibration Safeguard (RVS) technology, which helps ensure stability and reliability in multi-drive environments, such as RAID configurations.

The drive uses a standard SATA 6Gb/s interface and comes in a 3.5-inch form factor, making it compatible with most server and NAS systems that support SATA connections. Installation is straightforward, but be sure to check your system's compatibility with 7200 RPM drives.

With a Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) rating of 2.5 million hours and a robust workload rating, this hard drive is designed for long-term durability and reliability in demanding environments. It's built to handle continuous operation without compromising performance.

Some users report that this hard drive is louder than consumer-grade models due to its 7200 RPM speed, which may be noticeable in quieter settings. However, it’s perfectly acceptable for enterprise or server environments where noise is less of a concern.

Yes, this drive is ideal for RAID setups, thanks to its high reliability, vibration protection (RVS), and ability to handle substantial workloads. It works well for both hardware and software RAID configurations in data centers or NAS systems.

The Ultrastar DC HC310 is backed by a 5-year limited warranty, providing peace of mind regarding its durability and reliability over time.