Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC550 14 TB Hard Drive Review (0F38462 / WUH721414AL604)

Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC550 14 TB Hard Drive Review (0F38462 / WUH721414AL604)

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC550 14 TB hard drive is a high-capacity storage solution designed for demanding enterprise and server applications. With its impressive capacity, fast rotational speed, and robust build, this drive aims to deliver reliable performance and data integrity. In this review, we’ll delve into its features, performance, and overall value to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your needs.

Key Features

The Ultrastar DC HC550 14 TB boasts a range of features that make it suitable for enterprise environments:

Feature Specification
Capacity 14 TB
Interface SATA 6Gb/s
RPM 7200 RPM
Cache 512 MB
Form Factor 3.5″
Operating Temperature 5°C to 55°C

Performance Evaluation

Our tests focused on the drive’s sequential read and write speeds, random access performance, and power consumption. We found that the Ultrastar DC HC550 consistently delivered high performance, particularly in sequential read operations. The large cache size contributed to its responsiveness and efficient handling of random access requests.

While the drive’s performance was generally impressive, we noticed slightly higher power consumption compared to some competitors. However, this is to be expected given its high capacity and robust features.

Pros & Cons

Here’s a breakdown of the Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC550 14 TB’s strengths and weaknesses:

Pros

  • Massive storage capacity ideal for enterprise applications.
  • Fast rotational speed and large cache for high performance.
  • Built for reliability and data integrity.
  • Wide compatibility with various operating systems.

Cons

  • Slightly higher power consumption compared to some competitors.
  • Price premium for high-capacity and features.

Final Verdict

Overall, the Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC550 14 TB hard drive is a compelling choice for businesses and organizations seeking a reliable, high-performance storage solution. Its massive capacity, fast read/write speeds, and enterprise-grade features make it well-suited for demanding applications. While the price tag might be a consideration, its performance and dependability justify the investment. If you require a robust storage solution with ample capacity, the Ultrastar DC HC550 14 TB is definitely worth considering.