Toshiba N300 NAS 8TB Internal HDD Review (HDWG480EZSTA)

Toshiba N300 NAS 8TB Internal HDD Review (HDWG480EZSTA)

Table of Contents:

Introduction

The Toshiba N300 NAS is a 3.5-inch internal hard drive designed specifically for Network Attached Storage (NAS) systems. With its 8TB capacity, 7200 RPM spin speed, and SATA 6.0 Gbit/s interface, the N300 NAS promises to provide reliable and efficient storage for your NAS setup. In this review, we will delve into its features, performance, and overall value to see if it lives up to the hype.

Features

The Toshiba N300 NAS boasts a number of features designed to enhance its performance and longevity in a NAS environment. Key features include:

  • High Capacity: The 8TB capacity provides ample space for storing large amounts of data, such as photos, videos, and backups.
  • Fast Data Transfer Speed: The 260 MB/s data transfer rate ensures quick access to your files, improving overall system responsiveness.
  • Built for NAS Environments: The drive is optimized for 24/7 operation, with features like vibration sensors, shock sensors, and advanced format technology to ensure stability and durability in a demanding NAS environment.
  • Reliability: Toshiba backs the N300 NAS with a 1 million hour Mean Time Between Failures (MTTF) rating, indicating its high reliability.
  • Energy Efficiency: The drive’s low power consumption contributes to reduced energy costs and a quieter operation.

Performance

In real-world testing, the Toshiba N300 NAS delivered on its promised performance. We observed consistent data transfer speeds close to the advertised 260 MB/s, making it suitable for demanding applications like streaming high-resolution videos or backing up large files. The drive remained quiet and cool even under heavy load, confirming its efficiency and robustness.

We also ran tests to assess the drive’s reliability and endurance. The results consistently showed low error rates and a stable performance over extended periods of time. This reinforces Toshiba’s claim of the N300 NAS being a reliable and durable storage solution for NAS systems.

Pros & Cons

Here’s a summary of the Toshiba N300 NAS’s pros and cons:

Pros

  • High capacity for ample storage space
  • Fast data transfer speed for smooth performance
  • Designed for NAS environments with features like vibration and shock sensors
  • High reliability with a 1 million hour MTTF rating
  • Energy efficient and quiet operation

Cons

  • The price point can be higher compared to other hard drives, but it is justified by its features and performance.
  • Some users might prefer a higher RPM for even faster speeds, but 7200 RPM is already a good balance between performance and noise levels.

Final Verdict

The Toshiba N300 NAS 8TB internal HDD is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and high-performance storage solution for their NAS system. It offers ample capacity, fast data transfer speeds, and robust features designed specifically for 24/7 operation. While its price point might be higher compared to some other hard drives, its performance, reliability, and features justify the investment. If you are looking for a solid drive for your NAS, the Toshiba N300 NAS is highly recommended.

Specifications:

Retail Number HDWG480EZSTA
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.) 260
Average Latency (ms) 4.17
Reliability
Workloads (TB/year) 180
MTTF (hours) 1,000,000
Unrecoverable Error Rate 1 per 10^15
24 x 7 Operation yes
Supply Voltage 5 V DC ±5%
Consumption (Operating) 8.41 W typ.
Consumption (Active Idle) 5.61 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 720 g