Western Digital 2TB WD Blue PC Internal Hard Drive HDD - 5400 RPM, SATA 6 Gb/s, 64 MB Cache, 3.5" - WD20EARZ (Renewed)
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AI Verdict
A 2TB, 5400 RPM, 64 MB cache, 3.5-inch renewed mechanical hard drive for secondary storage in desktops or NAS systems.
This 2TB 5400 RPM renewed drive is a cost-effective solution for bulk storage where speed isn't the primary concern. Its 64 MB cache and 5400 RPM limit its utility for active applications or operating systems, making it best suited for archival or backup roles. The renewed status introduces an element of uncertainty regarding its long-term reliability.
If you need faster performance for an operating system or frequently accessed applications, look for a 7200 RPM drive with a larger cache (128MB or 256MB) or, ideally, an SSD.
Regret Score™
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Critically weak dimension
Amazon rating vs actual quality
Chance this product isn't for you
Pros
- Offers 2000 GB of storage capacity for large files.
- Utilizes SATA 6 Gb/s interface for broad compatibility.
- Designed with WD GreenPower technology to minimize power consumption and heat.
- Features NoTouch Ramp Load technology to protect data by keeping the recording head off the disk.
- IntelliSeek optimizes seek speeds, contributing to quieter operation.
- Standard 3.5-inch form factor ensures easy integration into most desktop and NAS enclosures.
Cons
- 5400 RPM spindle speed results in slower data access compared to 7200 RPM drives.
- 64 MB cache is smaller than some newer 2TB HDD models, potentially impacting performance for frequently accessed data.
- Renewed status means variable lifespan and potentially shorter warranty than new drives.
- Performance can decrease when the drive approaches full capacity, with reported read speeds dropping from 190 MB/s to 160 MB/s at 56% capacity.
Dimension Scores
The 5400 RPM spindle speed and 64 MB cache are below average for modern internal hard drives, with reported speeds dropping to 160 MB/s when filled.
WD Blue drives generally have a reputation for reliability, but the 'renewed' status introduces variability, making it an average score for this specific offering.
2000 GB provides substantial storage for large files, making it a strong fit for its intended use as secondary or archival storage.
The standard 3.5-inch form factor and SATA 6 Gb/s interface ensure broad compatibility with desktops and NAS systems [cite: Product Description].
Best For
- Archiving large media collections like photos, videos, and music.
- Backup storage for important documents and system images.
- Secondary storage in a desktop PC for less frequently accessed files.
- NAS systems where energy efficiency and bulk storage are prioritized over raw speed.
Not Recommended For
- Primary operating system drive for a desktop PC.
- Gaming libraries requiring fast load times and frequent data access.
- Heavy-duty workstations or applications with continuous reading and writing.
- Users expecting SSD-like performance for everyday tasks.
Watch Out For
- Slower performance for demanding tasks due to 5400 RPM speed and 64 MB cache.
- Read speeds can drop from 190 MB/s to 160 MB/s as the drive fills past 50% capacity.
- As a renewed product, the actual lifespan and warranty coverage might be less predictable than a new drive.
- Some WD Blue drives (though not explicitly confirmed for WD20EARZ) use SMR technology, which can lead to significantly slower sustained write speeds.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0FWCNQW1H |
| Brand | Western Digital |
| Color | Blue |
| Series | WD Blue HDD |
| Language | English |
| Hard Drive | 2 TB Mechanical Hard Disk |
| Item Weight | 15.8 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Western Digital Technologies, Inc. |
| Special Feature | Portable |
| Flash Memory Size | 2 TB |
| Installation Type | Internal Hard Drive |
| Item model number | WD20EARZ |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop, NAS systems |
| Product Dimensions | 5.79 x 4 x 1.03 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 1.03 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | SATA |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 2000 GB |
| Hard Drive Rotational Speed | 5400 RPM |
What Buyers Say
With a 3.8/5 rating from only 6 reviews, specific user feedback for this renewed WD20EARZ is limited, but general sentiment for 5400 RPM WD Blue drives points to them being suitable for bulk storage rather than performance-critical roles. Users often highlight the trade-off between its lower speed and its suitability for archiving media or backups. The 'renewed' aspect means some buyers might get a drive that looks and functions like new, while others might experience the typical uncertainties of refurbished electronics.
“Look, it's 2TB for cheap, so I'm using it for my movie collection and it's fine, but don't expect it to be fast for games or anything, it's definitely not for that.”
Common Praise
- Provides ample 2TB storage space for media and backups.
- Operates quietly, reducing system noise.
- Energy-efficient design helps keep power consumption and heat low [cite: Product Description].
- Works well as an archiving drive for media files.
Common Complaints
- Noticeably slower than 7200 RPM drives, especially for OS or active applications.
- Performance can degrade when the drive is significantly filled.
- Not ideal for continuous reading and writing tasks.
- The 'renewed' nature can lead to concerns about long-term durability and warranty.
Ownership Tips
- The drive remains relatively quiet even after extended use, which is a plus for desktop or NAS environments.
- Transferring very large files (hundreds of GBs) can take a noticeable amount of time due to the 5400 RPM speed.
- The actual capacity available after formatting is closer to 1.81 TB.
- It runs cooler than older 7200 RPM drives I've used, which is good for system longevity.
- Initial setup was straightforward, with no immediate issues detected by diagnostic tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this hard drive suitable for installing an operating system?
No, the 5400 RPM speed and 64 MB cache will result in significantly slower boot times and application loading compared to a 7200 RPM drive or an SSD. It's better for secondary storage.
What is the typical read/write speed of this drive?
Initial read speeds can be around 190 MB/s, but users have reported drops to 160 MB/s or lower once the drive is more than half full.
Can I use this drive in a NAS (Network Attached Storage) system?
Yes, it is compatible with NAS systems. Its energy-efficient design makes it suitable for less demanding NAS applications like media streaming or file archiving, but not for high-performance NAS workloads.
What does 'Renewed' mean for this product?
Renewed products are pre-owned and inspected to work and look like new. While they offer a lower price, the long-term reliability and warranty might vary compared to a brand-new drive.
Is this drive noisy?
The WD GreenPower technology and IntelliSeek feature are designed to minimize noise and vibration, making it a relatively quiet option for a mechanical hard drive [cite: Product Description].
Buying Guide
When you're looking at hard drives, especially renewed ones, you need to think about what you're actually going to use it for. This isn't a speed demon; it's a workhorse for storing lots of stuff. If you're just dumping photos, videos, or backups, the slower speed won't bother you much. But if you plan to install your operating system or games on it, you'll feel the slowdown every time you boot up or load a level.
5400 RPM
This is how fast the platters inside the drive spin. Think of it like a record player; a faster spin (like 7200 RPM) means the read/write head can access data quicker. 5400 RPM is slower, so data access and transfer speeds will be lower, but it often means less noise and heat.
64 MB Cache
The cache is a small, fast memory buffer on the drive. It temporarily stores frequently accessed data, speeding things up. A larger cache (like 128 MB or 256 MB) can help mask some of the slowness of a 5400 RPM drive, but 64 MB is on the smaller side for a 2TB drive.
Renewed
This means the drive isn't brand new; it's been used, potentially repaired, and then resold. It's usually cheaper, but you might get a drive with more hours on it or a shorter warranty. It's a bit of a gamble, but often a good value if you're on a tight budget and the seller has a good return policy.
Alternatives
If you need faster performance for your main drive or applications, look for an internal hard drive with 7200 RPM and a larger cache, or consider a solid-state drive (SSD) for significantly better speed.
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