DELL/Seagate Constellation ES ST4000NM0033 4TB Hard Drive Review: A Reliable Enterprise-Grade Storage Solution?

Upgrade your storage capabilities with the DELL/Seagate Constellation ES ST4000NM0033 4TB 7200RPM 128MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Enterprise Hard Drive. This renewed hard drive is designed for enterprise-grade reliability, making it ideal for heavy-duty use in NAS, RAID setups, servers, and more. With a 5-year warranty and high-speed performance, it promises to deliver exceptional value for those seeking reliable storage solutions. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the pros and cons based on real customer experiences.

Pros and Cons: What Customers Are Saying

Performance and Speed

One of the standout features of this hard drive is its 7200 RPM speed and 128MB cache, which ensures fast data access and transfer rates. Customers have praised its performance in demanding environments, such as post-production for film and TV. One user in the Post Audio Film & TV industry mentioned, "I like how well and fast this 4TB Hard Drive keeps up with Pro Tools 12." Another customer noted that the drive was "relatively fast and quiet," making it a solid choice for enterprise-grade applications.

However, not all experiences have been positive. Some users reported I/O failures and drive failures within a short period of use. One customer shared, "2 of the 4 drives I purchased have failed in a 1-week timeframe." While these issues seem isolated, they highlight the potential risks of purchasing renewed drives.

Durability and Reliability

The enterprise-grade reliability of this hard drive is a major selling point. Many customers have found it to be a dependable option for their storage needs. One satisfied user stated, "These drives came in sealed in antistatic bags. They were clearly cleaned, tested, and worked as designed." Another customer performed a long destructive test before using the drives and found them "amazingly free of bad sectors."

On the flip side, some users experienced premature failures. A customer who purchased two drives in 2021 reported that one failed in 2024. Despite the 5-year warranty, the reseller allegedly failed to honor the warranty, leaving the customer frustrated. This raises concerns about the long-term reliability and support for renewed products.

Value for Money

At half the cost of new drives, the DELL/Seagate Constellation ES ST4000NM0033 offers tremendous value for those looking to populate their NAS or RAID systems without breaking the bank. One customer noted, "At half the cost of new disks, I can populate my NAS with good quality 16TB (12TB usable) storage and replace a failed drive if needed without any data loss." Another user appreciated the fast delivery and professional packaging, stating, "It's great dealing with a vendor that under promises and over delivers!"

However, the risk of receiving a dead drive or one that fails shortly after installation is a significant drawback. One customer lamented, "It arrived dead, would not accept a format. Honestly, not worth the trouble to return." This highlights the gamble involved with purchasing renewed drives, as they may have been pulled from production environments for a reason.

Conclusion: Is It Worth It?

The DELL/Seagate Constellation ES ST4000NM0033 4TB Hard Drive offers a compelling mix of high performance, enterprise-grade reliability, and affordability. For many users, it has proven to be a dependable storage solution, especially for demanding applications like NAS, RAID, and post-production work. The 5-year warranty adds an extra layer of security, though some customers have reported issues with warranty claims.

On the downside, the risk of receiving a faulty or prematurely failing drive is a concern. While the majority of users have had positive experiences, the occasional failure and lack of warranty support from resellers can be frustrating.

Final Verdict: If you're willing to take a calculated risk for significant cost savings, this renewed hard drive is a solid choice. However, if absolute reliability and hassle-free warranty support are your top priorities, you might want to consider investing in a new drive instead.