4.30 by 190 reviews.

Toshiba N300 8TB NAS 3.5-Inch Internal Hard Drive Review: A Reliable Storage Solution?

When it comes to reliable and high-performance storage solutions, the Toshiba N300 8TB NAS 3.5-Inch Internal Hard Drive is a name that often pops up in discussions. Designed for small office and home office NAS environments, this hard drive promises to deliver speed, durability, and scalability. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the details based on real customer experiences.

Key Features at a Glance

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here’s a quick rundown of what makes the Toshiba N300 stand out:

  • 8TB Storage Capacity
    Ample space for storing large files, media, and backups.
  • 7200 RPM Speed
    Ensures fast data transfer rates, ideal for high-traffic environments.
  • 512 MB Cache
    Enhances performance for smoother data handling.
  • 24/7 Operation Support
    Built to handle continuous use with a workload rating of up to 180TB/year.
  • Rotational Vibration Sensors
    Reduces downtime by compensating for shock and vibration.
  • CMR Technology
    Provides consistent and reliable data storage.

Now, let’s break down the pros and cons based on customer feedback.


Pros: What Customers Love

1. Out-of-the-Box Performance

Many users have praised the Toshiba N300 for its seamless setup and immediate performance. One customer mentioned that the drive worked perfectly right out of the box, with CrystalDiskInfo showing zero power-on hours, confirming it was brand new. Another user highlighted how easy it was to set up in their NAS home server, describing it as a "plug-and-play" experience.

2. Quiet Operation

Contrary to some complaints about noise, several customers found the drive to be surprisingly quiet. One reviewer even joked, "I thought it wasn’t working because it’s so damn quiet!" This makes it an excellent choice for environments where noise levels matter, such as home offices or recording studios.

3. Reliability and Durability

The Toshiba N300 is built for 24/7 operation, and customers have confirmed its durability. One user shared that they’ve been using the drive for over five years in a QNAP Network Storage Server, with it running continuously without issues. Another customer noted that the drive maintained a cool temperature of 23°C even during heavy use, showcasing its heat prevention capabilities.

4. Fast Transfer Speeds

With a 7200 RPM speed and a 512 MB cache, the Toshiba N300 delivers impressive transfer speeds. A customer reported transferring 40GB of videos and photos without any data loss or performance hiccups. This makes it a great choice for handling large files and high-traffic workloads.


Cons: Areas for Improvement

1. Compatibility Issues

While most users had no trouble setting up the drive, some encountered compatibility issues. One customer mentioned that the drive wasn’t recognized by their Synology NAS, while another experienced clicking noises and spinning issues when connecting it to a dock. These instances highlight the importance of checking compatibility before purchasing.

2. Not Completely Silent

Although many users found the drive quiet, others noted that it produces audible clicking sounds during read/write operations. While not overly disruptive, this could be a concern for those recording audio or working in extremely quiet environments.

3. Price Point

While the Toshiba N300 offers excellent performance and reliability, some customers felt that it’s priced slightly higher compared to other NAS drives in the market. However, most agreed that the added features and durability justify the cost.


Final Thoughts: Is the Toshiba N300 Worth It?

The Toshiba N300 8TB NAS 3.5-Inch Internal Hard Drive is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable, high-performance storage solution. Its out-of-the-box performance, quiet operation, and durability make it a standout option for both home and small office NAS environments. However, potential buyers should be mindful of compatibility issues and the occasional audible clicking sounds.

Final Verdict:

If you’re in the market for a hard drive that can handle heavy workloads, deliver fast transfer speeds, and last for years, the Toshiba N300 is definitely worth considering. Just make sure to double-check compatibility with your existing setup to avoid any hiccups.

Upgrade your storage system today with the Toshiba N300 and experience the perfect blend of speed, reliability, and scalability!

Specification Toshiba N300 8TB NAS 3.5-Inch Internal Hard Drive - CMR SATA 6 GB/s 7200 RPM 512 MB Cache - HDWG780XZSTA:


External 3 5
Yes
External 2 5
Yes
Internal 3 5
Yes
Internal 2 5
Yes
Internal Hybrid
Yes
Internal Sas
Yes
External Ssd
Yes
Internal Ssd
Yes
M 2 Sata
Yes
M 2 Nvme
Yes
U 2 U 3
Yes
Microsd Flash
Yes
Sd Flash
Yes
Compact Flash
Yes
Cfast Flash
Yes
Cfexpress Flash
Yes
Usb Flash
Yes
Bd Re
Yes
Bd R
Yes
Dvd Rw
Yes
Dvd R
Yes
Cd Rw
Yes
Cd R
Yes
Lto 3
Yes
Lto 4
Yes
Lto 5
Yes
Lto 6
Yes
Lto 7
Yes
Lto 8
Yes
Lto 9
Yes

Comments from Amazon:


5 from Amazon

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.

 I thought it wasn't working because it is so damn quiet

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.

5-inch internal hard drive, and I’m very happy with the product

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 dock to connect to a computer, just spins and and once a while makes clicking noises

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 bought the first dive over 5 years ago and it has been running 24 hours 7 days/week and it is still going

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.

 It is amazing how even 20T is sometimes not enough for personal use (too many photos and videos)

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).

 Reasonable quiet and good performance

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

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