Western Digital 8TB My Book Desktop External Hard Drive, USB 3.0, External HDD with Password Protection and Backup Software - WDBBGB0080HBK-NESN
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AI Verdict
An 8TB USB 3.0 desktop hard drive for personal backups and archiving large media libraries, requiring external power.
This 8TB My Book is a situational fit because it provides a massive amount of storage at a mid-range price, making it suitable for archiving and backups. However, its desktop form factor and reliance on external power limit its flexibility compared to portable options.
If you need faster data access or portability, consider an external SSD or a bus-powered 2.5-inch hard drive; for dedicated network storage, look into a multi-bay NAS enclosure with CMR drives.
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Pros
- Offers a massive 8TB storage capacity, suitable for extensive photo, video, and document collections.
- Features 256-bit AES hardware encryption for securing sensitive data with password protection.
- Utilizes SuperSpeed USB (5 Gbps) for transfer rates around 180-200 MB/s, which is typical for a 5400 RPM HDD.
- Includes WD Backup software and is compatible with Apple Time Machine for automated data protection.
- Pre-formatted exFAT, ensuring out-of-the-box compatibility with both Windows and macOS operating systems.
Cons
- Requires an external power adapter, limiting its portability and requiring an available power outlet.
- The included WD software is often perceived as basic or unnecessary by users, sometimes leading to it being uninstalled.
- Can be noisy during operation, with some users reporting audible drive activity.
- Internal drives can sometimes be Shingled Magnetic Recording (SMR) drives, which may result in slower write performance during sustained, large file transfers.
- The plastic enclosure can feel less premium and some units run warm after prolonged use.
Dimension Scores
The drive achieves around 180-200 MB/s for large file transfers via USB 3.0, which is average for a desktop HDD but significantly slower than SSDs.
WD drives generally have a reputation for reliability, backed by a 3-year warranty, though the specific internal drive type can influence long-term performance.
An 8TB capacity is exceptionally large for personal desktop storage, providing ample space for extensive media libraries and backups.
It offers broad compatibility with Windows and macOS via USB 3.0 and exFAT formatting, but its USB interface can be a limitation for some advanced NAS setups.
Best For
- Archiving large personal media libraries like photos, videos, and music.
- Creating full system backups for Windows PCs or macOS devices using included software or Time Machine.
- Offloading infrequently accessed files from a primary computer drive to free up space.
- Users needing significant local storage without the higher cost of SSDs.
Not Recommended For
- Users requiring a portable storage solution that is bus-powered.
- High-performance video editing or applications demanding constant, fast read/write speeds.
- Direct integration into a TrueNAS or similar NAS system due to potential USB interface limitations and drive type.
- Environments where quiet operation is paramount due to potential drive noise.
Watch Out For
- Requires an external power brick, meaning it's not a plug-and-play portable solution and needs a dedicated power outlet.
- Some users report the internal drive being an SMR (Shingled Magnetic Recording) type, which can cause significant slowdowns during large, continuous write operations or when the drive is nearly full.
- The included WD Discovery software is often considered bloatware and many users choose not to install it or uninstall it immediately.
- The drive can generate noticeable noise during active use, which might be distracting in a quiet workspace.
- Removing the internal drive ('shucking') to use it in a PC or NAS might void the warranty and the drive inside may not be optimized for those uses.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B01LQQHLGC |
| Brand | WD |
| Color | Black |
| Series | My Book |
| Hard Drive | 8000 GB Desktop |
| Item Weight | 2.96 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Western Digital Technologies, Inc. |
| Special Feature | Not_Performance_Used |
| Flash Memory Size | 8 |
| Hardware Platform | PC |
| Installation Type | External Hard Drive |
| Item model number | WDBBGB0080HBK-NESN |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 1.9 x 5.5 x 6.7 inches |
| Hard Disk Interface | USB 3.0 |
| Hard Drive Interface | USB 3.0 |
| Hard Disk Description | Desktop |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 3.5 Inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 1.9 x 5.5 x 6.7 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | USB |
| Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 1 |
| Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 1 |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 8 TB |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
What Buyers Say
Many users grab this 8TB My Book for its low cost per terabyte, often with the intention of 'shucking' the internal drive for use in a NAS or internal PC build, though this carries risks. The included WD software is frequently ignored or uninstalled, as it's seen as basic. While transfer speeds are decent for a mechanical drive, it's not a speed demon, and the external power requirement is a constant reminder it's not a portable solution. Some units can be audibly noisy during operation, and there's a recurring concern about the type of drive (SMR vs. CMR) found inside.
“I just needed a ton of space for my movie collection and this thing delivered, even if it hums a bit and I had to toss the backup software. It's just a big, dumb storage box, and that's exactly what I wanted.”
Common Praise
- The 8TB capacity provides a huge amount of storage for the price.
- Transfer speeds are around 180-200 MB/s, which is quick enough for moving large video files.
- Works immediately with both Windows and Mac systems without needing reformatting.
- Often available at a price point that makes it very attractive for bulk storage.
Common Complaints
- It absolutely needs to be plugged into a wall outlet, making it less convenient than bus-powered drives.
- The drive can be noticeably loud when reading or writing data, which is distracting in a quiet room.
- The pre-installed WD Discovery software is often considered unnecessary bloatware and is frequently uninstalled.
- Concerns exist about the internal drive being an SMR type, which can lead to slower write performance for sustained transfers.
- Some users report the enclosure and drive running warm after extended periods of use.
Ownership Tips
- The drive can run noticeably warm to the touch after several hours of continuous operation.
- The included USB 3.0 cable is adequately long for most desktop setups, reaching from the drive to a floor-mounted PC.
- The plastic enclosure, while functional, doesn't feel particularly robust or premium.
- The activity light is subtle and not overly bright, which is a plus for some users.
- Unplugging and replugging the drive is sometimes necessary if it becomes unresponsive, a common quirk with external HDDs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this hard drive require external power?
Yes, the Western Digital My Book is a 3.5-inch desktop drive and needs to be plugged into a wall outlet for power.
Is this drive compatible with both Windows and Mac computers?
Yes, it comes pre-formatted in exFAT, allowing it to work out-of-the-box with both Windows 7+ and macOS 10.13+ systems.
What kind of hard drive is inside the enclosure?
The internal drive can vary, but users have reported finding WD Red or white-label drives, sometimes SMR (Shingled Magnetic Recording) or CMR (Conventional Magnetic Recording) types.
Can I use this drive for a Network Attached Storage (NAS) system?
While you can connect it via USB, it's not ideal for all NAS systems like TrueNAS, which prefers direct SATA access. OpenMediaVault might be more compatible with USB drives.
How fast are the data transfer speeds?
Users have reported read and write speeds for large files to be around 180-200 MB/s, which is typical for a USB 3.0 mechanical hard drive.
Does it come with backup software?
Yes, it includes WD Backup software, and it's also compatible with Apple Time Machine for automated backups.
Buying Guide
When looking at external hard drives like this, you need to figure out how much stuff you actually have and how fast you need to access it. This drive is for storing a lot of data, not for lightning-fast access. Also, remember it needs its own power, so it's not something you'll toss in a bag and use on the go.
Capacity (8 TB)
This is how much digital 'stuff' (photos, videos, documents) you can store. 8 terabytes is like having thousands of DVDs worth of space, perfect for archiving huge media libraries or backing up multiple computers.
Interface (USB 3.0)
This is the connection speed between the drive and your computer. USB 3.0 is fast enough for moving large files without waiting forever, but it's not as quick as the newer USB-C or Thunderbolt connections you'd find on faster SSDs.
Drive Type (Desktop)
This tells you it's a larger, 3.5-inch drive designed to sit on your desk. Unlike smaller portable drives, it needs its own power adapter plugged into a wall, so it's not meant for travel.
Alternatives
If you need much faster file transfers for things like video editing, look for external SSDs. If you need a drive you can easily carry and power directly from your laptop, search for bus-powered 2.5-inch portable hard drives.
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