Western Digital 12TB WD Red Plus NAS Internal Hard Drive HDD - 7200 RPM, SATA 6 GB/s, CMR, 512 MB Cache, 3.5" - WD120EFGX
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AI Verdict
This 12TB, 7200 RPM, CMR drive with a 512MB cache is built for 24x7 small to medium business NAS systems with up to 8 bays.
This drive is a strong fit for its intended purpose: small to medium business and power user NAS systems. Its 12000 GB capacity, 7200 RPM speed, CMR technology, and 180 TB/year workload rating align perfectly with the demands of a 24x7 multi-bay NAS environment.
If you need higher sustained transfer rates for very demanding applications, look for drives with reported speeds above 200 MB/s.
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Pros
- Offers a substantial 12000 GB capacity for data storage needs.
- Designed for continuous 24x7 operation in NAS environments.
- Features CMR (Conventional Magnetic Recording) technology, which is preferred for RAID arrays.
- Supports a high workload rate of up to 180 TB/year, suitable for active NAS systems.
- Includes NASware firmware for optimized compatibility and performance within NAS systems.
- Backed by a 3-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
Cons
- Sustained transfer rate of 196 MB/s is slower than some competing NAS drives, like the IronWolf NAS HDD at 210 MB/s.
- The 512MB cache WD120EFGX model might be air-filled, potentially leading to higher noise levels compared to older helium-filled 256MB cache models.
- Some users report audible noise, especially when multiple drives are in operation, which can be a concern for home NAS setups in quiet environments.
Dimension Scores
The sustained transfer rate of 196 MB/s is competitive for a 7200 RPM HDD but falls slightly behind some direct NAS competitors rated at 210 MB/s.
With a 180 TB/year workload rate, 1 million hours MTBF, and a 3-year warranty, this drive is built for continuous, demanding NAS operation.
A 12000 GB capacity is substantial, making it highly suitable for large data storage, archiving, and multi-media serving in NAS systems.
This drive is explicitly designed, tested, and optimized with NASware firmware for compatibility with NAS systems up to 8 bays.
Best For
- Small to medium business NAS systems requiring 24x7 operation.
- Home users building a multi-bay NAS for archiving and sharing large media libraries (e.g., Plex servers).
- RAID array rebuilding on systems using ZFS and other file systems, due to CMR technology.
Not Recommended For
- Users prioritizing absolute silence for a desktop PC or a NAS in a bedroom, due to potential noise from the air-filled design.
- Budget-constrained buyers seeking the lowest price per TB, as shucked external drives or used enterprise drives can offer lower costs.
Watch Out For
- The 512MB cache WD120EFGX model has been noted by users to potentially be air-filled, which can result in a louder operating noise compared to older 256MB cache helium-filled drives.
- Performance benchmarks show a sustained transfer rate of 196 MB/s, which is 14 MB/s slower than some competitors in the NAS drive category.
- Some users report noticeable noise during operation, particularly seeking sounds, which can be disruptive in quiet environments.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0F4R6SNJG |
| Brand | WD |
| Color | Red |
| Series | WD Red Plus |
| Hard Drive | 12 TB Mechanical Hard Disk |
| Item Weight | 1.61 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Western Digital |
| Special Feature | Dust Resistant |
| Flash Memory Size | 12 TB |
| Hardware Platform | WD |
| Installation Type | Internal Hard Drive |
| Item model number | WD120EFGX-SPCPHN0 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 5.79 x 4 x 1.52 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 | 5.79 x 4 x 1.52 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | SATA |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 12000 GB |
| Hard Drive Rotational Speed | 7200 RPM |
What Buyers Say
The main thing I'm seeing is that while this 12TB WD Red Plus drive generally gets the job done for NAS setups, there's a real buzz about its noise levels, especially compared to older versions. Many users appreciate the 12TB capacity and its suitability for 24/7 operation in RAID arrays. However, the shift to a potentially air-filled design for the 512MB cache model (WD120EFGX) seems to be a point of contention, with some finding it noticeably louder than expected for a 'Red' drive. Performance is considered adequate, but not class-leading, with some benchmarks showing it slightly slower than rivals.
“Ugh, another drive for my Plex server, and it's definitely louder than my old Red Plus ones. I mean, it works, 12TB is 12TB, but seriously, the noise when it's spinning up or seeking is just... there. Wish they kept the quiet helium design for this capacity. My ears can tell the difference!”
Common Praise
- Works reliably 24/7 in NAS enclosures for extended periods.
- Provides ample 12000 GB storage for large data hoarding and media collections.
- CMR technology is ideal for RAID configurations, avoiding SMR issues.
- Good value when purchased at or below $15 per TB.
Common Complaints
- Can be audibly noisy, particularly during seek operations, which is a downgrade from older, quieter helium-filled models.
- Sustained transfer speeds are slightly lower than some competing NAS drives.
- The 512MB cache model (WD120EFGX) is suspected to be air-filled, contributing to increased noise compared to the 256MB cache (WD120EFBX) helium models.
Ownership Tips
- The drive's noise profile can change significantly depending on whether it's an air-filled or helium-filled variant, with the 512MB cache model often being air-filled and louder.
- While rated for 24/7, the audible noise might make it unsuitable for NAS placement in living areas or bedrooms.
- Performance is consistent for typical NAS tasks like streaming and file storage, but don't expect SSD-like responsiveness for heavy, concurrent I/O operations.
- Running multiple of these drives in a single enclosure can amplify the overall noise, so acoustic dampening might be necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this drive SMR or CMR?
This WD Red Plus 12TB drive uses CMR (Conventional Magnetic Recording) technology, which is generally preferred for NAS and RAID applications over SMR.
Is this drive suitable for 24/7 operation?
Yes, the WD Red Plus series is specifically designed and tested for 24x7 operation in NAS systems.
What is the warranty period for this drive?
This drive comes with a 3-year limited warranty from Western Digital.
How does the 512MB cache affect performance?
The 512MB cache helps improve performance by temporarily storing frequently accessed data, but some users have noted that this specific 512MB cache model (WD120EFGX) might be air-filled, potentially impacting noise levels compared to older helium-filled models.
Can I use this drive in a desktop PC?
While technically compatible with desktops, this drive is optimized for NAS environments. Desktop drives might offer different performance characteristics or acoustic profiles more suited for single-drive PC use.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at hard drives for a NAS, you're not just buying storage; you're buying a workhorse that needs to run constantly. You need to think about how much data you'll actually store, how often you'll access it, and if you're building a RAID array for data protection. Don't just grab the cheapest drive; look for ones specifically designed for NAS with features like CMR and higher workload ratings.
Capacity (12000 GB)
This is how much data the drive can hold. 12TB is a lot, like having a massive digital library. For a NAS, bigger is often better to avoid running out of space quickly, especially if you're storing large media files or backups.
CMR (Conventional Magnetic Recording)
This refers to how data is written to the disk. CMR drives write data in parallel tracks, which is crucial for consistent performance in NAS and RAID setups where data is constantly being written and rewritten. SMR drives, which write overlapping tracks, can slow down dramatically under heavy use.
Workload Rate (180 TB/year)
This spec tells you how much data can be written to and read from the drive annually without exceeding its design limits. A higher workload rate means the drive is built to handle more intense, continuous activity, which is exactly what a 24/7 NAS does.
7200 RPM
Revolutions Per Minute indicates the speed at which the platters spin. 7200 RPM drives are faster than 5400 RPM drives, offering quicker data access and transfer speeds, which is beneficial for a responsive NAS experience, especially when multiple users or applications are accessing data.
Alternatives
If this drive's performance isn't enough, search for NAS drives with higher sustained transfer rates, typically above 200 MB/s. If noise is a major concern, look for drives explicitly advertised as helium-filled or with lower dBA ratings, even if it means sacrificing some capacity or speed.
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