by 13 reviews.
Western Digital 4TB WD Purple Surveillance Internal Hard Drive HDD Review: A Reliable Choice for 24/7 Surveillance
When it comes to securing your property, having a reliable surveillance system is non-negotiable. But what good is a high-quality camera system without a dependable hard drive to store all that footage? Enter the Western Digital 4TB WD Purple Surveillance Internal Hard Drive HDD (WD40PURZ). Designed specifically for 24/7 surveillance systems, this hard drive promises durability, performance, and ample storage for your security needs. 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 WD Purple 4TB stand out:
- Built for 24/7 Operation: Perfect for continuous recording in surveillance systems.
- AllFrame Technology: Reduces errors and ensures smooth video playback.
- Supports Up to 64 HD Cameras: Ideal for large-scale setups.
- 4TB Storage Capacity: Plenty of space for extended video footage.
- 64 MB Cache & SATA 6 Gb/s Interface: Fast data transfer and efficient performance.
- 3-Year Limited Warranty: Backed by Western Digital’s reliability.
Now, let’s break down the pros and cons based on customer feedback.
Pros: Why Customers Love the WD Purple 4TB
1. Durability and Longevity
One of the most praised aspects of this hard drive is its durability. Customers have reported using it for years without issues. One reviewer shared that they installed the WD Purple in their surveillance DVR in July 2018, and it was still going strong when they replaced the DVR in November 2022. That’s over four years of continuous operation! Another user mentioned switching back to WD Purple after a Seagate Skyhawk drive failed within two years, highlighting the WD Purple’s superior reliability.
2. Easy Installation
Many users appreciated the plug-and-play nature of this hard drive. One customer noted that the installation took a maximum of five minutes, making it a hassle-free upgrade for their failing Hikvision NVR. Whether you’re a tech novice or a seasoned pro, the WD Purple’s straightforward setup is a major plus.
3. Ample Storage for Surveillance Needs
With 4TB of storage, this hard drive offers plenty of space for extended video recording. A user with nine cameras running 24/7 upgraded from a 1TB drive (which provided only four days of backup) to the WD Purple 4TB and now enjoys over two weeks of backup. This makes it an excellent choice for those with multiple high-resolution cameras.
4. Optimized for Surveillance
The WD Purple is specifically designed for surveillance systems, and customers have noticed the difference. Its AllFrame Technology ensures smooth video playback by reducing errors and pixelation, even when handling multiple camera feeds. One user emphasized that this drive is built for security camera recording and should outlast regular system drives.
Cons: Areas for Improvement
1. Packaging Concerns
While the hard drive itself is highly rated, some customers were disappointed with the packaging. One reviewer expected the drive to come in a Western Digital box but found it wrapped in bubble wrap and a static sleeve instead. While this didn’t affect the drive’s performance, it left a less-than-professional impression.
2. Compatibility Issues
A few users reported compatibility issues with certain devices. For example, one customer tried using the WD Purple with a TiVo system and found that the 2TB version wouldn’t format, though the 1TB version worked fine. While this isn’t a widespread issue, it’s worth noting that the WD Purple is optimized for surveillance systems and may not be ideal for other applications.
3. Initial Noise
Some users mentioned that the drive was initially loud after installation but became quieter after a couple of days. While this isn’t a dealbreaker, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re sensitive to noise.
Real-World Performance: Customer Stories
A Lifesaver for Home Security
One customer shared their experience of using the WD Purple to protect their property with nine cameras. They upgraded from a 1TB drive, which provided only four days of backup, to the 4TB WD Purple and now have over two weeks of footage stored. They plan to upgrade to a 12TB version in the future, calling the WD Purple “worth its weight in gold.”
A Reliable Replacement
Another user replaced a failing hard drive in their ReoLink DVR with the WD Purple and had no issues with installation or performance. They appreciated the drive’s quality and hope it lasts for years, as their previous Western Digital drives have.
A Lesson in Compatibility
A TiVo user tried several hard drives, including WD Green drives, before finding success with the WD Purple 1TB. While the 2TB version didn’t work with their TiVo, the 1TB version formatted perfectly and has been running smoothly since. This highlights the importance of ensuring compatibility with your specific system.
Final Verdict: Is the WD Purple 4TB Worth It?
The Western Digital 4TB WD Purple Surveillance Internal Hard Drive HDD is a standout choice for anyone looking to upgrade their surveillance system. Its durability, ease of installation, and ample storage capacity make it a reliable option for both small and large-scale setups. While there are minor concerns about packaging and compatibility, these are outweighed by the drive’s overall performance and longevity.
If you’re in the market for a hard drive that can handle 24/7 surveillance, the WD Purple 4TB is a solid investment. It’s backed by Western Digital’s reputation for quality and comes with a 3-year limited warranty, giving you peace of mind for years to come.
Rating: 4.5/5 Recommendation: Highly recommended for surveillance systems. Ensure compatibility with your specific setup before purchasing.
Specification Western Digital 4TB WD Purple Surveillance Internal Hard Drive HDD - SATA 6 Gb/s, 64 MB Cache, 3.5" - WD40PURZ:
Comments from Amazon:
I bought this item because the hard drive on our Hikvision NVR was failing already. The installation took maximum 5 minutes, it was an easy plug n play. For the price you can’t beat it!
Being a Fan of Western Digital I decided to give their Surveillance Hard drive a try.. I currently have 9 cameras running constantly at my home to keep my property protected. And I had a 1tb drive on my system and had only 4 days of backup which these days is NOTHING.. I now have one day over 2 weeks or backup.. Totally going to upgrade to a 12 tb once I can get it. worth its weight in gold.. Just remember you're not going to be able to do a visual inventory of your stuff every day but with a good NVR and a large hard drive you will be able to periodically check your stuff and notice differences and catch what is going on. The larger the Hard Drive the better chance you have to keep a good eye on your stuff and have evidence in case of a situation. My situation is odd due to having a multitude of resolutions. Honestly All of my cameras (except 2) are from the Same Manufacture and I love them.. Probably shouldn't mention S3VC cameras but sorry gotta say excellent cameras for any good NVR (AMCREST) My cameras have resolutions from 1080 to 5 mp cameras(oldest camera is 720 ). Including a great camera from FOSCAM (which I didn't know it had audio) So you may have 4 or 6 cameras which most people get Standard resolution cameras (which are fine if your just wanting to see what happened without enough resolution to see who it was in most cases) I go 1080 or higher just so I can get good visuals of who or what happened with better ability to see what your protecting. So in a situation with 6 cameras at Standard Definition you will have at more than a month of recording easy. This drive is designed for Security camera recording and should last longer than a regular system drive. Will recommend to anyone who is in the market to buy a hard drive.
No complaints on this one. Tons of storage and or got my security cameras back online after the last hard drive finally died after several years.
Hard drive came in a reasonable time. When I got it it was enclosed in a box which is okay however when I open the box, I was greeted with a bubble wrapping closure hard drive in a static sleeve. My expectation was that it would be in a Western digital box however it was not. I didn't install it in my ReoLink DVR and it did recognize and format for use. Western digital for my experience has been a good quality hard drive. I do hope I get some years out of this one.
Tried several hard drives TiVo couldn't format any, keep getting all lights flashing. Finally ordered WD purple 1TB and 2tb. TiVo could not format 2tb but formatted 1TB. After formatting and play the drive was very loud, but after 2 days it became very quite. Everything seems to be working perfect. I tried the WD green drives which are scrubbed clean but stopped working 90 days from purchase. Amazon refunded price. Tried a WD green 1TB. TiVo would not format. Research on drives had all kinds of answer for why these drives didn't work. The used ones had to be scrubbed completely clean for TiVo to format. Some drives come with an automatic shut off and TiVo can't handle this(PISH?). Each of the drives I tried were recommended drives. My only recommendation is just keep trying until you find one that works, and buy from Amazon, so you can return for refund.
good price. good tracking & shipment
Bought one of these for my surveillance DVR in July 2018 and it was still going strong when the DVR was replaced in November 2022. New DVR had Seagate Skyhawk that died shortly after 2 years so going back to WD Purple.