Western Digital 8TB WD Red Pro NAS Internal Hard Drive HDD - 7200 RPM, SATA 6 Gb/s, CMR, 256 MB Cache, 3.5" - WD8005FFBX
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AI Verdict
This 8TB, 7200 RPM CMR drive with a 550TB/yr workload rating is for multi-bay NAS systems needing high endurance and performance.
This 8TB WD Red Pro drive is a strong fit for demanding NAS environments due to its 7200 RPM speed, CMR technology, and 550TB/yr workload rating, ensuring it handles continuous, high-intensity data operations. Its design for 24x7 multi-user systems aligns directly with the needs of commercial and enterprise NAS.
If you need even higher capacity or a slightly different performance profile, look for WD Red Pro drives in capacities up to 24TB.
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Pros
- Features CMR technology, preferred for NAS RAID arrays to maintain data integrity.
- Offers 7200 RPM spindle speed and SATA 6 Gb/s interface for faster data access and transfer speeds.
- Rated for a 550TB/yr workload, indicating high endurance for demanding 24x7 multi-user environments.
- Designed for 24x7 operation in commercial and enterprise NAS systems.
- Comes with a 256 MB cache to improve performance.
- Extensively tested for compatibility with a wide range of NAS system vendors.
Cons
- Can generate noticeable noise, including clicks, clanks, and buzzes, which some users find distracting.
- May produce strong vibrations that can be amplified by certain PC cases.
- Initial warranty registration on WD's website sometimes incorrectly shows 3 years instead of the stated 5 years, requiring user intervention.
- Higher power consumption and heat generation compared to lower RPM drives.
- Some users reported a 3-year timer in recent WD firmware that triggers Synology NAS warning status, even if the drive is functional.
Dimension Scores
The 7200 RPM spindle speed and SATA 6 Gb/s interface provide faster data access compared to 5400 RPM drives, with users reporting fast large file transfers.
Rated for a 550TB/yr workload and engineered for 24x7 multi-user NAS environments, indicating high endurance and a 5-year warranty.
8000 GB is a substantial capacity, fitting well for mid-to-large scale NAS systems that require significant storage for data archiving and active use.
Western Digital extensively partners with NAS system vendors for testing, ensuring broad compatibility with most NAS enclosures.
Best For
- Multi-bay RAID-optimized NAS systems requiring consistent performance.
- Commercial or enterprise NAS environments with high data traffic and continuous operation.
- Users needing a high workload rate of 550TB/yr for intensive data storage and retrieval.
- Environments where data integrity and drive longevity are priorities over absolute silence.
Not Recommended For
- Single-bay or basic home NAS setups where low noise and minimal power consumption are critical.
- Budget-focused users who do not require the 550TB/yr workload rating or 5-year warranty.
- Desktop PC storage where a quieter, lower-power drive might be preferred for general use.
Watch Out For
- Warranty registration often defaults to 3 years on WD's website, requiring users to contact support with proof of purchase to correct it to the advertised 5 years.
- The 7200 RPM spindle speed contributes to audible noise, with reports of clicking, clanking, and buzzing sounds from the drive.
- Strong vibrations from the drive have been reported, which can be amplified and cause a low-frequency humming noise when mounted in certain PC cases.
- Some users experienced Synology NAS warning statuses after 3 years due to a firmware timer, even when the drive was still operating correctly.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0D1V2K4LJ |
| Brand | WD |
| Color | Red |
| Series | WD Red Pro |
| Language | English |
| Batteries | 1 AAAA batteries required. |
| Hard Drive | 8 TB Mechanical Hard Disk |
| Item Weight | 1.47 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Western Digital Technologies, Inc. |
| Special Feature | For RAID-optimized NAS system |
| Flash Memory Size | 8 TB |
| Installation Type | Internal Hard Drive |
| Item model number | WD8005FFBX-SPCAKN0 |
| Compatible Devices | Network Attached Storage |
| Product Dimensions | 1.4 x 4.3 x 5.7 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 | 1.4 x 4.3 x 5.7 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | SATA |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 8000 GB |
| Hard Drive Rotational Speed | 7200 RPM |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
What Buyers Say
The most surprising feedback is the recurring issue with WD's warranty system, where users frequently have to manually correct their 3-year warranty to the advertised 5 years by contacting support. Many users appreciate the drive's speed for large file transfers, but a significant number report noticeable noise and vibration, describing it as clicking, clanking, or buzzing. Despite these noise concerns, the drive is often chosen for its perceived sturdiness and suitability for 24x7 NAS operation.
“Man, this drive is fast for my Plex server, but seriously, the clicking noise is driving me nuts when the NAS is in the living room. And I had to fight with WD support to get my 5-year warranty sorted out, what a hassle.”
Common Praise
- Transfers large files like zip or ISO quickly.
- Considered a trusted brand for storage solutions.
- High storage capacity is useful for RAID arrays.
- Rebuilds data flawlessly after an older drive failure.
- Designed to handle vibrations in demanding environments.
Common Complaints
- Makes a clicking noise every 5 seconds even when idle.
- Generates random clicks, clanks, and buzzes, making it distracting to sit near.
- Vibrates strongly, causing a low-frequency humming noise when amplified by the PC case.
- WD's website often shows a 3-year warranty instead of the 5-year warranty, requiring user intervention to correct.
- Recent WD firmware triggers Synology NAS warning status after 3 years, even if the drive is still functional.
Ownership Tips
- The drive's noise level can be significantly reduced by placing the NAS on a soft cushion.
- Checking and correcting the warranty period on WD's website immediately after purchase is necessary for many users.
- The 7200 RPM speed, while beneficial for performance, means it runs hotter than lower RPM drives, requiring adequate NAS cooling.
- The drive's vibrations can be a bigger issue in smaller, less robust NAS enclosures or PC cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this drive SMR or CMR?
This specific WD Red Pro drive uses CMR (Conventional Magnetic Recording) technology, which is generally preferred for NAS and RAID configurations due to its consistent performance.
What is the warranty period for this drive?
The WD Red Pro series typically comes with a 5-year limited warranty. However, some users have reported that initial registration on the WD website may show a 3-year warranty, requiring contact with customer support to correct it.
Can this drive be used in a desktop computer?
While technically compatible with a desktop PC, this drive is optimized for Network Attached Storage (NAS) systems, particularly those operating 24x7 in multi-user environments. It might be noisier and consume more power than a desktop-specific drive.
How does the WD Red Pro compare to the WD Red Plus?
The WD Red Pro (7200 RPM) generally offers higher performance and a 5-year warranty, along with a higher workload rating, making it suitable for more demanding NAS environments. The WD Red Plus typically has a 3-year warranty, can be quieter, and might have slightly slower speeds, fitting less intensive NAS use cases.
Is this drive noisy?
User feedback indicates that this 7200 RPM drive can produce audible noise, such as clicks, clanks, and buzzing, and may generate strong vibrations, especially when idle or if the NAS enclosure amplifies sound.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at hard drives for a NAS, you need to think about how much data you're storing, how often you'll access it, and if it's running all the time. This isn't like a drive for your desktop PC; NAS drives are built for continuous operation and often in multi-drive setups. You'll want something that can handle the workload and keep your data safe, especially if you're using RAID.
Capacity (8000 GB)
Interface (SATA 6 Gb/s)
Drive Type (Mechanical Hard Disk)
Workload Rate (550TB/yr)
Alternatives
If this drive is too noisy or consumes too much power for your home setup, look for NAS drives with lower RPMs (like 5400 RPM or variable RPM) and potentially a lower workload rating. If you need even faster performance for specific applications, consider a NAS-optimized SSD for caching or primary storage.
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