



MDD WD DC HC520 14TB Datacenter Hard Drive Review: A Reliable Renewed Storage Solution
If you're in the market for a high-capacity, enterprise-grade hard drive that won't break the bank, the MDD WD DC HC520 WUH721414ALE604 14TB 7200RPM 256MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5-inch Datacenter Hard Drive might just be the perfect fit. This renewed hard drive is designed for heavy-duty applications, offering a massive 14TB storage capacity, 7200 RPM speed, and a 256MB cache for seamless performance. Whether you're running a data center, setting up a NAS system, or expanding your desktop storage, this drive promises reliability and efficiency.
But is it worth the investment? Let’s dive into the pros and cons based on real customer experiences.
Pros and Cons: What Customers Are Saying
1. Quality and Condition
One of the biggest concerns when buying a renewed product is its condition. Surprisingly, many customers were impressed with the quality of this hard drive.
Pros:
- Like-New Condition
Several reviewers mentioned that the drives arrived in excellent condition, with some even stating they looked brand new. One customer noted that the drives were manufactured in the current year, which added to their confidence in the product. - Rigorous Testing
The drives underwent extended diagnostic tests, including SMART tests, and showed no abnormalities. This level of quality assurance reassured buyers about the drive's reliability.
Cons:
- Mixed Experiences
While most customers were satisfied, a few mentioned that their drives had a high number of operational hours, which is typical for refurbished products. However, these drives still performed flawlessly during testing.
2. Performance and Speed
Performance is a critical factor for enterprise-grade drives, and the WD DC HC520 doesn’t disappoint.
Pros:
- Fast and Reliable
Customers praised the drive's speed, noting that it performed exceptionally well in demanding environments like NAS and RAID setups. The 7200 RPM speed and 256MB cache ensure quick data access and smooth operation. - High Capacity
With 14TB of storage, this drive offers more than double the space of many newer drives, making it ideal for bulk storage needs.
Cons:
- Noise Levels
Some users reported that the drive was a bit noisy during operation. However, this issue was easily mitigated by using anti-vibration pads or installing the drive in a well-insulated NAS enclosure.
3. Durability and Longevity
Durability is a key consideration for enterprise users who rely on their drives for 24/7 operation.
Pros:
- Built to Last
The drive’s helium-sealed design reduces power consumption and operating temperatures, contributing to its longevity. With a 2.5M-hour MTBF rating, it’s built to handle heavy workloads without breaking a sweat. - 5-Year Warranty
The included warranty provides peace of mind, ensuring that you’re covered in case of any issues.
Cons:
- Refurbished Nature
While the drive is durable, it’s important to remember that it’s a refurbished product. Some customers noted that their drives had a high number of operational hours, which could potentially impact long-term reliability.
4. Value for Money
At its price point, the WD DC HC520 offers incredible value, especially for those needing high-capacity storage.
Pros:
- Affordable Enterprise Solution
Many customers were thrilled with the price, stating that it was a steal for a drive of this caliber. One reviewer even mentioned that they bought the drive solely because of the low price and were pleasantly surprised by its performance. - Cost-Effective Alternative
Compared to brand-new drives, this renewed option provides similar performance at a fraction of the cost.
Cons:
- Bare Drive
The drive doesn’t come with screws, cables, or accessories, which might be inconvenient for some users.
Conclusion: Is the WD DC HC520 Worth It?
The MDD WD DC HC520 14TB Datacenter Hard Drive is a standout choice for anyone in need of high-capacity, reliable storage. Its like-new condition, impressive performance, and affordable price make it a compelling option for both enterprise and personal use. While the drive can be a bit noisy and lacks accessories, these minor drawbacks are easily outweighed by its strengths.
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a cost-effective, high-performance storage solution, the WD DC HC520 is a fantastic choice. Its renewed status doesn’t compromise its quality, and the 5-year warranty ensures you’re covered for the long haul. Highly recommended for data centers, NAS systems, and anyone needing massive storage capacity without breaking the bank.
Specification MDD - WD DC HC520 WUH721414ALE604 14TB 7200RPM 256MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5inch Datacenter Hard Drive - 5 Year Warranty (Renewed):
Comments from Amazon:
I've been using it for about a day and the speed is good and there are no problems. Honestly, the price was so cheap that I bought it, trusting only the refund system. But the item arrived of good quality and I am satisfied. Additional review The extended diagnostic test conducted through the dashboard showed no abnormalities. The speed is good.
... So good. A bit noisy but working.
For all the reviews on "drive noise" across all of the NAS products..... I put 5 of these in a 1522+ and am totally satisfied! These are barely heard 3ft away from the NAS box. And my ears are super sensitive to electronic buzz and whirl, I can hear a printer spool up down the hall at work and I can barely hear these drives. Gives more than double the space of newer released drives. so far so great!!!
A few days ago, I purchased two 14TB hard drives. Since these were refurbished products, I was a bit hesitant at first, but it turned out to be a great decision. When I received the drives, they were in like-new condition, manufactured this year. After running SMART tests, I confirmed that they are in excellent condition. I'm very satisfied with the product quality, and I'm grateful to have received such great products at a good price. I look forward to using them for a long time. Highly recommended!
Great performance no issues
Great deal - all had a lot of hours on them but no errors and survived the abuse of my pre-install testing.
Actually, I didn't have much faith in regenerative HDD when I bought it, but since it was very cheap at this price, I gave it a try. However, I was surprised that it worked much better than expected and looked like a new product. I tested it for 3 days and everything works fine. It was a bit noisy when I first installed it, but after adding an additional anti-vibration pad, the noise went down a lot.