Synology HAT3300 4TB Plus Series SATA HDD 3.5" (HAT3300-4T)
Want the best price and purchase timing?
Our AI advisor analyzes real-time pricing across all channels to find you the best deal.
AI Verdict
This 4TB, 5400 RPM mechanical hard disk is for Synology NAS users prioritizing DSM integration and a 3-year warranty.
This drive is specifically designed and validated for Synology NAS systems, offering features like DSM-integrated firmware updates and a 1 million hour MTBF for 24/7 operation. Its 4TB capacity and CMR technology align with typical NAS requirements.
If 4TB isn't enough, look for the HAT3300 series in higher capacities like 8TB or 12TB, or consider the 7200 RPM 12TB model for increased speed.
Regret Score™
Medium RiskLower is better — measures purchase-regret risk from real buyer complaints, review credibility, and product maturity
Issues discovered after purchase
Critically weak dimension
Amazon rating vs actual quality
Chance this product isn't for you
Pros
- Backed by 1 million hours MTBF and a 180 TB/year workload rating for 24/7 operation.
- Validated through 300,000 hours of testing specifically in Synology systems.
- Firmware updates can be performed directly within Synology DSM, simplifying maintenance.
- Conventional magnetic recording (CMR) technology offers consistent performance.
- Includes a 3-year warranty for extended coverage.
- Some users reported faster data transfer speeds compared to their previous drives.
Cons
- Can be noisy, with reported levels of 23-30 dB(A) per drive during operation.
- Often priced higher than non-Synology branded drives with similar specifications.
- The 5400 RPM rotational speed limits raw performance compared to 7200 RPM drives.
- Primarily optimized for Synology systems, potentially offering fewer benefits in other setups.
Dimension Scores
As a 5400 RPM mechanical hard disk, its sustained speeds of up to 202 MB/s are limited compared to faster 7200 RPM drives or SSDs.
It features a 1 million hour MTBF and a 180 TB/year workload rating, designed for continuous 24/7 operation.
4TB is a common starting point for NAS, but many users will need larger capacities for extensive storage, with the series offering up to 12TB.
While compatible with desktops, its primary design and optimization, including DSM firmware updates, are for Synology NAS systems.
Best For
- Synology NAS users needing a 4TB drive for 24/7 operation.
- Small and medium-sized businesses using Synology storage systems.
- Users who want seamless firmware updates directly through DSM.
- Those prioritizing a single-vendor support experience for their Synology setup.
Not Recommended For
- Users building a PC or non-Synology NAS.
- Anyone needing maximum raw speed from their storage.
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for the absolute cheapest 4TB drive.
Watch Out For
- One user received a defective drive that made crackling noises and wasn't recognized, leading to DSM installation errors.
- Some users report the drive is 'quite noisy' because the heads 'scrape' a lot.
- The 5400 RPM speed means it won't be as fast as 7200 RPM alternatives, with sustained speeds up to 202 MB/s.
- The 'rebranded' nature means you might be paying a premium for a drive that's internally similar to a cheaper Seagate Ironwolf.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0C7FPRSK3 |
| Brand | Synology |
| Series | HAT3300-4T |
| Hard Drive | 4 TB Mechanical Hard Disk |
| Item Weight | 1.2 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Synology |
| Hard Disk Size | 4 TB |
| Special Feature | Portable |
| Flash Memory Size | 4 TB |
| Installation Type | Internal Hard Drive |
| Item model number | HAT3300-4T |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 5.79 x 4.02 x 0.79 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 4.02 x 0.79 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | SATA |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 4 TB |
| Hard Drive Rotational Speed | 5400 RPM |
What Buyers Say
A recurring theme is the noise level, with multiple users reporting the drive can be 'quite noisy' or 'loud' during operation, sometimes exceeding fan noise in smaller NAS units. Despite this, many appreciate the seamless integration and firmware updates within Synology DSM, which is a key differentiator from other drives. The drive's reliability specs, like 1 million hours MTBF, provide peace of mind for 24/7 use.
“I bought two of these for my DS923+ and one was DOA, just crackling and wouldn't even format, had to RMA it. The other one works but man, it's louder than I expected, like a constant hum and clicking.”
Common Praise
- Seamless integration and firmware updates within Synology DSM.
- Reliable for 24/7 operation with 1 million hours MTBF.
- Offers ample storage space for photos, videos, and documents.
- Some users experienced faster data transfer speeds compared to their previous drives.
- CMR technology provides consistent performance.
Common Complaints
- Can be noisy, with reported levels of 23-30 dB(A) during operation.
- One user reported a defective drive making crackling noises and failing to initialize DSM.
- Perceived as a rebranded drive, leading to questions about its value compared to non-Synology alternatives.
- 5400 RPM speed is a performance limitation for some users.
Ownership Tips
- The noise level can be a factor, especially if the NAS is in a quiet room.
- The convenience of DSM firmware updates is a real time-saver.
- Despite being a 5400 RPM drive, performance is generally adequate for typical NAS workloads.
- The 'rebranded' aspect is a common discussion point among users, but doesn't seem to impact functionality within Synology systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this drive compatible with non-Synology NAS systems?
While technically compatible with desktops, it's optimized and validated for Synology NAS, so some features like DSM firmware updates won't be available.
What does '1 million hours MTBF' mean?
MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) is a reliability metric indicating the average expected time before a component fails, suggesting a long operational lifespan for this drive.
How do firmware updates work for this drive?
Firmware updates can be performed conveniently and directly within the Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM) interface.
Is this drive noisy?
User reports indicate it can be noisy, with sound levels ranging from 23-30 dB(A) per drive, especially during seek operations.
Is this a rebranded drive?
Yes, the HAT3300 series drives are reportedly rebranded Seagate Ironwolf HDDs.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at hard drives for a NAS, especially a Synology one, you need to think about more than just capacity. This drive is built for 24/7 operation, which means it's designed to run constantly without issues, unlike a desktop drive. The Synology branding here isn't just a label; it means the drive is specifically tested and optimized for their systems, including how it handles firmware updates.
MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures)
This number, 1 million hours here, tells you how long the drive is expected to run before it might fail. Higher numbers mean more reliability, which is crucial for a NAS that's always on.
Workload Rating (180 TB/year)
This spec indicates how much data you can write to the drive annually without voiding the warranty or significantly shortening its lifespan. For a NAS, where data is constantly being accessed and written, a high workload rating is essential.
CMR (Conventional Magnetic Recording)
CMR is a recording technology that offers consistent performance, especially important for NAS arrays where multiple drives work together. It's generally preferred over SMR for NAS due to more predictable write speeds.
Firmware Updates in DSM
This means you don't have to pull the drive out or use special tools to update its internal software; you can do it right from your Synology NAS interface, making maintenance much easier.
Alternatives
If this drive doesn't quite fit, look for other 3.5-inch SATA mechanical hard disks with higher capacities or 7200 RPM rotational speeds for increased performance, ensuring they also have a high MTBF and workload rating for NAS use.
You Might Also Like
Seagate IronWolf Pro SATA III 3.5" Internal NAS Hard Drive, 2-Pack - 8TB
$300-$599A 2-pack of 8TB 7200 RPM CMR internal hard drives with 256MB cache, built for 24/7 multi-bay NAS environments.
QNAP TS-453E-8G-US 4 Bay High-Performance Desktop NAS with Intel Celeron Quad-core Processor, 8 GB DDR4 RAM and Dual 2.5GbE (2.5G/1G/100M) Network Connectivity (Diskless)
$600+A 4-bay diskless NAS with an Intel Celeron J6412, 8GB DDR4 RAM, dual 2.5GbE, and M.2 NVMe slots for businesses needing long-term support.
Seagate Exos 28TB Internal Hard Drive HDD - 3.5 in CMR SATA 6Gb/s, 7200 RPM, 512MB Cache, 2.5M MTBF - ST28000NM000C (Renewed)
$300-$599This 28TB, 7200 RPM, 3.5-inch CMR SATA 6Gb/s renewed hard drive is for serious data hoarders needing massive capacity at a lower price point.
1TB G-Drive ArmorATD Rugged, Durable Portable External HDD, Up to 130MB/s, USB-C (5Gbps), USB 3.2 Gen 1 – SDPHE1G-001T
$50-$99A 1TB mechanical hard drive with a 130MB/s read speed and USB-C (5Gbps) connectivity, built for users needing rugged, portable storage for school or creative projects.