Western Digital 4TB WD Red Plus NAS Internal Hard Drive HDD Review: A Reliable Storage Solution for NAS Systems

The Western Digital 4TB WD Red Plus NAS Internal Hard Drive HDD is a robust and reliable storage solution designed specifically for NAS (Network Attached Storage) systems. With features like NASware 3.0 firmware, CMR technology, and 3D Active Balance Plus, this drive is built to handle the demands of small to medium-sized businesses and home offices. Whether you're streaming, backing up, or organizing data, the WD Red Plus delivers consistent performance and data protection.

Pros and Cons: What Customers Are Saying

Performance and Speed

One of the standout features of the WD Red Plus is its performance. Customers have praised its ability to deliver consistent read and write speeds, even under heavy workloads. One user tested the 20TB version of the WD Red Pro (a higher-capacity sibling of the Red Plus) and reported sequential read speeds of up to 270 MBps and write speeds of around 130 MBps. These speeds are typical for HDDs, with faster performance on the outer tracks of the drive. The drive also passed rigorous read and write tests without reporting any bad blocks, ensuring data integrity.

Pros:

• Consistent read and write speeds.
• No bad blocks reported during testing.
• Ideal for RAID arrays and ZFS file systems.

Cons:

• Performance can vary depending on the location of data on the drive (outer vs. inner tracks).

Noise Levels

Noise is a common concern for NAS drives, especially in home environments. The WD Red Plus has been designed with 3D Active Balance Plus technology to reduce vibration and noise. However, some users have noted that the drive does produce a noticeable clicking sound during operation. One customer mentioned that while the clicking was audible during testing, it became less noticeable once the drive was installed in a NAS enclosure. Another user pointed out that enterprise-grade drives like the WD Red Plus are inherently noisier than consumer-grade drives, so some noise is expected.

Pros:

• Reduced vibration and noise compared to older models.
• Clicking sound is less noticeable when installed in a NAS enclosure.

Cons:

• Audible clicking during operation may be bothersome in quiet environments.

Durability and Warranty

Durability is a key selling point for the WD Red Plus, with a 1 million hours MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) and a 3-year limited warranty. Customers appreciate the drive's reliability, especially for 24/7 operations. One user shared their experience of replacing older 4TB WD Red drives with the new 20TB WD Red Pro models, noting that the older drives had no reading errors even after years of use. However, the importance of verifying the manufacturer's warranty was highlighted by another customer who discovered that a third-party seller had supplied a gray-market unit without warranty coverage.

Pros:

• High durability with 1 million hours MTBF.
• Backed by a 3-year limited warranty.
• Proven reliability in long-term use.

Cons:

• Risk of gray-market units from third-party sellers.
• Warranty verification is essential to avoid issues.

Compatibility and Installation

The WD Red Plus is designed for seamless integration with NAS systems, thanks to its NASware 3.0 firmware. Customers have successfully installed the drive in various NAS setups, including Synology and Buffalo LinkStation systems. One user praised the drive's compatibility with their Synology DS920+ NAS, despite a warning about non-Synology accessories. Another customer replaced older Seagate drives in their Buffalo LinkStation 220D with the WD Red Plus and noted the significant reduction in noise and improved performance.

Pros:

• Excellent compatibility with NAS systems.
• Easy installation process.
• Reduced noise compared to older drives.

Cons:

• Some NAS systems may issue warnings about non-branded accessories.

Energy Efficiency

The WD Red Plus is designed to be energy-efficient, which not only reduces operational costs but also helps keep the NAS system cool. This is particularly important for 24/7 operations, as overheating can lead to drive failure. Customers have appreciated the drive's low power consumption, which contributes to its overall reliability.

Pros:

• Lower power consumption for energy efficiency.
• Helps maintain optimal operating temperatures.

Cons:

• None reported.

Conclusion: Is the WD Red Plus Worth It?

The Western Digital 4TB WD Red Plus NAS Internal Hard Drive HDD is a reliable and high-performing storage solution for NAS systems. Its consistent performance, durability, and energy efficiency make it an excellent choice for small to medium-sized businesses and home offices. While the drive does produce some noise during operation, this is a minor trade-off for its enterprise-grade reliability and data protection features.

Final Verdict: If you're looking for a dependable NAS drive that delivers consistent performance and long-term reliability, the WD Red Plus is a solid investment. Just be sure to verify the manufacturer's warranty when purchasing from third-party sellers to avoid gray-market units. Overall, this drive is a great addition to any NAS setup, offering peace of mind and efficient storage for your valuable data.