Selecting Your NAS Hard Drives

Hey there, fellow tech enthusiasts! Today, let’s dive into the world of NAS hard drives. I don’t know about you, but when I start a new hobby, I always spend hours researching and weighing different opinions on the necessary gear. If you’re anything like me, you’ll appreciate the flexibility that unRAID offers when it comes to accepting hard drives and SSDs from different manufacturers, sizes, and speeds. You can even start with the hardware you already have lying around, making it a fantastic choice for NAS beginners. So, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of selecting the best hard drives for your NAS setup!

The Quest for the “Best” Hard Drives

When it comes to finding the “best” hard drives, there are several strategies to consider. But before we dive in, let’s give a shoutout to Back Blaze, one of the biggest purchasers of hard drives, known for releasing quarterly stats on each model and manufacturer. You should definitely check out their reports for some valuable insights. Now, let’s explore the options, starting from the most affordable to the top-tier choices.

1. Drives You Already Have

Do you have any unused hard drives lying around? Well, you’re in luck! One of the fantastic features of unRAID is its compatibility with mixing and matching different drives. You can simply repurpose those drives and perform an initial preclear, enabling built-in health checks to warn you of any potential mechanical issues. So, go ahead and put those idle drives to good use!

2. Easy Store

If you’re looking for a deal, keep an eye out for Best Buy’s exclusive offering called Easy Store. These external USB 3.0 hard drives often go on sale, coming in various sizes ranging from 8 TB to 18 TB. The best part? These drives can be “shucked,” meaning you can remove the plastic shell to reveal the internal drive. Just be aware that this may void your warranty. However, with some careful tinkering, you can get incredible value for your money.

3. Seagate Ironwolf

After extensive research, I decided to go with Seagate Ironwolf drives for my own NAS setup. These drives have garnered mixed reviews, with some users passionately endorsing them and others opting for different options. Nevertheless, the price per terabyte convinced me to give them a shot. With Seagate Ironwolf drives, you can expect a good balance between performance and affordability.

4. Western Digital Red

Another reliable choice for NAS drives is Western Digital’s (WD) Red series. While these drives spin at 5400 RPM, you won’t notice a significant difference in performance, except maybe during your initial preclear process. The standout feature of WD Red drives is their stellar reputation for reliability, boasting a three-year warranty. If warranty coverage is your priority, you can opt for their pro variety, which offers even more protection.

Now that you’re armed with the knowledge of selecting NAS hard drives, it’s time to jump into your own NAS adventure! Remember, unRAID is compatible with various drives, giving you the flexibility to choose based on your budget and preferences. Start with what you have or explore the Easy Store, Seagate Ironwolf, or Western Digital Red drives. And if you want to learn more about the wonderful world of tech and stay updated with the latest trends, be sure to visit Blog Hồng! Happy NAS building, my friends!