Western Digital 2TB WD Purple Surveillance Internal Hard Drive HDD - SATA 6 Gb/s, 64 MB Cache, 3.5" - WD20PURZ
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AI Verdict
This 2TB 3.5-inch mechanical hard drive is purpose-built for 24/7 surveillance systems supporting up to 64 HD cameras.
This drive is a strong fit for its intended purpose: 24/7 surveillance recording. Its design for continuous writes and support for up to 64 HD cameras directly addresses the demands of security systems, where reliability over speed for random access is key. It's not built for general computing tasks, so don't expect it to perform like a desktop drive.
If 2TB isn't enough for your retention needs, look for WD Purple drives with higher capacities like 4TB or 6TB to store more footage.
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Pros
- Engineered for continuous 24/7 operation in security systems
- AllFrame technology helps reduce video errors and pixelation during recording
- Designed to support up to 64 high-definition cameras simultaneously
- Utilizes CMR technology, which is beneficial for constant write workloads
- User reports indicate low power consumption and quiet operation
Cons
- Performance is not optimized for general desktop use or gaming applications
- The 5400 RPM class limits overall read/write speeds compared to 7200 RPM drives
- 2TB capacity can fill quickly, especially with multiple high-resolution cameras
- 64 MB cache is smaller than many desktop-oriented hard drives
Dimension Scores
User benchmarks show sequential read speeds around 130-196 MB/s and write speeds around 37-192 MB/s, which is adequate for its surveillance purpose but not fast for general use.
Engineered for 24/7 operation with an enhanced workload rating of up to 180TB/year and a 3-year warranty, users frequently report good longevity in surveillance setups.
2TB is an entry-level capacity for surveillance, which can be quickly consumed by multiple high-resolution cameras, requiring frequent overwrites or shorter retention periods.
Features a standard 3.5-inch form factor and SATA 6 Gb/s interface, ensuring broad compatibility with most PC and dedicated DVR/NVR systems.
Best For
- Dedicated 24/7 security camera systems (DVR/NVR)
- Continuous video recording from multiple surveillance feeds
- Systems requiring high write endurance over extended periods
Not Recommended For
- Primary storage in a gaming PC or workstation
- Applications requiring frequent random read/write access
- Cold storage where data is written once and rarely accessed
Watch Out For
- Its 5400 RPM class (some report 5040 RPM) means slower data access for non-sequential tasks
- 2TB capacity can be insufficient for retaining high-resolution footage for more than a week with multiple cameras
- Some users report the drive can run hot if not provided with adequate cooling in continuous operation
- Not suitable for use as a boot drive or for installing applications due to performance characteristics
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B071RM2HS7 |
| Brand | WD |
| Color | Purple |
| Series | WD Purple 2TB Surveillance Hard Disk Drive - 5400 RPM Class SATA 6 Gb/s 64M |
| Language | English |
| Hard Drive | 2 TB Mechanical Hard Disk |
| Item Weight | 15.8 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Western Digital Bare Drives |
| Special Feature | Data Recovery Service |
| Operating System | Windows/Mac |
| Flash Memory Size | 2 TB |
| Installation Type | Internal Hard Drive |
| Item model number | WD20PURZ |
| Compatible Devices | PC |
| Product Dimensions | 5.79 x 4 x 1.03 inches |
| Hard Disk Interface | Serial ATA |
| Hard Drive Interface | Serial ATA |
| Hard Disk Description | Mechanical Hard Disk |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 3.5 Inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 5.79 x 4 x 1.03 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | SATA |
| Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 1 |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 2 TB |
| Hard Drive Rotational Speed | 5400 RPM |
| Standing screen display size | 24 Inches |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
What Buyers Say
This WD Purple drive consistently gets praised for its specific role in surveillance systems, not for being a general-purpose drive. Users frequently highlight its ability to handle continuous recording without issues, a crucial aspect for security footage. The CMR technology is a recurring point of satisfaction, as it avoids the performance pitfalls of SMR drives in write-heavy applications. However, a common sentiment is that 2TB can feel small quickly if you're running multiple high-resolution cameras and want to keep footage for more than a few days.
“Look, if you need a drive just for your security cameras, this thing is perfect, it just records and records, no fuss. But don't even think about putting your games on it, it's just not built for that speed.”
Common Praise
- Operates quietly, making it suitable for residential installations
- Maintains performance during continuous 24/7 video recording
- Low power consumption, contributing to efficient system operation
- Easy to install and integrates well with various security systems
- CMR technology provides better endurance for constant writes than SMR drives
Common Complaints
- Not suitable for use as a gaming drive or for general PC tasks due to slower performance
- 2TB capacity can be filled rapidly by modern high-definition camera systems
- Some users report it running warm when under constant load without adequate airflow
- The 5400 RPM class is slower than 7200 RPM desktop drives for random access
Ownership Tips
- The drive operates with minimal audible noise, even when actively recording
- Requires proper ventilation in a DVR/NVR enclosure to prevent overheating during constant operation
- Actual storage duration for footage is significantly impacted by camera resolution and frame rate
- It's noticeably slower for file transfers compared to a typical desktop hard drive or SSD
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this hard drive for my gaming PC or as a regular desktop drive?
No, this drive is optimized for sequential write operations typical of surveillance systems and will have performance drawbacks for gaming or general desktop use.
What is the RPM of this drive?
This drive is classified as 5400 RPM class, though some technical discussions mention a specific speed of 5040 RPM.
Is this an SMR or CMR drive?
The WD Purple drives, including this model, use CMR (Conventional Magnetic Recording) technology, which is preferred for continuous write environments like surveillance.
How many cameras can this 2TB drive support?
It's designed to support up to 64 high-definition cameras.
How much recording time can I get from 2TB?
Recording time varies significantly based on camera resolution, compression, and number of cameras. One user reported 2TB lasting about a week for three 1080p cameras.
Buying Guide
When buying a surveillance hard drive, you need to understand it's a different beast than a desktop drive. These are built for constant writing of video streams, often 24/7, prioritizing endurance and sequential write stability over raw speed for random access. Don't expect it to make your computer feel fast; it's designed to reliably capture every moment from your cameras.
Capacity (2 TB)
This determines how much video footage you can store before older recordings are overwritten. More cameras or higher resolution footage means you'll fill it up faster, like a bigger gas tank lets you drive longer before refueling.
Interface (SATA 6 Gb/s)
This is the connection speed between the drive and your system. 6 Gb/s is standard and plenty fast for surveillance video streams, ensuring your system can talk to the drive without bottlenecks.
Drive Type (Mechanical Hard Disk)
Unlike SSDs, mechanical hard disks use spinning platters to store data. They're slower but offer much more storage per dollar, which is crucial for the large amounts of video data surveillance systems generate.
AllFrame Technology
This is WD's tech to help reduce dropped frames and video errors in surveillance systems. Think of it like a smoother road for your video data, preventing bumps and interruptions in your recordings.
Alternatives
If you need longer video retention, search for surveillance drives with higher capacities. For a general-purpose PC drive or gaming, look for 7200 RPM desktop hard drives or solid-state drives (SSDs) for speed.
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