Toshiba N300 NAS 3.5″ HDD Review: 4TB HDWG440EZSTA – Tech Blog
Toshiba N300 NAS 3.5″ HDD Review: 4TB HDWG440EZSTA
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Toshiba N300 NAS 3.5″ HDD, model HDWG440EZSTA, is a 4TB internal hard drive specifically designed for network attached storage (NAS) systems. It promises reliable performance and durability with a 7200 RPM spindle speed, 256MB buffer, and a range of features to withstand the demands of a 24/7 operation environment. In this review, we’ll delve into its performance, features, and overall value to see if it’s the right choice for your NAS needs.
Features
The Toshiba N300 NAS HDD boasts a comprehensive set of features for reliable and consistent performance in NAS systems. Here are some key highlights:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Retail Number | HDWG440EZSTA |
| Form Factor | 3.5-inch |
| Interface | SATA 6.0 Gbit/s |
| Recording Technology | CMR |
| Drive Bays Supported | up to 8 |
| Rotational Vibration Sensors | Yes |
| Shock Sensor | Yes |
| Advanced Format (AF) | Yes |
| RoHS Compatible | Yes |
| Halogen Free | Yes |
| Rotational Speed (rpm) | 7,200 |
| Max. Data Transfer Speed (sustained MB/s Typ.) | 232 |
| Buffer Size (MB) | 256 |
| Average Latency (ms) | 4.17 |
| Workloads (TB/year) | 180 |
| MTTF (hours) | 1,000,000 |
| Unrecoverable Error Rate | 1 per 10^15 |
| 24 x 7 Operation | Yes |
| Limited Warranty (years) | 3 |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V DC ±5 %12 V DC ±10 % |
| Consumption (Operating) | 6.84 W typ. |
| Consumption (Active Idle) | 4.04 W typ. |
| Temperature (Operating/Non-operating) | 5 to 65 °C-40 to 70 °C |
| Vibration (Operating) | 7.35 m/s2 {0.75 G} (2 to 300 Hz)4.90 m/s2 {0.50 G} (300 to 350 Hz)2.45 m/s2 {0.25 G} (350 to 500 Hz) |
| Vibration (Non-operating) | 29.4 m/s2 {3.0 G}(5 to 500 Hz) |
| Shock (Operating) | 686 m/s2 {70 G}(2 ms duration) |
| Shock (Non-operating) | 2,450 m/s2 {250 G}(2 ms duration) |
| Acoustics (Idle Mode) | 31 dB typ. |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 147 x 101.85 x 26.1 (mm) |
| Weight | 693 g |
Performance
In our tests, the Toshiba N300 NAS HDD consistently delivered respectable performance for a 4TB drive, particularly in sustained transfer speeds. The 232 MB/s sustained data transfer rate is a key advantage, especially for handling large files and multimedia content. The 256MB buffer also helped mitigate performance dips during heavy read/write operations.
We also tested its performance under a range of workloads, including continuous streaming, file backups, and server operation. The drive held its own, exhibiting minimal stuttering and ensuring consistent data flow even during peak activity periods.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a summary of the pros and cons we observed during our evaluation:
Pros:
- Reliable performance for NAS applications.
- High sustained data transfer rates.
- Robust build quality and shock resistance.
- Energy-efficient design with low power consumption.
- Quiet operation with minimal noise levels.
- Excellent value for its capacity and features.
Cons:
- Slightly higher latency compared to some other drives.
- Limited warranty coverage (3 years).
Final Verdict
The Toshiba N300 NAS 3.5″ HDD, model HDWG440EZSTA, is a solid choice for users seeking a reliable and cost-effective solution for their NAS system. Its high data transfer speeds, robust build, and energy efficiency make it suitable for a wide range of applications. While its latency could be slightly lower, its overall performance and features justify its price point.
If you’re looking for a reliable and performant NAS drive, the Toshiba N300 HDWG440EZSTA is a strong contender. It delivers on its promise of reliable performance, durability, and value, making it a worthy addition to your NAS setup.
