• Background information

    My own NAS system – Part 2: Community, I hear you!

    by Richard Müller

Hard drives

Hard drives serve as the cornerstone of data storage solutions for both personal and enterprise environments. A hard drive, or HDD (Hard Disk Drive), is a data storage device that users primarily install in computers, network-attached storage devices (NAS), surveillance systems, and servers to store a vast array of information from everyday documents to large media files and sensitive business data. They come in different form factors, capacities, and speeds, adapting to various applications and performance requirements. Users value the reliability and capacity of HDDs for extensive data archives, multimedia libraries, or as backup systems, ensuring that crucial data is securely stored and readily accessible when needed.

When contemplating the purchase of an HDD, recognizing the essential characteristics can streamline the selection of an ideal drive for your requirements. Form factor is a starting point, with common sizes such as 3.5" apt for desktops and NAS devices for their larger storage capacities. For portable or small form factor applications, a 2.5" drive might be more suitable. Understanding your device's interface is crucial; SATA III offers widespread compatibility, while other interfaces like SAS cater to high-performance servers and enterprise systems. Memory scope of application is also a deciding feature, with some drives, such as NAS-specific models, optimized for 24/7 usage and built to handle multitasking loads. The maximum speed of the drive, typically measured in RPM (revolutions per minute), affects how swiftly data can be read or written - with 7200RPM being a common high-performance speed that balances quick access with reliability. Considering these filters can significantly narrow down options, easing the decision-making process and ensuring you secure the drive best aligned with your storage needs.

Our collection includes a variety of hard drives from trusted manufacturers. HPE offers robust 12G 2.5" SAS hard drives, optimizing data transfer rates for server applications. Synology's Plus Series HAT3300-4T hard drives integrate seamlessly with their NAS units, providing reliable and efficient storage solutions. Toshiba's MG10 Series stands out with high-capacity drives designed for constant operation and durability. Seagate's Exos X20 exemplifies high-capacity storage with enterprise-grade reliability, perfect for data centers. Meanwhile, WD's Red Plus series is tailored for NAS environments, supporting heightened workloads with a focus on longevity and performance. These brands offer unique features, scaling from cost-effective models to high-end drives, covering a spectrum of storage needs and ensuring your data-storage solutions are as robust and scalable as the work they're meant to support.