Western digital RE 3 TB Enterprise Hard Drive: 3.5 Inch, 7200 RPM, SATA III, 64 MB Cache - WD3000FYYZ (Old Model) Bullet - 5 years warranty from seller Review open_in_new

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Western Digital RE 3 TB Enterprise Hard Drive Review: A Reliable Powerhouse for Enterprise Storage

When it comes to enterprise-grade storage, the Western Digital RE 3 TB Enterprise Hard Drive (WD3000FYYZ) stands out as a robust and dependable solution. Designed for high-intensity workloads, this 3.5-inch hard drive offers a 3 TB capacity, 7200 RPM speed, and SATA III interface, making it ideal for datacenter storage, NAS/SAN systems, and video surveillance. With features like a 64 MB cache, dual processors, and advanced vibration protection, this drive is built to deliver consistent performance in demanding environments. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the details based on real customer experiences.

Pros and Cons: What Customers Are Saying

1. Performance and Speed

The Western Digital RE 3 TB Enterprise Hard Drive is praised for its exceptional performance. Customers have noted that the drive’s 7200 RPM speed and 64 MB cache ensure rapid data access, making it perfect for write-intensive tasks like video surveillance and cloud storage. One user mentioned that when used in a RAID 5 configuration, the drives are "very, very quick," providing both speed and data redundancy.

Pros:

  • Sustained sequential data rates of 171 MB/s.
  • Ideal for RAID setups, offering both speed and fault tolerance.
  • Dual processors handle heavy workloads efficiently.

Cons:

  • Some users reported compatibility issues with Linux systems, particularly when partitioning drives over 2 TB. This is due to the need for GPT partition style, which isn’t natively supported in older Linux distributions.

2. Reliability and Durability

Reliability is a key selling point for this drive. With a 1.2 million-hour MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) and a 5-year warranty, the WD RE series is designed for 24x7 operation in high-duty cycle environments. Customers have shared positive experiences, with one former Senior Systems Engineer stating, "Enterprise Class – when only the best is good enough." They also highlighted the importance of using enterprise-grade drives for critical data, as consumer-grade drives like WD Green are prone to failures.

Pros:

  • Built for 24x7 operation, making it ideal for enterprise use.
  • RAFF technology minimizes vibrations, ensuring stable performance.
  • Long-term reliability backed by a 5-year warranty.

Cons:

  • Higher price point compared to consumer-grade drives, but justified by its durability and performance.

3. Build Quality and Packaging

Customers have consistently praised the build quality and packaging of the WD RE series. The drives are securely packaged to prevent damage during shipping, and the build quality reflects their enterprise-grade status. One user noted that the drive was "new and unused," despite being manufactured in 2015, highlighting its durability even when stored for extended periods.

Pros:

  • Secure packaging ensures the drive arrives in perfect condition.
  • High-quality construction designed for long-term use.
  • StableTrac technology reduces vibration and improves reliability.

Cons:

  • Some users received drives with older manufacturing dates, which may concern those looking for the latest models.

4. Compatibility and Setup

While the drive performs exceptionally well in Windows environments, some users faced challenges when setting it up on Linux systems. One customer shared their experience with Linux Mint 19 Cinnamon, where the drive’s 3 TB capacity exceeded the 2 TB limit supported by MBR partitions. After switching to GPT partition style in Windows, the drive worked flawlessly.

Pros:

  • Easy setup in Windows with GPT partition support.
  • Ideal for enterprise servers and high-end NAS/SAN systems.

Cons:

  • Limited compatibility with older Linux distributions that lack GPT support.

Conclusion: Is the Western Digital RE 3 TB Worth It?

The Western Digital RE 3 TB Enterprise Hard Drive is a top-tier choice for anyone needing reliable, high-performance storage for enterprise applications. Its advanced features, such as dual processors, RAFF technology, and a 5-year warranty, make it a standout option for datacenters, video surveillance, and RAID setups. While the higher price point may deter some, the drive’s durability and performance justify the investment, especially for mission-critical data.

However, potential buyers should be aware of its limited compatibility with older Linux systems and the possibility of receiving drives with older manufacturing dates. For those using Windows or modern Linux distributions, these issues are easily mitigated.

Final Verdict: If you’re looking for a dependable, high-capacity hard drive for enterprise use, the Western Digital RE 3 TB is an excellent choice. Its combination of speed, reliability, and advanced features makes it a worthy investment for professionals who demand the best.

This review of Western digital RE 3 TB Enterprise Hard Drive: 3.5 Inch, 7200 RPM, SATA III, 64 MB Cache - WD3000FYYZ (Old Model) Bullet - 5 years warranty from seller is based solely on publicly available data collected from the internet and is not influenced by any payments to VeritasLinks. Western digital RE 3 TB Enterprise Hard Drive: 3.5 Inch, 7200 RPM, SATA III, 64 MB Cache - WD3000FYYZ (Old Model) Bullet - 5 years warranty from seller may use optional paid boosts to enhance visibility, but this does not affect review content.
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