NAS or network-attached storage is a kind of storage device that has a large capacity for storing data. The network-attached feature implies that it can be accessed from multiple devices at the same time. This ease of connectivity improves the reach and purpose of the HDD. It is advantageous in a commercial setup where there are multiple devices. It is also useful if you have many systems and would like to access the same data from each one of them.
As NAS HDDs are hard disk drive type of storage, they have a mechanical disk and arm. They have extremely high capacity that is useful for handling large volumes. You can expect reliability and security while dealing with large volumes of data.
Factors for considering the best NAS hard drive in 2021
Before deciding on the right NAS hard drive for your system, you must consider the features and specifications. Depending on your workload, you can choose the one with the perfect capacity, speed, and many other features.
1. Capacity
It is one of the main features that can determine the right kind of NAS HDD for your system. Measured in terms of GB or TB shows the amount of data that the system can handle. As a higher capacity will provide the primary benefit of larger volumes, you may consider going for something like 2TB, 4TB, 8TB, or even 12TB for exceptional capacity.
2. RPM
RPM tells us about the spinning action of the disk inside the HDD. A NAS HDD with a spinning speed of up to 7200rpm can deliver excellent results.
3. Cache
All the NAS HDDs have an in-built cache for high-speed flash storage. This can help with random access speeds. Besides these factors, it is also important to consider the SATA, saturation, platters, magnetic recording, and warranty length.
4. Transfer speeds
This can provide a clear idea of the rate at which the HDD transfers data. The parameter is essential when you are dealing with larger files. It can ensure quick and uninterrupted transfer even with larger streams of data. You would notice any significant lagging that is usually seen with more data.
5. Workload rating
Workload rating gives an idea of the amount of data that can be stored in a year. It is a good parameter to judge reliability while handling sensitive or important data in a workplace. Generally, you can go with a NAS HDD with a decent workload rating of up to 180TB/year. But if your work demands continuous processing on a round-the-clock basis, you may need something as high as 300TB/year.
6. Warranty
Most of the NAS HDDs offer a two- or three-year warranty period. If you are looking for long-term options for larger files, you may find options with a five-year warranty period.
Best NAS HDD
1. Seagate IronWolf 4TB NAS Internal HDD
With a variety of storage options from 6TB up to 12TB, this HDD from Seagate is an excellent option for large volumes of data. It runs at 7200rpm and can run throughout the day with exceptional performance capability. You would not find it extremely quiet without any worries about noise.
2. Western Digital Red NAS Hard disk drive
This can be called a simple hard disk with exceptional storage capacity. It is ideal for both home and commercial storage and has a capacity of up to 12TB. You can expect fast performance in multi-drive environments. Also, it has strong read and write speeds.
3. WD Gold 4TB Enterprise Class Hard disk drive
Consider it the best choice when you have to store large data on a commercial scale. It has impressive read and write speeds when compared to Seagate’s 12TB offering. You would find the price is comparatively less after considering all the other NAS HDDs in the market. SATA 6Gbps supports it, and its spinning rate is 7200rpm. This ensures fast data transfer, especially when dealing with a larger volume. The cache capacity is 128MB.
4. WD Red Pro WD6003FFBX 6TB
Take advantage of the large capacity at an affordable price when you pick this NAS HDD. It delivers excellent performance with impressive reliability. You would not encounter any major mechanical issues even while running it constantly. It has 3D Active Balance Plug tech and NASware tech that improves its reliability. You can expect reduced downtime. The NASware technology offers exceptional system performance and simplifies the integration process.
5. Seagate Exos 12TB Internal Hard Drive Enterprise HDD
Capability and cost-effectiveness are two correct terms that describe this HDD. It has a large capacity of up to 12TB that is large enough for different applications, programs, files, images, and videos. It supports a 6Gbps SATA interface for connectivity. The cache capacity is 128MB, and RPM is 7200. The primary purpose of this HDD is to tackle heavy applications that demand large streams of data. This makes it ideal for enterprise and commercial setup as opposed to home desktops. It features TurboBoost technology to improve performance. It also has Advanced Write Caching that ensures power efficiency while minimizing the risk of data loss.
6. Toshiba N300 8TB NAS
Reliability is the central highlight for this particular NAS HDD. With a capacity of up to 8TB and 128 cache, it has the capability for efficient performance. The spinning speed is 7200rpm. It has integrated RV sensors inside the disk that can reduce the effect of rotational vibration of the components. It also has a 256MB buffer and scalability to accommodate up to eight drive bays in a multi-raid environment.
A large capacity drive that can run 24*7 is the primary requirement of opting for NAS HDDs. You can pick the right option after careful consideration of performance, speed, capacity, and cost. If you are looking for an entry-level option at a low cost, you can pick Western Digital WD10EFRX with a capacity of up to 1TB. It runs at a lower 5400 RPM, but you can expect a workload rating of up to 180TB/yr.