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Western Digital 8TB WD Purple Surveillance Internal Hard Drive HDD Review: A Reliable Storage Solution for Surveillance Systems
When it comes to securing your property, having a reliable surveillance system is crucial. But what’s equally important is the storage solution that backs it up. Enter the Western Digital 8TB WD Purple Surveillance Internal Hard Drive HDD (WD84PURZ). Designed specifically for 24/7 surveillance environments, this hard drive promises durability, performance, and ample storage capacity. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the details based on real customer experiences.
Product Overview
The Western Digital 8TB WD Purple is engineered to handle the demanding workloads of high-definition surveillance systems. With features like AllFrame AI Technology, a 128 MB cache, and a SATA 6 Gb/s interface, this hard drive is optimized for continuous recording, ensuring smooth performance even in high-stream-count environments. It’s also built to withstand the heat and vibrations typical in NVR setups, making it a durable choice for long-term use.
Key Features:
- 8TB Storage Capacity
Ideal for storing large amounts of high-definition footage. - Surveillance-Optimized Performance
Designed for write-intensive workloads. - AllFrame AI Technology
Reduces frame loss and improves video playback quality. - High Workload Rate
Supports up to 180 TB/yr (360 TB/yr with AllFrame AI). - Compatibility
Works seamlessly with systems supporting more than eight bays. - Durability
Built to handle heat fluctuations and vibrations in NVR environments.
Pros and Cons: What Customers Are Saying
1. Ease of Installation and Setup
One of the standout features of the WD Purple is its easy installation process. Many users, including those with limited technical expertise, found the setup to be straightforward. One customer shared, “I’m not a Computer Tech by any means, but swapping out the old drive with this new one was extremely simple. It took more time to unscrew the DVR case than to install the drive.” Another user added, “It worked flawlessly right out of the box. Formatting was a breeze.”
2. Performance and Reliability
The WD Purple excels in performance, especially in surveillance environments. Customers praised its ability to handle continuous recording without hiccups. One reviewer noted, “I have 4 2K cameras constantly recording, and I’ve never lost a clip or experienced downtime.” Another user highlighted its compatibility with AI-enabled systems, stating, “The AllFrame AI Technology ensures smoother playback and reduced frame loss, which is crucial for reviewing footage.”
However, some users mentioned that while the drive is reliable, it may not last as long as a traditional computer hard drive due to its 24/7 operation. One customer said, “I know this won’t last as long as a computer hard drive, but it’s still a good value for the money.”
3. Storage Capacity
With 8TB of storage, the WD Purple offers ample space for high-definition footage. Users upgrading from smaller drives were particularly impressed. One reviewer shared, “I expanded my CCTV system from 1TB to 4TB, and it works great. The extra space is a game-changer.” Another user added, “The 8TB capacity ensures I never run out of space, even with multiple cameras recording 24/7.”
4. Durability and Build Quality
The WD Purple is built to withstand the rigors of surveillance environments. Customers appreciated its resilience to heat and vibrations. One user said, “It’s designed to handle the demands of surveillance systems, and I’ve had no issues with overheating or wear and tear.” Another reviewer noted, “I’ve used several of these drives in DVRs over the years, and some have been running 24/7 for 5-6 years without any problems.”
5. Noise and Power Consumption
While the drive operates quietly, some users mentioned that the noise level is noticeable during intensive use. However, most agreed that it’s not excessive. One customer said, “The noise level is reasonable considering it’s always writing data.” Additionally, the drive’s low power consumption was a plus for many. A reviewer shared, “It consumes minimal power, which helps keep my energy bills in check.”
Final Verdict
The Western Digital 8TB WD Purple Surveillance Internal Hard Drive HDD is a top-tier choice for anyone looking to upgrade their surveillance system. Its ease of installation, reliable performance, and ample storage capacity make it a standout product in its category. While it may not last as long as a traditional computer hard drive due to its 24/7 operation, it offers excellent value for the money and is built to handle the demands of surveillance environments.
Strengths:
- Easy to install and set up.
- Reliable performance for continuous recording.
- Ample storage capacity for high-definition footage.
- Durable and built to withstand heat and vibrations.
- Low power consumption.
Weaknesses:
- May not last as long as traditional hard drives due to 24/7 operation.
- Noticeable noise during intensive use.
If you’re looking for a dependable storage solution for your surveillance system, the Western Digital 8TB WD Purple is a solid investment. It’s a product that delivers on its promises and ensures your footage is safe and accessible whenever you need it.
Specification Western Digital 8TB WD Purple Surveillance Internal Hard Drive HDD - SATA 6 Gb/s, 128 MB Cache, 3.5" - WD84PURZ:
Comments from Amazon:
I needed to replace the 2 TB hard drive in my NightOwl 3 MP Surveillance Camera system, because the original hard drive quit recording after three years of service. I was on the fence about whether to invest my money into replacing the failed hard drive with this new Western Digital 4TB Purple hard drive, or spend a little bit more money, and replace the entire system. Since I’m not a Computer Tech by any means, the thought of ignoring the manufacturer’s warning labels against opening up the DVR case, and then then having to poke around with a screw driver, to uninstall the old, to replace with it with this new one made me nervous. I understand hard drives to be fragile, and the thought of handling these hard drives during the swap, was scary to me. I couldn’t afford to mess it up. Much to my surprise, it was an extremely simple task. I did watch a utube video on it beforehand, which did help me. It took more time to unscrew the DVR case, than than it did to swap out the parts. It’s just a matter of unplugging the old one, and plugging in this new one. Close the case back up, power on, and follow the on prompts in the screen. This 4Tb Western Digital Purple hard drive made especially for surveillance applications, installs itself from there. It was quick. It was easy, and it has performed. The best part is that it saved me money from having to purchase a whole new system. I’m very happy with my purchase. I believe it was money “well spent”, and I can highly recommend this Purple hard drive, with confidence. Thank you, Western Digital, for producing a quality product
I use these in all my recorders. Great product.
I’m using this product in a IP camera setup. I have 4 2K cameras with constantly recording. I have never lost a clip or had any downtime because of it. I have not seen it overheat. It is the normal thickness and size you would expect. It is worth the money if you have a lot of recording than deleting.
I recently upgraded my home surveillance system with the Western Digital 4TB WD Purple Surveillance Internal Hard Drive, and it has proven to be an excellent choice for storing all the footage captured by my REOLINK DVR. From its reliability to its impressive storage capacity, this hard drive has exceeded my expectations in every aspect. First and foremost, the installation process was a breeze. As a surveillance-specific hard drive, it is optimized for continuous recording and handling multiple video streams, making it the ideal companion for my REOLINK DVR. I simply plugged it into the DVR, and it was automatically recognized, ready to use without any hassle or configuration required. The storage capacity of 4TB is perfect for my needs. It allows me to store a significant amount of high-definition footage without worrying about running out of space quickly. With the WD Purple's support for up to 64 cameras, it provides ample room for expanding my surveillance system in the future, should I decide to add more cameras to my setup. What truly sets the WD Purple apart from regular desktop hard drives is its optimized performance for 24/7 surveillance workloads. The AllFrame technology ensures smoother playback and reduced frame loss, which is crucial when reviewing footage for any important events. The drive's IntelliSeek technology also helps to minimize noise and power consumption, contributing to a quieter and more energy-efficient operation. One of the most important aspects of any storage device is reliability, and the WD Purple has been rock-solid since the day I started using it. It is specifically designed to handle the demands of surveillance systems, with built-in features that reduce wear and tear, ensuring a longer lifespan for the drive. Another highlight of the WD Purple is its compatibility with the REOLINK DVR. The two work seamlessly together, creating a powerful and efficient recording and storage solution. The drive's write-optimized firmware complements the DVR's capabilities, allowing for smooth and continuous recording, without any dropped frames or hiccups. Moreover, the drive's advanced error recovery controls help to maintain data integrity, ensuring that the stored footage remains intact and reliable for future reference. I particularly appreciate the low power consumption of the WD Purple. Considering it operates 24/7 as part of my surveillance system, having a drive that consumes minimal power helps keep my energy bills in check, all while providing top-notch performance. In summary, the Western Digital 4TB WD Purple Surveillance Internal Hard Drive is a must-have storage solution for anyone using a REOLINK DVR or any surveillance system that requires continuous recording. Its reliable performance, ample storage capacity, and optimized features make it the perfect fit for handling the demanding workload of a home security setup. With the WD Purple in place, I can rest assured that all my valuable surveillance footage is safely stored and readily accessible whenever I need it.
I have used several of these in DVR's over the years and have never had any issues. Some have been running 24/7 for 5-6 years and are still working fine with good SMART status. If you use this in a PC, you will have to go to "computer management" and initialize the under "GPT" if it is 4 TB or larger. I only briefly used it on windows to verify it is a new drive and do a speed test. It is new - 2 power on counts and zero hours of power on time. I was REALLY impressed with the read/write speeds. Sequential was on par with a SATA SSD drive! Picture of the speed test attached. The drive was empty during the test, so actual speeds will be lower once the drive fills up.
Expanded my CCTV security camera system from 1tb to 4tb. It works great.
Installation was easy and this worked flawlessly right out of the box. I know this won't last as long as a computer hard drive as this works 24/7 and 365 days a year, the original factory drive was a different brand (Sea something) and lasted about a year before having issues. I believe this is a good value for the money and formatting this was a breeze. The drive is western digital and I have always had good luck with WD drives as their drives have always been quality. The noise level did not seem excessive considering it is always writing data files.