HGST Ultrastar He8 Helium 8TB Enterprise Hard Drive (Renewed) Review: A Reliable Workhorse for Data Storage

When it comes to enterprise-grade storage solutions, the HGST Ultrastar He8 Helium (HUH728080ALE601) 8TB 7200RPM 128MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5in Enterprise Hard Drive (Renewed) stands out as a top contender. Designed for heavy-duty, 24/7 operations, this hard drive is perfect for data centers, NAS systems, RAID setups, and surveillance systems. With its helium-filled design, 7200 RPM speed, and 128MB cache, it promises reliability, performance, and energy efficiency. But how does it hold up in real-world use? Let’s dive into the details.

Pros and Cons: What Customers Are Saying

Performance and Speed

One of the standout features of the HGST Ultrastar He8 is its 7200 RPM speed and 128MB cache, which ensure fast data access and transfer speeds. Customers have praised its performance, especially when used in NAS systems or as a Plex media server drive. One reviewer noted, "It’s fast, runs cooler than my other drives, and is quiet." Another user highlighted its seamless integration into their setup, stating, "The read/write performance and capacity are great."

However, some users reported mixed experiences with the drive’s longevity. While many drives performed flawlessly, a few failed during extended testing. One customer mentioned, "The short self-test passed, but the long test failed at about 30%." This highlights the importance of thoroughly testing renewed drives before putting them into production.

Durability and Reliability

The helium-filled design of the HGST Ultrastar He8 is a game-changer. It reduces turbulence, lowers power consumption, and keeps the drive running cooler and quieter. Customers have appreciated these benefits, with one user stating, "It runs cooler and quieter than my other drives, making it ideal for my NAS setup." Another reviewer praised its durability, saying, "These drives are built to a higher standard than consumer-grade drives."

That said, the helium leakage issue over time is a concern. One user shared their experience: "I got about a year and a half out of this before the sound it was making started to worry me. I wouldn’t be surprised if it had no more helium." While this isn’t a universal issue, it’s something to keep in mind when considering renewed drives.

Storage Capacity and Value

With 8TB of storage, the HGST Ultrastar He8 offers ample space for large-scale data needs. Customers have found it to be a cost-effective solution, especially when purchased in bulk. One reviewer said, "At this price, it’s worth it, especially with the 5-year warranty. These drives are cheap enough to buy multiple and run in a mirror for redundancy." Another user echoed this sentiment, stating, "Great price for data-center drives. I bought four more after testing the first two."

However, some customers were disappointed by the actual usage time of the drives. While the product description claims the drives were used for about 3 years, some users reported significantly higher usage times. One reviewer noted, "The SMART data showed 7.9 years of power-on time, which is a big difference from the 3 years mentioned." This discrepancy has led to mixed feelings about the transparency of the product listing.

Packaging and Warranty

The packaging and warranty have been a highlight for many customers. The drives are shipped in anti-static, air-tight bags with shock-absorbent packaging, ensuring they arrive in excellent condition. One user praised the seller, saying, "Quality packing shows the care that the company gives these drives." Additionally, the 5-year warranty provides peace of mind, with one reviewer stating, "The seller guarantees them for 5 years after purchase, which is fantastic."

Conclusion: Is the HGST Ultrastar He8 Worth It?

The HGST Ultrastar He8 Helium 8TB Enterprise Hard Drive (Renewed) is a solid choice for those seeking a high-capacity, reliable storage solution at an affordable price. Its helium-filled design, 7200 RPM speed, and enterprise-grade durability make it a standout option for data centers, NAS systems, and other demanding environments. However, potential buyers should be aware of the helium leakage issue and the possibility of higher-than-expected usage times.

Final Verdict: If you’re willing to take a calculated risk on a renewed product, the HGST Ultrastar He8 offers excellent value and performance. Just be sure to test the drive thoroughly before putting it into production and consider purchasing multiple drives for redundancy. For those prioritizing reliability and longevity, investing in a new drive might be a better option.