by 2 reviews.
MDD 16TB 7200RPM SAS 12.0Gb/s Enterprise Hard Drive Review: A Powerhouse for Data Centers
When it comes to enterprise-grade storage, the MDD 16TB 7200RPM SAS 12.0Gb/s 3.5-inch Internal Enterprise Hard Drive (MDD16TSAS25672E) is a standout option. Designed for hyperscale environments, this hard drive offers a massive 16TB capacity, advanced helium technology, and enterprise-grade reliability. Whether you're managing a data center, running a NAS system, or setting up a RAID configuration, this drive promises to deliver consistent performance and scalability. But how does it hold up in real-world use? Let’s dive into the details based on customer experiences.
Pros and Cons: What Customers Are Saying
Performance and Speed
One of the most praised aspects of the MDD 16TB SAS Hard Drive is its performance. Customers who have used this drive in enterprise environments, such as Dell r720 servers running Proxmox and Docker, report that the SAS interface provides a noticeable speed advantage over SATA. One reviewer mentioned, "SAS is faster and has advantages over SATA, and in this case, it’s far less expensive." The 7200RPM speed and 256MB cache ensure quick data access, making it ideal for high-demand applications.
However, it’s worth noting that SAS drives require a SAS controller and are not compatible with SATA interfaces. This limitation is clearly stated in the product description, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning to use this drive in a system that only supports SATA.
Capacity and Value
The 16TB capacity is a game-changer for users who need to store large amounts of data. One customer shared, "I bought 12 of these to use in my Dell r720 server running Proxmox and Docker with a ZFS file system to protect important data." The sheer storage capacity makes it perfect for data centers and enterprise setups where space is at a premium.
Another reviewer highlighted the value proposition, stating, "I bought 4 of these when the price was really... really low. Like 'how can that be the price?' low." Despite the low price, the drives delivered as promised, with no issues regarding capacity or performance. The 5-year warranty further adds to the value, giving users peace of mind for long-term use.
Noise Levels
One common observation among users is that SAS drives tend to be louder than their SATA counterparts. As one reviewer put it, "SAS drives are typically louder than SATA. Even when not accessing data, you may hear these emit noise." This is not necessarily a drawback, as these drives are designed for data center environments where noise is less of a concern. However, if you’re planning to use them in a home or office setting, the noise level might be something to consider.
Interestingly, the drives do support spin-down, which can help reduce noise when they’re not in use. A Linux user shared, "If on Linux, you are looking for STANDBY_Y and STANDBY_Z to be enabled using the sdparm utility. Personally, I have them set to spin down so only 1-2 are even active at a time, which really helps reduce noise."
Durability and Reliability
Built for 24/7 operation, the MDD 16TB SAS Hard Drive boasts an impressive Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) of 2.0 million hours and an Annualized Failure Rate (AFR) of 0.44%. These specs make it a reliable choice for enterprise environments where downtime is not an option. Customers have reported no issues with durability, even under heavy workloads.
One user noted, "These are enterprise-class drives built to see nonstop operation in a data center environment." The helium technology not only enhances storage density but also contributes to lower power consumption, making it an energy-efficient option for large-scale deployments.
Compatibility and Setup
The drive is designed for use in RAID systems, NAS network storage, and data center servers. However, it’s important to remember that it requires a SAS interface controller. One reviewer warned, "Will NOT work in SATA USB drive trays." This limitation is crucial to consider before purchasing, especially if your setup doesn’t support SAS.
The drive comes as a bare drive, meaning no screws, cables, or accessories are included. Users are advised to format the HDD on their system for proper detection. While this might be a minor inconvenience for some, it’s a standard practice for enterprise-grade drives.
Conclusion: Is the MDD 16TB SAS Hard Drive Worth It?
The MDD 16TB 7200RPM SAS 12.0Gb/s Enterprise Hard Drive is a powerhouse of storage, offering unmatched capacity, speed, and reliability for enterprise environments. Its SAS interface provides a significant performance boost over SATA, and the 16TB capacity ensures you’ll have plenty of space for even the most demanding storage needs. The helium technology and advanced write caching further enhance its efficiency and performance.
However, the drive’s noise level and SAS-specific requirements might be drawbacks for some users. If you’re working in a data center or enterprise setting, these factors are unlikely to be deal-breakers. But for home or small office use, the noise and compatibility issues might be worth considering.
Overall, the MDD 16TB SAS Hard Drive is an excellent choice for those who need reliable, high-capacity storage for enterprise applications. With its competitive pricing and 5-year warranty, it’s a solid investment for anyone looking to upgrade their storage infrastructure.
Specification MDD 16TB 7200RPM 256MB Cache SAS 12.0Gb/s 3.5inch Internal Enterprise Hard Drive (MDD16TSAS25672E) - [NOT a SATA HDD] (Renewed):
Comments from Amazon:
I bought 4 of these when the price was really.... really low. Like "how can that be the price?" low. I was half expecting to get drives that were not 16TB, or some other shenanigan. These really are 16TB SAS enterprise drives. A word of warning: SAS drives are typically louder than SATA. Even when not accessing data, you may hear these emit noise. This is by no means a knock on these drives. These are enterprise-class drives built to see nonstop operation in a datacenter environment. If you have ever been in a datacenter, you know there are many other things louder than a hard drive, so making these things quiet is not necessary for their original intended purpose. Their noise level does not affect my rating, as this is to be expected with SAS drives. They do support spin-down, something that is not a guarantee with SAS drives. If on Linux, you are looking for STANDBY_Y and STANDBY_Z to be enabled using the sdparm utility. Personally I have them set to spin down so only 1-2 are even active at a time which really helps reduce noise. These are a great value, especially with the 5 year warranty. I likely will be buying more in the future.
I bought 12 of these to use in my Dell r720 server running proxmox, and portainer/docker. ZFS file system to protect important data. SAS is faster and has advantages over SATA and in this case is far less expensive. Strong suggest if you dont absolutely require SATA drives. Will NOT work in SATA USB drive trays.