by 4 reviews.
Basicnology Desktop HDD 14TB Review: A High-Capacity Storage Solution with a Few Quirks
If you're in the market for a high-capacity internal hard drive, the Basicnology Desktop HDD 14TB might have caught your eye. With a whopping 14TB of storage, a 7200 RPM speed, and a 128MB cache, this renewed hard drive promises to deliver fast, reliable performance for professionals and enthusiasts alike. But is it worth your investment? Let’s dive into the details based on real customer experiences.
Product Overview
The Basicnology Desktop HDD 14TB is designed for users who need massive storage for large files, media collections, or work archives. Its SATA 6Gb/s interface ensures compatibility with most desktop systems, while advanced cooling technology and error-correction features aim to enhance durability and data integrity. Backed by a 3-year warranty, this hard drive seems like a solid choice for expanding your storage capacity.
However, as with any renewed product, there are some quirks and potential challenges to consider. Let’s break down the pros and cons based on customer feedback.
Pros: What Customers Love
1. Massive Storage Capacity
The 14TB storage capacity is undoubtedly the star feature of this hard drive. Customers appreciate the ability to store large amounts of data, whether it’s for media libraries, backups, or professional projects. One user mentioned using the drive to sync over 8TB of data without any issues, highlighting its reliability for heavy workloads.
2. Affordable Price for Renewed Drives
Many customers were drawn to the Basicnology HDD because of its competitive pricing. At around $100 per drive (as reported by one buyer), it’s a cost-effective way to add significant storage to your system. For those on a budget, this renewed option offers excellent value.
3. Decent Performance
The 7200 RPM speed and 128MB cache ensure quick data access and smooth multitasking. One user noted that the drive handled their data sync tasks efficiently, with no noticeable performance hiccups during initial testing.
4. Compatibility with Older Systems
Some users found that the drive worked seamlessly in older PCs, making it a viable option for upgrading legacy systems. One reviewer even shared a workaround for compatibility issues in newer systems, which we’ll discuss in the cons section.
Cons: What Customers Found Challenging
1. Compatibility Issues with Newer Systems
Several customers reported that the drive didn’t work properly in newer PCs. One user mentioned that their Windows 11 Pro desktop took an unusually long time to boot when the drive was installed, and disk management tools couldn’t detect it. This suggests that the drive may require additional troubleshooting or specific hardware configurations to function correctly in modern systems.
2. Potential USB Drive Origins
A recurring theme in customer reviews is that some of these drives may have originally been part of external USB enclosures. One user shared that they had to use Kapton tape to cover pin 3 on the drive to make it work in their system. While this is a manageable fix, it’s an extra step that some buyers may find inconvenient.
3. Inconsistent Quality
As with many renewed products, the quality of the Basicnology HDD can vary. One customer received a drive that worked perfectly, while another had to return theirs due to detection issues. This inconsistency is something to keep in mind when purchasing renewed hardware.
4. Lack of Clear Instructions
Some users felt that the product could benefit from clearer instructions or additional accessories, such as Kapton tape, to address compatibility issues. One reviewer suggested that the company should remove pin 3 from the drives or include a small piece of tape to simplify the setup process.
Tips for Potential Buyers
If you’re considering the Basicnology Desktop HDD 14TB, here are a few tips to ensure a smooth experience:
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Test the Drive Thoroughly Run a full sector scan and test the drive with encryption software like VeraCrypt to ensure it’s functioning properly. This also protects your data in case the drive fails and needs to be returned.
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Check Compatibility If you’re using a newer system, be prepared to troubleshoot compatibility issues. Using older SATA connections or modifying the drive (e.g., covering pin 3) may be necessary.
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Backup Your Data As with any storage device, always keep backups of your important data. While the drive has error-correction technology, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Final Verdict
The Basicnology Desktop HDD 14TB is a mixed bag. On one hand, it offers an impressive amount of storage at an affordable price, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users. Its performance and compatibility with older systems are also noteworthy.
On the other hand, compatibility issues with newer systems and the potential need for modifications (like covering pin 3) can be frustrating. The inconsistent quality of renewed drives is another factor to consider.
Who is this for?
- Budget-conscious users who need massive storage.
- Those comfortable with troubleshooting and minor hardware modifications.
- Users with older systems or specific hardware setups.
Who should avoid it?
- Users who prefer plug-and-play solutions without any hassle.
- Those with newer systems who aren’t comfortable troubleshooting compatibility issues.
In conclusion, the Basicnology Desktop HDD 14TB is a solid choice for those willing to put in a little extra effort to unlock its potential. However, if you’re looking for a hassle-free experience, you might want to explore other options.
Specification Basicnology Desktop HDD 14TB 7200RPM SATA 6Gb/s 128MB Cache 3.5inch Internal Hard Drive (BG14TSA256D) - 3 Years Warranty (Renewed):
Comments from Amazon:
If you get one of these there is a chance that you get one that is from a USB drive meaning (Like for me) That you may have to use Kapton tape and cover pin 3 so it will work in your drive sled. Improvements for the Company: Simply remove pin 3 from the drives. It's easy enough to clip it to prevent it from being used, and or ship it with a little piece of Kapton tape cause the adapter won't fit all needs.
I had never heard of this brand before but wanted to give them a try. I ordered the drive and it showed up on-time. Installed it in my Win11 Pro desktop as a data drive and the computer took a long time to boot. This was odd as I have never had this issue before. Ran disk management and it too hung for a long time and I was forced to reboot. After the system restarted I used a partitioning program to view the properties of the drive, but it could not be found. Back into the shipping box and returned to Amazon for a full refund.
got two of these drives for $100 each, first one seems fine, haven't done a full test yet but will edit this review when i do more. edit after a few days: sector scan showed no issues and using the drive to sync 8+TB of data, handling everything well. Protip: do at least your initial testing/backups with encryption (VeraCrypt is great) in case the drive fails and you have to return it with data left on it.
I bought 2 drives from the vendor , the 1st drive arrived on time and worked great except it was in an older pc but as soon I plug it into new pc it won't show up and after some troubleshooting I read david reviews and switch the cable by adding older Stat connections that disable power and it worked. For my 2nd drive I already have the cable ready. The drives comes with sata connection so please use that since vendor provided it. These drives are old but in my case they worked. I am waiting for 2nd drive to arrive so I can use it. Overall no issues and thanks to user David