Western Digital 8TB WD Blue PC Internal Hard Drive HDD - 5640 RPM, SATA 6 Gb/s, 256 MB Cache, 3.5" - WD80EAAZ
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AI Verdict
This 8TB, 5640 RPM, SATA 6 Gb/s, 256 MB cache mechanical hard drive is for desktop users needing bulk storage for non-OS files.
This 8TB, 5640 RPM WD Blue drive is a situational fit for desktop users needing vast amounts of secondary storage. Its CMR technology and quiet operation make it suitable for archiving, but its speed limits its use for primary operating systems or performance-critical applications.
If you need faster access times for applications or games, look for a 7200 RPM HDD or an SSD with a SATA 6 Gb/s interface.
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Pros
- Offers 8 TB of storage capacity for large file archives and media libraries.
- Utilizes CMR (Conventional Magnetic Recording) technology, which is generally preferred for sustained write performance over SMR.
- Operates quietly, with some users reporting it's inaudible over typical background PC noise.
- Includes free Acronis True Image WD Edition cloning software for data migration.
- Maintains low operating temperatures, indicating power efficiency.
Cons
- The 5640 RPM rotational speed results in slower data access and transfer speeds compared to 7200 RPM drives.
- Not suitable for use as a primary drive for operating systems or demanding applications due to its mechanical nature and speed.
- Some users report a brief noisy period during cold starts before quieting down.
- Comes with a 2-year limited warranty, which is shorter than some higher-tier drives.
Dimension Scores
The 5640 RPM rotational speed and mechanical nature mean transfer rates are slower than 7200 RPM drives or SSDs, with reported speeds up to 215MB/s.
Users consistently report good reliability over time, with the drive utilizing CMR technology which is known for better sustained performance and longevity in certain use cases.
8 TB is a substantial capacity, making it highly suitable for bulk data storage needs like large media libraries or extensive backups.
The 3.5-inch form factor and SATA 6 Gb/s interface ensure broad compatibility with most desktop PCs.
Best For
- Storing large media collections like movies, music, and photos on a desktop PC.
- Archiving documents and project files that don't require constant, high-speed access.
- Expanding storage in a desktop for secondary backups or a Plex server.
Not Recommended For
- Running your operating system or frequently accessed applications.
- Gaming libraries where fast load times are critical.
- High-performance NAS (Network Attached Storage) systems requiring constant, heavy write operations.
Watch Out For
- The 5640 RPM speed means you'll see slower file transfers than a 7200 RPM drive, with users reporting 'satisfactory' but not fast speeds for general data storage.
- While generally quiet, some users have noted a 'noisy on a cold start' period that takes a minute or two to quiet down.
- The 2-year limited warranty is on the shorter side for a storage device, potentially leaving you exposed sooner than drives with longer coverage.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0CMQ8XBBR |
| Brand | WD |
| Color | Blue |
| Series | WD Blue HDD |
| Language | English |
| Hard Drive | 8 TB Mechanical Hard Disk |
| Item Weight | 1.65 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Western Digital Technologies, Inc. |
| Power Source | No power source |
| Special Feature | Free Acronis True Image WD Edition cloning software |
| Flash Memory Size | 8 TB |
| Installation Type | Internal Hard Drive |
| Item model number | WD80EAAZ |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 11.81 x 11.81 x 11.81 inches |
| Hard Disk Interface | Serial ATA-600 |
| Hard Drive Interface | Serial ATA-600 |
| Hard Disk Description | Mechanical Hard Disk |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 3.5 Inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 11.81 x 11.81 x 11.81 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | SATA |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 8 TB |
| Hard Drive Rotational Speed | 5640 RPM |
What Buyers Say
The most surprising finding from user feedback is how often this 8TB WD Blue drive is praised for its quiet operation, even in external enclosures, despite being a mechanical drive. Many users highlight its suitability for mass data storage, like Plex servers or large photo archives, where its 8TB capacity is a significant advantage. While not a speed demon, its CMR technology is frequently mentioned as a key factor for its perceived reliability and sustained performance for its intended use. Some users did mention a brief noise at startup, but it generally quiets down quickly.
“Look, I just needed a ton of space for my movies and photos, and this 8TB thing does the job without making a racket. It's not fast for games, but for my Plex server, it's perfect. So far, so good!”
Common Praise
- Provides a massive 8 TB of storage for media and backups.
- Operates with very low noise levels, often inaudible in a PC.
- Uses CMR (Conventional Magnetic Recording) for better sustained writes.
- Remains cool during operation, indicating efficient power use.
- Easy to install in desktop PCs.
Common Complaints
- Slower transfer speeds compared to 7200 RPM drives or SSDs.
- Can be briefly noisy on cold boot-up before settling.
- Not ideal for running an operating system or games due to speed.
- The 2-year warranty is shorter than some other drives.
Ownership Tips
- The drive's quiet operation holds up even after months of use, becoming part of the background hum.
- Transferring large, multi-gigabyte files is where the 5640 RPM speed really shows its limits compared to faster drives.
- The included Acronis software is actually useful for initial setup and cloning, saving a step.
- It runs consistently cool, even under extended file transfer sessions, which is a relief for long-term storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this hard drive suitable for a NAS (Network Attached Storage) system?
While it uses CMR technology, which is better than SMR for NAS, it's a desktop drive. For dedicated NAS use with frequent writes, a drive from WD's Red Plus or Pro series is generally recommended for better endurance and features.
Can I use this drive to install my operating system?
You can, but it's not recommended. Its 5640 RPM speed will result in significantly slower boot times and application loading compared to an SSD or even a 7200 RPM hard drive.
Is this drive noisy during operation?
Many users report it operates quietly, often inaudible over other PC components. Some have noted a brief noise during cold starts that subsides quickly.
What is the actual usable capacity of the 8TB drive?
Due to how manufacturers calculate storage (1TB = 1 trillion bytes) versus how operating systems calculate it (1TB = 1,099,511,627,776 bytes), the actual usable capacity will be slightly less than 8TB, typically around 7.27 TB.
Does this drive come with any software?
Yes, it includes free Acronis True Image WD Edition cloning software, which can be useful for migrating data.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at hard drives, you need to think about what you're actually storing. This isn't for your main computer programs or games; it's for all the stuff you don't need instant access to. Think of it as a digital attic for your photos, videos, and documents. The bigger the number in TB, the more stuff you can cram onto it. Don't expect SSD speeds, but for sheer volume, it's a different ballgame.
Capacity (8 TB)
This is how much data the drive can hold, like the size of a storage locker. 8 TB is a huge locker, enough for thousands of movies or hundreds of thousands of photos. More capacity means less worrying about running out of space for your growing digital collection.
RPM (5640)
RPM stands for Revolutions Per Minute, which is how fast the platters inside the hard drive spin. Think of it like how fast a record player spins. A higher RPM (like 7200) means faster data access, while 5640 RPM is slower but often quieter and more power-efficient, making it suitable for bulk storage where speed isn't the top priority.
Cache (256 MB)
The cache is a small, super-fast memory buffer on the drive. It's like a temporary holding area for frequently accessed data, helping to speed up read and write operations. A larger cache, like 256 MB, can make a noticeable difference in performance, especially when handling many small files or repetitive tasks.
CMR (Conventional Magnetic Recording)
This refers to how data is written to the drive's platters. CMR is like writing distinct, separate lines in a notebook. It's generally preferred for sustained performance and reliability, especially in scenarios with frequent writes or in multi-drive setups, over SMR (Shingled Magnetic Recording) which overlaps data tracks.
Alternatives
If you need faster performance for your operating system or games, look for an internal SSD with a SATA 6 Gb/s interface. For a mechanical drive with quicker access for applications, search for 7200 RPM models.
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