by 15 reviews.
HGST 0F31284 Ultrastar DC HC530 14TB Hard Drive Review: A Renewed Powerhouse for Your Storage Needs
If you're in the market for a high-capacity, reliable hard drive that won't break the bank, the HGST 0F31284 Ultrastar DC HC530 14TB 7200RPM SATA 6Gb/s Hard Drive might just be the perfect fit. This renewed 3.5-inch internal hard drive is designed for desktop use, offering a whopping 14TB of storage, a 7200 RPM speed, and a 512MB cache for fast data access. Whether you're a gamer, content creator, or IT professional, this drive promises to handle your data-intensive tasks with ease.
But is it worth your investment? Let’s dive into the pros and cons based on real customer experiences.
Pros: What Customers Love About the HGST Ultrastar DC HC530
1. Exceptional Performance and Speed
Many users have praised the drive's performance, especially for demanding tasks like video editing and data storage. One customer mentioned using it as a scratch disk for Adobe Premiere Pro, and it performed flawlessly. The 7200 RPM speed and 512MB cache ensure quick data access, making it ideal for both personal and professional use.
2. Quiet and Cool Operation
Several reviewers highlighted the drive's quiet operation, even when tucked away in a network closet. One user compared it to their previous 12TB Ironwolf drives, noting that the HGST drives run cooler and quieter. This is likely due to the helium-filled design, which reduces friction and heat, extending the drive's lifespan.
3. Great Value for Money
The renewed status of this drive makes it an affordable alternative to brand-new models. Many customers were pleasantly surprised by the quality, with some even claiming that the drives appeared to be brand new. One reviewer purchased eleven drives and found all of them to have 0 cycles and 0 hours on the SMART info, suggesting they were practically unused.
4. Reliable and Durable
Hitachi/Western Digital drives are known for their reliability, and this model is no exception. Multiple users reported using several of these drives without any failures or issues. One customer even mentioned that these drives outperformed their previous SMR drives, making them a solid choice for long-term use.
Cons: What Customers Didn’t Love
1. Potential SMART Warnings
While most users had positive experiences, a few reported SMART warnings for bad blocks. One customer mentioned that two drives had issues, with one eventually failing and producing clicking sounds. This highlights the importance of thoroughly testing renewed drives upon arrival, as their history may not always be clear.
2. Limited Seller Support
A small number of customers faced challenges with seller communication. One reviewer noted that the seller did not respond to emails regarding a faulty drive. While the Amazon Renewed Guarantee offers some protection, it’s worth considering the seller’s reputation before making a purchase.
3. Renewed vs. New Debate
Some customers were skeptical about the "renewed" label, with one pointing out that the drives were manufactured only five months prior to purchase. While this suggests the drives are practically new, it also raises questions about the renewal process and whether it’s necessary for such recent models.
Final Thoughts: Is the HGST Ultrastar DC HC530 Worth It?
The HGST 0F31284 Ultrastar DC HC530 14TB Hard Drive is a powerhouse of storage, offering exceptional performance, quiet operation, and great value for money. Its helium-filled design ensures cooler and quieter performance, while the 7200 RPM speed and 512MB cache make it ideal for demanding tasks.
However, the renewed nature of the product comes with some risks. While most customers received drives in excellent condition, a few encountered SMART warnings or faulty units. Additionally, seller support can be hit or miss, so it’s crucial to purchase from a reputable seller and test the drive thoroughly upon arrival.
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a high-capacity, reliable hard drive at a fraction of the cost of a new model, the HGST Ultrastar DC HC530 is an excellent choice. Just be sure to test it immediately and purchase from a trusted seller to minimize potential issues. For most users, this drive delivers on its promises and offers unbeatable value for money.
Upgrade your storage solution today and experience the perfect blend of speed, durability, and affordability with the HGST Ultrastar DC HC530!
Specification HGST 0F31284 3.5inch 14TB 7200RPM 512MB SATA 6Gb/s 512e SE Ultrastar DC HC530 (Renewed):
Comments from Amazon:
Not sure what else to say about this HDD - it works, its holding my video data which is why I purchased it. I can run Premiere Pro and use this as a scratch disk and its fine as well as the source disk. Though I do need more capacity, so...........
It's very good. I use it well. It's cheap and it seems no different from a new product. It's the best value for money.
I've had several of these in use, and no failures or issues.
2 drives, each have SMART warnings for bad blocks. 1 of the 2 drives is now just clicking. Seller is not returning emails. as a reminder the drives are used and all S.M.A.R.T info is reset, So they may appear new but could have lots of hours.
So far I have purchased a total of eleven of these drives from Tech on Tech. All eleven came with 0 cycles and 0 hours on the SMART info - I'm pretty sure they are brand new drives. They are quiet, fast, and run cooler than the 12tb Ironwolf drives they replaced (these datacenter drives are filled with helium for reduced friction and therefore less heat and longer life). I have run full formats and full SMART testing on all of them - zero problems. All of them dropped into NAS units without any hiccup. They do come with an adapter if you are plugging into an older power supply, though - I didn't have to deal with that.
The drives were manufactured in August 22 - only 5 months ago. I would hardly call that “renewed” - more like new, to me. They both came right up with no problem and put down 275MBps. Hitachi/Western Digital makes the most reliable drives according to Backblaze. I have purchased 4 other drives over the years this way with no issues. It sure beats shucking SMR drives. I have no complaints.
Ordered three renewed drives for a new network attached storage device. Have worked flawlessly, and packaged better than retail new. Noise level is fully acceptable, the NAS is tucked away in a network closet but even standing over it I cannot hear the drives.