by 28 reviews.
Toshiba S300 PRO 8TB Surveillance 3.5” Internal Hard Drive Review: A Mixed Bag of Performance and Reliability
The Toshiba S300 PRO 8TB Surveillance Internal Hard Drive is marketed as a high-performance, reliable storage solution tailored for 24/7 surveillance systems. With features like 7200 RPM rotational speed, 512MB cache, and support for up to 64 HD cameras, it promises to deliver seamless recording and playback for security professionals and businesses. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the pros and cons based on real customer experiences.
Pros and Cons: A Detailed Breakdown
Performance and Reliability
The Toshiba S300 PRO is designed for continuous operation, making it ideal for surveillance systems that require 24/7 reliability. Many users have praised its performance, especially in multi-drive setups. One customer mentioned, "I bought three of these for a new NVR build. All three came well packed, labeled with the same manufacture date. They powered right up and ran quietly, no clicking or excess whirring noise." This highlights the drive’s ability to handle demanding workloads without compromising on noise levels.
However, not all experiences have been positive. A user reported, "After installing the drive, it stopped working after 2 months." This raises concerns about the drive’s long-term reliability, especially when compared to its advertised MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) of up to 1.2 million hours.
Build Quality and Durability
The S300 PRO is built to withstand the rigors of continuous use, with a workload rating of up to 300 TB/year. Its RV (Rotational Vibration) sensors help mitigate vibrations in multi-bay environments, ensuring stable performance. One satisfied customer noted, "I use two of them in an external Raid setup. So far, it is doing a great job, and we are expecting a long association with this HDD."
On the flip side, some users have pointed out discrepancies between the advertised specifications and the actual product. For instance, a customer highlighted, "Product Box says: 3 Years, not 5 as advertised. Product Box says: 180TB/Year, not 300 as advertised. Product Box says: 1 MTBF, not 1.2 as advertised. Product Box says: 256 MB Cache, not 512 as advertised." These inconsistencies can be frustrating for buyers who rely on the advertised features to make their purchase decisions.
Noise Levels
Noise is a critical factor for many users, especially those using the drive in quiet environments. While some customers have praised the drive for its quiet operation, others have had a completely different experience. One user shared, "I requested a refund within 30 minutes of receiving and installing the device. It's extremely loud. Too loud to ignore. My Seagate was much quieter. The hard drive was recognized right away; however, the sound was ear-piercing. I could hear it running over 30 feet away." This stark contrast in noise levels suggests that there may be inconsistencies in the manufacturing process.
Customer Support and Warranty
Toshiba offers a 5-year limited warranty on the S300 PRO, which is a significant selling point for many buyers. However, some users have faced challenges when trying to claim this warranty. One frustrated customer recounted, "After installing the drive, it stopped working after 2 months. I reached out to customer support to make a claim on the warranty. I sent an email and three days later got a response asking for normal details. I sent them an invoice of my Amazon order, and they didn’t accept it. After two weeks, I still don’t have an RMA #." This experience highlights the need for Toshiba to improve its customer support processes to match the quality of its products.
Conclusion: Is the Toshiba S300 PRO Worth It?
The Toshiba S300 PRO 8TB Surveillance Internal Hard Drive offers a compelling mix of high capacity, performance, and durability, making it a strong contender for surveillance systems. Its 7200 RPM speed, large cache size, and RV sensors ensure optimal performance in demanding environments. However, the mixed customer feedback on reliability, noise levels, and customer support raises some red flags.
Final Verdict: If you’re looking for a high-capacity drive for your surveillance system and are willing to take a chance on its long-term reliability, the Toshiba S300 PRO is worth considering. However, if consistent noise levels and robust customer support are deal-breakers for you, it might be worth exploring other options. Overall, the S300 PRO is a solid choice for those who prioritize performance and scalability, but it’s not without its flaws.
Specification Toshiba S300 PRO 8TB Surveillance 3.5” Internal Hard Drive – CMR SATA 6 Gb/s 7200 RPM 512MB Cache - HDWTA80UZSVAR:
Comments from Amazon:
I bought three of these for a new NVR build. All three came well packed, labeled with the same manufacture date (I ordered in Nov 2024, they were labeled July 2024). They powered right up and ran quietly, no clicking or excess whirring noise. Be aware: the PRO drives are CMR, the non-PRO are SMR. I bought these after reading many concerns with video or surveillance drives from other brands. At this point, I would definitely buy them again.
I requested a refund within 30 minutes of receiving and installing the device. It's extremely loud. Too loud to ignore. My Seagate was much quieter. The hard drive was recognized right away however the sound was ear piercing. I could hear it running over 30 feet away. Returning
Love it when they say up to in the description and it doesn't really have the up to limit. 256MB cache 180TB/yr workload Also its only a 3yr limited warranty not 5yr.
I am very pleased with this unit. So far it is doing a great job, and we are expecting a long association with this HDD.
Product Box says: 3 Years, not 5 as advertised. Product Box says: 180TB/Year, not 300 as advertised. Product Box says: 1 MTBF, not 1.2 as advertised. Product Box says: 256 MB Cache, not 512 as advertised.
I use two of them in an external Raid setup.
I have had multiple toshiba drives in the past without issues. So I figured I would get a good deal with this company again. After installing the drive it stopped working after 2 months. So I have reached out to the customer support to make a claim on the warranty. I send an email and three days later I get a response asking for normal details. Send them an invoice of my amazon order and they don't accept it and after two weeks I still don't have a RMA #. So unless they improve their service, they will have made sure I will take my business to another company. How much is a 2 month drive worth to you?