by 121 reviews.
MaxDigitalData 6TB 7200RPM 128MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5-inch Internal Hard Drive Review: A Mixed Bag of Performance and Reliability
The MaxDigitalData 6TB 7200RPM 128MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5-inch Internal Hard Drive (MD6000GSA12872NAS) is a renewed NAS-optimized hard drive designed for professionals and teams seeking high-capacity storage solutions. With a 6TB capacity, 128MB cache, and 7200 RPM speed, this drive promises fast data access, reduced noise, and long-term reliability. It’s backed by a 3-year warranty, making it an attractive option for those on a budget. But does it live up to its promises? Let’s dive into the pros and cons based on real customer experiences.
Pros and Cons: A Detailed Breakdown
Performance and Speed
One of the standout features of this drive is its performance. Many users reported impressive read and write speeds, often exceeding 200MB/s, which is excellent for a SATA hard drive. One customer noted that it outperformed their WD Green drive by 100MB/s, making it a significant upgrade for their NAS system.
However, performance isn’t flawless. A few users encountered issues with cyclic redundancy checks (CRC errors) after transferring large amounts of data. One reviewer shared their frustration, stating that they had never encountered such issues in over 30 years of computing. While these cases seem isolated, they highlight potential quality control concerns.
Build Quality and Durability
The MaxDigitalData drive is marketed as a NAS-optimized solution, designed to minimize wear and tear, reduce noise, and handle continuous operation. Many users praised its quiet operation and solid build quality. One reviewer even mentioned that the packaging was exceptional, with anti-static and bubble wrap protection that exceeded their expectations.
On the flip side, durability has been a mixed bag. Several customers reported receiving dead-on-arrival (DOA) drives, with one user experiencing a clicking noise upon installation. While replacements were often sent promptly, this raises concerns about the drive’s reliability during shipping and its overall quality control.
Value for Money
For many, the affordable price of the MaxDigitalData drive is its biggest selling point. Users who compared it to more expensive brands like WD Red and IronWolf found that it delivered similar or even better performance at a fraction of the cost. One customer saved hundreds of dollars by using these drives in their 6-8 bay NAS devices, and they were thrilled with the results.
However, the lower price comes with trade-offs. Some users received enterprise drives instead of NAS-optimized ones, which, while not a dealbreaker for desktop use, was disappointing for those specifically looking for NAS compatibility. Additionally, a few customers reported issues with the 3-year warranty, citing difficulties in reaching the vendor for support after the Amazon return period expired.
Customer Support and Warranty
The 3-year warranty is a significant selling point, offering peace of mind for buyers. However, customer experiences with support have been inconsistent. While some users received prompt replacements for DOA drives, others struggled to contact the vendor for assistance. One reviewer shared their frustration after a drive started showing "caution" in CrystalDiskInfo 18 months into the warranty period, with no resolution in sight.
Conclusion: Is the MaxDigitalData 6TB NAS Hard Drive Worth It?
The MaxDigitalData 6TB 7200RPM 128MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5-inch Internal Hard Drive is a mixed bag. On one hand, it offers excellent performance, quiet operation, and great value for money, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious users. On the other hand, quality control issues, DOA units, and inconsistent customer support detract from its overall appeal.
If you’re willing to take a chance and prioritize affordability, this drive could be a solid addition to your NAS or desktop setup. However, if reliability and long-term support are your top priorities, you might want to consider more established brands despite their higher price tags.
Final Verdict
A decent budget option with some caveats—worth considering if you’re prepared to handle potential hiccups.
Specification MaxDigitalData 6TB 7200RPM 128MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5inch Internal Hard Drive for NAS Network Storage (MD6000GSA12872NAS) - 3 Years Warranty (Renewed):
Comments from Amazon:
I copied about 2 TB of data to this new drive. The copy operation reported NO errors. Yet I was left with multiple, scattered "cyclic redundancy checks" (poison files.) I'm glad that I tried a Reflect backup, it found them quickly by reporting that it could not handle them. In over 30 years of personal computing I have NEVER encountered such a peculiar occurence. Thankfully I kept the original 5 y.o. WD drive for backup. I promptly returned this MDD and its sister HD (that I no longer trust.) Done with this brand.
I received mine and the first impression was not good, because I ordered a NAS drive and I received an Enterprise drive. Anyway I will use it for a desktop computer, so it doesn't make any difference for me. I installed it and ran CristalDiskInfo. The program said it is a new drive, with cero power on hours and cero power on count, so I imagine the drive is new. Then I checked it with CristalDiskMark and the write and read speeds are more than 200 MB/s, which is very good for a SATA hard drive. Satisfied so far.
6 TB internal hard drive. Good value and price! Shipment was on time.
OK guys. Just opened the packaging and have to say theses drives are packed very well, antistatic and bubble rap. Above and beyond anything I've ever seen, that includes OEMs. The accompanying documentation is, compared to others, excelent. It gives very detailed instructions for Windows and Apple systems with links to other resources to help even more. Haven't installed the drives yet but I am sure they will work well. I'll update if things go sideways.
It seems I am always upgrading the drives in my NAS devices and after paying through the nose for WD Red and Iron Wolf drives for many years, I finally decided to go with a cheaper model and while these are cheaper in price, the tests I ran on them all gave the same (or in some cases, better) results than their much more expensive counterparts. These drives saved me hundreds of dollars per NAS (6-8 drive NAS devices) and once I repaired the arrays, they continued to work at an outstanding level.
In Feb. 2022 I ordered two of these drives. One was dead on arrival, and was promptly replaced. Now, 18 months into a 3-year warranty -- and beyond Amazon's return period -- another is making noise when active and showing "caution" in Crystal DiskInfo. I have not been able to reach anyone at vendor DBSKY. Performance acceptable -- would not buy again.
I was wondering if I made a bad choice because the drive arrived DOA (Just made a clicking noise) I took a chance and had a replacement sent which they used a different carrier to ship it, I think the first package was dropped and damaged the drive. From what I can tell I think it's a rebranded Seagate. ether way it outperforms the WD Green I was using by 100MB/s For the price and the warranty I'm liking the drive plus it's quite. Would buy again.