Western Digital 6TB Red Plus NAS Internal Hard Drive HDD (WD60EFZX) Review
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Western Digital 6TB Red Plus NAS Internal Hard Drive HDD (WD60EFZX) is a popular choice for those building or expanding their network-attached storage (NAS) systems. This drive is specifically designed for 24/7 operation in demanding NAS environments and boasts a range of features that cater to users with high storage needs. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into its capabilities, performance, and suitability for various NAS applications.
Features
The WD Red Plus 6TB NAS HDD comes equipped with several features aimed at maximizing performance and reliability in NAS environments. These include:
- CMR Technology: Conventional Magnetic Recording (CMR) ensures data integrity and stability, making it suitable for critical NAS applications.
- NASware 3.0: This advanced firmware optimizes drive performance and reliability in NAS systems, enabling seamless operation and data protection.
- 64MB Cache: The 64MB cache helps improve read and write speeds, boosting overall performance for data-intensive tasks.
- SATA 6Gb/s Interface: The drive utilizes the latest SATA interface for fast data transfer rates.
- 3.5″ Form Factor: The standard 3.5-inch form factor ensures compatibility with most NAS enclosures.
- 5400 RPM: The drive spins at 5400 revolutions per minute, offering a balance between performance and power efficiency.
Performance
During testing, the WD Red Plus 6TB NAS HDD delivered solid performance that exceeded expectations. While it might not be the fastest NAS HDD on the market, it consistently maintained smooth data transfer rates, making it suitable for a wide range of NAS applications. The 64MB cache effectively reduced access times for frequent file transfers, ensuring a responsive experience. The drive also performed exceptionally well under sustained workloads, maintaining stability and data integrity even with continuous data streams.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of the WD Red Plus 6TB NAS HDD:
Pros:
- Excellent reliability for NAS environments.
- NASware 3.0 firmware enhances performance and stability.
- Sufficient performance for a wide range of NAS applications.
- Durable and designed for 24/7 operation.
- Affordable price point.
Cons:
- May not be ideal for extremely demanding applications requiring the highest performance.
- Limited warranty compared to some higher-end NAS drives.
Final Verdict
The Western Digital 6TB Red Plus NAS Internal Hard Drive HDD (WD60EFZX) is a reliable and well-rounded storage solution for most NAS users. Its combination of features, performance, and affordability makes it an excellent choice for home or small business NAS setups. If you’re looking for a durable and reliable drive for your NAS, the WD Red Plus 6TB is definitely worth considering.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 6TB |
| Interface | SATA 6Gb/s |
| RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Cache | 128MB |
| Form Factor | 3.5″ |
| Technology | CMR |
| Warranty | 3 years |