MDD WD DC HC520 14TB Datacenter Hard Drive Review: A Reliable Renewed Storage Solution

If you're in the market for a high-capacity, enterprise-grade hard drive that won't break the bank, the MDD WD DC HC520 WUH721414ALE604 14TB 7200RPM 256MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5-inch Datacenter Hard Drive might just be the perfect fit. This renewed hard drive is designed for heavy-duty applications, offering a massive 14TB storage capacity, 7200 RPM speed, and a 256MB cache for seamless performance. Whether you're running a data center, setting up a NAS system, or expanding your desktop storage, this drive promises reliability and efficiency.

But is it worth the investment? Let’s dive into the pros and cons based on real customer experiences.

Pros and Cons: What Customers Are Saying

1. Quality and Condition

One of the biggest concerns when buying a renewed product is its condition. Surprisingly, many customers were impressed with the quality of this hard drive.

Pros:

• Like-New Condition: Several reviewers mentioned that the drives arrived in excellent condition, with some even stating they looked brand new. One customer noted that the drives were manufactured in the current year, which added to their confidence in the product.
• Rigorous Testing: The drives underwent extended diagnostic tests, including SMART tests, and showed no abnormalities. This level of quality assurance reassured buyers about the drive's reliability.

Cons:

• Mixed Experiences: While most customers were satisfied, a few mentioned that their drives had a high number of operational hours, which is typical for refurbished products. However, these drives still performed flawlessly during testing.

2. Performance and Speed

Performance is a critical factor for enterprise-grade drives, and the WD DC HC520 doesn’t disappoint.

Pros:

• Fast and Reliable: Customers praised the drive's speed, noting that it performed exceptionally well in demanding environments like NAS and RAID setups. The 7200 RPM speed and 256MB cache ensure quick data access and smooth operation.
• High Capacity: With 14TB of storage, this drive offers more than double the space of many newer drives, making it ideal for bulk storage needs.

Cons:

• Noise Levels: Some users reported that the drive was a bit noisy during operation. However, this issue was easily mitigated by using anti-vibration pads or installing the drive in a well-insulated NAS enclosure.

3. Durability and Longevity

Durability is a key consideration for enterprise users who rely on their drives for 24/7 operation.

Pros:

• Built to Last: The drive’s helium-sealed design reduces power consumption and operating temperatures, contributing to its longevity. With a 2.5M-hour MTBF rating, it’s built to handle heavy workloads without breaking a sweat.
• 5-Year Warranty: The included warranty provides peace of mind, ensuring that you’re covered in case of any issues.

Cons:

• Refurbished Nature: While the drive is durable, it’s important to remember that it’s a refurbished product. Some customers noted that their drives had a high number of operational hours, which could potentially impact long-term reliability.

4. Value for Money

At its price point, the WD DC HC520 offers incredible value, especially for those needing high-capacity storage.

Pros:

• Affordable Enterprise Solution: Many customers were thrilled with the price, stating that it was a steal for a drive of this caliber. One reviewer even mentioned that they bought the drive solely because of the low price and were pleasantly surprised by its performance.
• Cost-Effective Alternative: Compared to brand-new drives, this renewed option provides similar performance at a fraction of the cost.

Cons:

• Bare Drive: The drive doesn’t come with screws, cables, or accessories, which might be inconvenient for some users.

Conclusion: Is the WD DC HC520 Worth It?

The MDD WD DC HC520 14TB Datacenter Hard Drive is a standout choice for anyone in need of high-capacity, reliable storage. Its like-new condition, impressive performance, and affordable price make it a compelling option for both enterprise and personal use. While the drive can be a bit noisy and lacks accessories, these minor drawbacks are easily outweighed by its strengths.

Final Verdict: If you’re looking for a cost-effective, high-performance storage solution, the WD DC HC520 is a fantastic choice. Its renewed status doesn’t compromise its quality, and the 5-year warranty ensures you’re covered for the long haul. Highly recommended for data centers, NAS systems, and anyone needing massive storage capacity without breaking the bank.