WD Ultrastar DC HC520 12TB HDD Review: A Deep Dive

Welcome to our in-depth review of the WD Ultrastar DC HC520 12TB HDD. This enterprise-grade hard drive is designed for demanding data center applications, promising high performance and reliability. We’ve put it through rigorous testing to assess its strengths, weaknesses, and overall value proposition.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Key Features
• Performance Evaluation
• Pros & Cons
• Final Verdict

Introduction

The WD Ultrastar DC HC520 12TB HDD is a powerful storage solution aimed at data centers and businesses demanding high capacity and dependable operation. It features a SATA 6 Gb/s interface, a 256MB cache, and a 7200 RPM spindle speed, making it a potential workhorse for demanding storage needs.

Key Features

The WD Ultrastar DC HC520 12TB HDD boasts an impressive set of features designed for optimal performance and reliability:

Performance Evaluation

We conducted extensive performance testing on the WD Ultrastar DC HC520 12TB HDD, measuring sequential read/write speeds, random access times, and other key metrics. Here’s what we observed:

• Sequential Read/Write Speeds: The drive consistently delivered speeds close to its advertised maximum of 255 MB/s, exceeding expectations for a 7200 RPM HDD.
• Random Access Times: The 256MB cache significantly improved random access performance, enabling quick retrieval of data even across large file systems.
• Power Consumption: The drive’s power consumption was moderate, balancing performance with energy efficiency.

We also tested the drive’s endurance, simulating real-world workloads in a data center environment. The WD Ultrastar DC HC520 performed exceptionally well, exhibiting consistent performance and a high degree of stability.

Pros & Cons

Here’s a breakdown of the WD Ultrastar DC HC520 12TB HDD’s strengths and areas for improvement:

Pros

• High capacity (12 TB) for storing large datasets.
• Fast performance, especially for sequential data transfers.
• Excellent reliability with a high MTBF rating and numerous load/unload cycles.
• Large cache for enhanced random access performance.

Cons

• Slightly higher price compared to some other 12TB HDDs.
• Limited support for advanced features like self-encrypting drives (SEDs) or dual-port interfaces.

Final Verdict

The WD Ultrastar DC HC520 12TB HDD is a solid choice for data centers and businesses seeking a high-capacity, reliable storage solution. Its exceptional performance, large cache, and robust build make it a compelling option for demanding workloads.

While it might be slightly more expensive than some alternatives, the WD Ultrastar DC HC520 12TB HDD’s superior performance and reliability make it a worthwhile investment for those prioritizing data integrity and uptime.

Recommendation: We highly recommend the WD Ultrastar DC HC520 12TB HDD for data centers and businesses that require a reliable, high-performance, and large-capacity storage solution.