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Western Digital 8TB WD Purple Surveillance Internal Hard Drive HDD Review: A Reliable Choice for Surveillance Systems?
When it comes to surveillance systems, having a reliable and high-capacity hard drive is crucial. The Western Digital 8TB WD Purple Surveillance Internal Hard Drive HDD (WD85PURZ) is designed specifically for 24/7 surveillance environments, offering features like AllFrame AI technology, a 256 MB cache, and a SATA 6 Gb/s interface. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the details based on real customer experiences.
Product Overview
The WD Purple 8TB hard drive is engineered to handle the demanding workloads of modern surveillance systems. With features like AllFrame AI technology, it reduces frame loss and enhances video playback, making it ideal for AI-enabled recorders and deep-learning servers. Its high workload rate of up to 180 TB/yr (360 TB/yr with AllFrame AI) ensures it can handle write-intensive applications, while its durable design makes it perfect for 24/7 operation in harsh environments.
Key Features:
- Optimized for Surveillance
Built to withstand heat fluctuations and vibrations. - AllFrame AI Technology
Enhances video playback and reduces frame loss. - High Workload Rate
Supports up to 180 TB/yr (360 TB/yr with AllFrame AI). - SATA 6 Gb/s Interface
Fast data transfer speeds with a 256 MB cache. - 8TB Capacity
Ample storage for high-definition video footage.
Pros and Cons: What Customers Are Saying
Ease of Installation and Setup
Many customers praised the WD Purple 8TB for its easy installation process. One user shared that the drive worked immediately after plugging it into their NVR system, even without formatting. Another customer mentioned that the drive was compatible with their Lorex system and worked flawlessly right out of the box. The straightforward setup process makes it a great choice for both tech-savvy users and beginners.
Performance and Reliability
The performance of the WD Purple 8TB has been a standout feature for many users. One reviewer highlighted that the drive was quiet and efficient, with no noticeable noise during operation. Another user, who had previously experienced issues with a Seagate drive, found the WD Purple to be a reliable replacement that worked perfectly in their surveillance system. The drive’s AllFrame AI technology also received praise for improving video playback and reducing frame loss.
However, not all experiences were positive. Some customers reported receiving faulty drives that failed to spin up or be recognized by their systems. One user mentioned that they received two defective drives in a row, both of which were either poorly packaged or damaged during shipping. While these instances seem to be outliers, they do highlight the importance of purchasing from a reputable distributor.
Durability and Longevity
The WD Purple 8TB is designed for 24/7 operation, and many users have found it to be durable and long-lasting. One customer, who had previously used a Seagate drive that failed after just one year, was impressed with the WD Purple’s performance and reliability. Another user noted that the drive had been running smoothly in their home server for an extended period, with no issues to report.
That said, some users expressed concerns about the longevity of the drive, especially given the mixed reviews about its durability. While most customers have had positive experiences, a few reported issues with drives failing shortly after installation. This inconsistency in quality control is something to keep in mind when considering this product.
Value for Money
The WD Purple 8TB is competitively priced, especially when compared to other surveillance-specific drives. One customer mentioned that they saved $100 by choosing the WD Purple over a similar Seagate drive, and it worked flawlessly in their Lorex system. The 8TB capacity also provides excellent value, allowing users to store large amounts of high-definition footage without needing frequent replacements.
However, the occasional reports of defective drives and poor packaging have led some customers to question whether the savings are worth the risk. For those who prioritize reliability, it may be worth investing in a more premium option or purchasing from a trusted retailer.
Final Verdict: Is the WD Purple 8TB Worth It?
The Western Digital 8TB WD Purple Surveillance Internal Hard Drive HDD is a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their surveillance system’s storage. Its ease of installation, high performance, and durable design make it a reliable option for both small and large-scale setups. The AllFrame AI technology is a standout feature that enhances video playback and reduces frame loss, making it ideal for AI-enabled systems.
However, the occasional reports of defective drives and inconsistent quality control are worth noting. While most customers have had positive experiences, a few have encountered issues with drives failing shortly after installation. To mitigate this risk, it’s recommended to purchase from a reputable distributor and ensure proper packaging during shipping.
Pros:
- Easy to install and set up.
- Quiet and efficient performance.
- AllFrame AI technology enhances video playback.
- Durable design built for 24/7 operation.
- Competitive pricing for an 8TB surveillance drive.
Cons:
- Some reports of defective drives.
- Inconsistent quality control.
- Poor packaging in some cases.
In conclusion, the WD Purple 8TB is a reliable and high-performing hard drive for surveillance systems, but it’s essential to buy from a trusted source to avoid potential issues. If you’re looking for a cost-effective solution with ample storage and advanced features, this drive is definitely worth considering.
Specification Western Digital 8TB WD Purple Surveillance Internal Hard Drive HDD - SATA 6 Gb/s, 256 MB Cache, 3.5" - WD85PURZ:
Comments from Amazon:
Initialized quickly in NVR. Works great.
When I bought my Lorex system from Lorex, i got their 8TB HD (Seagate). It was a bad drive and failed to be recognized by my system. Lorex customer service made me remove, reinstall, remove, reinstall even though I had already told them I am tech-savvy and the HDD was dead. I returned it for a refund. I bought this one and it was $100 cheaper and worked flawlessly and instantly. If you have a Lorex and want the max size HDD (8TB), I'd recommend this purple.
I use this to expand the storage from 1 TB to 4 TB for my home Lorax CCTV monitor system. The installation instructions were on Lorax website. Very easy.
This is the second faulty bed (WD Purple HDD, 8tb) I have received. I've used Western Digital for years and never had this kind of experience. The first one appeared to be new in original Western Digital packaging. It failed to spin up and would not be.recognized by my system (Reolink RLN36 NVR). It was returned and I reordered the same part number again. For test purposes I repurposed a used Western Digital Black 1tb drive to verify that the system was not faulty. It performs as expected, so I know my system is not the problem. The second drive was not shipped in any kind of factory original packaging. A bubble wrap bag was the only protection, other than the anti static bag immediately around the drive. Upon power up this drive spins up and the heads repeatedly go through a cycle that is far louder than normal - the type of noise a drive makes when failure is imminent - and it never gets recognized by the system. As of this writing my return of the first drive has not been processed and now the second one does not work. I'm out almost $400 of my money and still can't use my system. I plant to buy from a distributor that will send me a properly packaged drive, handled in the correct way before it reaches me. Apparently Amazon and this vendor are not up to that task.
It’s a hard drive and it works
No complaints, working great in my home server
My first HDD was a Seagate 1-TB that came with my Hiseeu NVR. The Seagate lasted just over 1-year and Hiseeu would not replace the HDD unless I gave them a 5-Star review which I was not going to do just to get a free Seagate 1-TB HDD. Plus I would never give a 5-Star review on a junk system that I was sold so instead, I bought this Western Digital 3TB not knowing if it would work but once I installed it, it did work right away without even formatting it. I still did format it eventhough it worked as soon as I plugged into my SATA/ power cables. This product does work. It is easy to install. It's easy to format and it was delivered the next day after ordered. I highly recommend this product for your surveillance camera system. It also has a lot more storage than the 1-TB that comes with the Hiseeu system. This HDD is quiet and I cannot here it at all. It has only been installed for about 48- hours so time will tell how long it will actually last but as of now I am very impressed overall. If something goes wrong with it over time I will update my review but for now 5-Stars.