Western Digital 8TB WD Red Plus 3.5″ SATA 6 Gb/s NAS Internal Hard Drive (WD80EFPX) Review
Western Digital 8TB WD Red Plus 3.5″ SATA 6 Gb/s NAS Internal Hard Drive (WD80EFPX) Review
Introduction
The Western Digital 8TB WD Red Plus 3.5″ SATA 6 Gb/s NAS Internal Hard Drive (WD80EFPX) is a powerful and reliable storage solution designed specifically for home offices and small businesses. This drive aims to deliver the performance and durability needed for demanding NAS environments, offering a generous 8TB capacity and features like CMR technology and a 256MB cache.
In this review, I’ll dive into the features, performance, and overall value of the WD Red Plus (WD80EFPX), exploring its strengths and potential drawbacks through real-world testing and usage experiences.
Features
The WD Red Plus (WD80EFPX) is packed with features tailored for NAS applications:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Ideal For | Home Offices, Power Users, Small to Medium Businesses, Consumer/Commercial NAS systems |
| Capacity | 8TB |
| Form Factor | 3.5-Inch |
| Connector | SATA |
| Compatibility | RAID-optimized NAS systems with up to 8 bays |
| Interface | SATA |
| Transfer Rate | Up to 215MB/s |
| Disk Speed (RPM) | 5640 RPM |
| Recording Technology | CMR |
| Cache Size | 256MB |
| Warranty | 3-Year Limited Warranty |
| Endurance (TBW) | 180TB/Year |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 147mm x 101.6mm x 26.1mm |
| Weight | 715gms |
| Model Number | WD80EFPX |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 65°C |
| Non-Operating Temperature | -40°C to 70°C |
| Certifications | BSMI, ICES-003/NMB-003, CE, FCC, KC, Maghreb, RCM, UKCA, VCCI, CB-Scheme, TUV, UL |
Performance
The WD Red Plus (WD80EFPX) delivered consistently strong performance in my tests, exceeding my expectations for a NAS hard drive. In real-world usage, it consistently handled data transfers at a speed that kept my NAS running smoothly. I particularly noticed the impact of the 256MB cache, which significantly improved read and write speeds, especially during large file transfers. I also appreciated the reliable performance even under sustained workloads, ensuring smooth operation during demanding tasks like video editing or large data backups.
The CMR recording technology played a crucial role in ensuring data integrity and reliability. This technology ensures that data is written reliably on the hard drive, reducing the risk of data corruption. This is particularly important for NAS drives as they are frequently accessed by multiple users and devices, increasing the likelihood of data loss if the drive is not reliable.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Large 8TB capacity for ample storage
- Designed specifically for NAS environments
- Excellent read and write speeds
- CMR technology ensures data integrity
- Quiet operation
- 3-year warranty for peace of mind
Cons:
- Slightly higher price compared to some other NAS drives
- Limited to RAID-optimized NAS systems with up to 8 bays
Final Verdict
Overall, the Western Digital 8TB WD Red Plus 3.5″ SATA 6 Gb/s NAS Internal Hard Drive (WD80EFPX) is a highly recommended choice for those seeking a reliable and high-performing NAS drive. Its generous capacity, fast performance, and CMR technology make it ideal for home offices, power users, and small businesses requiring a robust and dependable storage solution. While the price point is slightly higher than some alternatives, the overall value offered by the WD Red Plus (WD80EFPX) in terms of performance, reliability, and longevity makes it a worthwhile investment.
