by 190 reviews.
Toshiba N300 16TB NAS 3.5-Inch Internal Hard Drive Review: A Reliable Powerhouse for NAS Systems
When it comes to network-attached storage (NAS) systems, reliability, performance, and scalability are non-negotiable. The Toshiba N300 16TB NAS 3.5-Inch Internal Hard Drive promises to deliver on all these fronts, making it a top contender for small office and home office setups. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the details based on real customer experiences.
Product Overview
The Toshiba N300 16TB NAS hard drive is designed for 24/7 operation, making it ideal for environments that demand continuous data access. With a massive 16TB storage capacity, a 7200 RPM rotational speed, and a 512 MB cache, this drive is built to handle heavy workloads with ease. It also features advanced technologies like Rotational Vibration (RV) sensors and heat prevention controls to ensure data integrity and reduce downtime.
Key Features:
- 16TB Storage Capacity
Perfect for cloud hosting, file sharing, and high-traffic networks. - 7200 RPM Speed
Delivers fast data transfer speeds of up to 281 MB/s. - 512 MB Cache
Enhances performance for smooth operations. - 24/7 Operation
Supports a high workload rating of up to 180TB/year. - Enhanced Reliability
RV sensors and heat prevention controls for added durability. - Scalable for NAS Systems
Compatible with up to 8 drive bays in multi-RAID configurations.
Pros and Cons: What Customers Are Saying
Performance and Speed
Pros:
- Fast Data Transfer
Many users praised the drive’s speed, noting that it handles large file transfers (e.g., 40GB of videos and photos) without any issues. One reviewer mentioned that the drive worked seamlessly in a RAID 1 configuration, delivering consistent performance. - Smooth Operation
Customers appreciated the drive’s ability to maintain low temperatures (around 23°C) even in medium-sized towers with other drives. This ensures stable performance over extended periods.
Cons:
- Moderate Noise
While some users found the drive to be quiet, others noted that it produces a clicking sound during read/write operations. This might be a concern for those recording audio in the same environment.
Reliability and Durability
Pros:
- Built to Last
Several customers highlighted the drive’s durability, with one user reporting that their Toshiba N300 has been running 24/7 for over five years without any issues. The drive’s MTTF (Mean Time to Failure) of up to 1.2 million hours further reinforces its reliability. - Zero Bad Sectors
Many users confirmed that the drive arrived with zero bad sectors and performed flawlessly out of the box.
Cons:
- Compatibility Issues
A few users faced challenges with compatibility, particularly in Synology NAS systems. One reviewer reported that the drive was not recognized and made clicking noises, leading to a request for a refund.
Usability and Setup
Pros:
- Plug-and-Play
Most customers found the setup process straightforward, with the drive working immediately after installation. One user mentioned that configuring the drive in their NAS home server was a breeze, even though it wasn’t listed as Synology-compatible. - Versatile Use Cases
The drive performed well not only in NAS systems but also in external drive housings, making it a versatile choice for storage and backups.
Cons:
- Power and Cooling Requirements
Some users emphasized the importance of using a sufficiently powered and cooled enclosure, especially given the drive’s high capacity and performance.
Final Verdict
The Toshiba N300 16TB NAS 3.5-Inch Internal Hard Drive is a reliable and high-performing storage solution for small office and home office NAS environments. Its massive storage capacity, fast data transfer speeds, and advanced reliability features make it a standout choice for demanding workloads. However, potential buyers should be aware of its moderate noise levels during operation and ensure compatibility with their specific NAS systems.
Strengths:
- Exceptional performance and speed
- High reliability and durability
- Easy setup and versatile use cases
Weaknesses:
- Moderate noise during read/write operations
- Occasional compatibility issues with certain NAS systems
If you’re looking for a hard drive that combines reliability, performance, and scalability, the Toshiba N300 16TB is an excellent choice. Just make sure to double-check compatibility with your NAS setup and invest in proper cooling solutions to maximize its lifespan.
Specification Toshiba N300 16TB NAS 3.5-Inch Internal Hard Drive - CMR SATA 6 GB/s 7200 RPM 512 MB Cache - HDWG51GXZSTA:
Comments from Amazon:
I have two drives in a RAID 1 config in my new RAID Bay. I thought it wasn't working because it is so damn quiet. Loud? Who the hell are these people saying these drives are loud? That's crazy.
I recently purchased the 18 TB NA 3.5-inch internal hard drive, and I’m very happy with the product. It arrived quickly and was packaged securely. Setting it up in my NAS home server was a breeze—literally plug and play. I used the network access storage device interface to set it up for the first time, which included wiping the drive and configuring it to work with my hardware. What made this purchase a bit of a risk is that it’s not listed as Synology-compatible hardware, so I wasn’t entirely sure it would work. However, I’m glad to report that everything is functioning perfectly so far. I’ll update my review as I continue to use it, but for now, everything is running smoothly, and I’m very satisfied. I’d definitely give this a solid 5 out of 5!
Installed in a Synology nas and was not recognized. Installed in a dock to connect to a computer, just spins and and once a while makes clicking noises. I want a refund.
I have eight of these drives in two QNAP Network Storage Servers. I bought the first dive over 5 years ago and it has been running 24 hours 7 days/week and it is still going. Great harddisk at a reasonable price.
Worked well out of the box and seems moderately fast (using a MacMini M4 and 8T SSD). It is amazing how even 20T is sometimes not enough for personal use (too many photos and videos). It is not silent during read/write, but the clicking sound is not disturbing and relatively subdued. It might be picked up, however, if recording audio when in use. Be sure to use a sufficiently powered and cooled enclosure (especially given the relative cost differentials).
I am not using this drive in a classic NAS but rather a external drive housing. Reasonable quiet and good performance. Great for storage/backups
I got Toshiba N300 6TB NAS 3.5 from Amazon. Fast delivery. HDD worked out of the box. CristalDiskInfo shown Zero Power On hours (means brand new). This HDD is quiet and fast enough. I transferred about 40GB of videos and photos, no loses so far. Disk works as intended with Temperature of 23C in my medium Tower along with other Toshiba HDD and Samsung EVO SDD. Zero bad sectors so far. Transfer speed is good also. If , God forbid, it will start acting I'll change my review. But so far so good.