HGST Ultrastar DC HC520 12TB or HGST Ultrastar He8 8TB 7200? Which HGST Model to Buy
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When comparing the hgst ultrastar DC hc520 12tb vs ultrastar he8 8tb 7200, you see two enterprise-grade drives from the same brand. Both models share a 3.5-inch form factor, 7200 RPM rotational speed, and SATA 6Gb/s interface. They are built for heavy duty server and NAS environments. The main difference lies in their storage capacity and cache memory. The HC520 offers double the space, while the He8 uses helium technology. You need to weigh capacity needs against specific hardware constraints.
Key differences
| Aspect | HGST Ultrastar DC HC520 12TB SATA Hard Drive | HGST Ultrastar He8 8TB 7200 RPM Hard Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 12TB | 8TB |
| Cache Size | 256MB | 128MB |
| Recording Technology | Helium design | Helium Platform |
| Model Number | HUH721212ALE601 | HUH728080ALE604 |
Which one should you choose?
Choose HGST Ultrastar DC HC520 12TB SATA Hard Drive if
- You need maximum storage density in a single drive slot
- You want a larger buffer for better data handling
- You are building a high-capacity centralized storage array
Choose HGST Ultrastar He8 8TB 7200 RPM Hard Drive if
- You prefer a drive with a lower total power draw profile
- You are replacing a specific legacy server slot with an 8TB unit
- You prioritize the industry-first helium platform history
Verdict: The HC520 12TB is the better choice if you need more raw storage and a larger cache. The He8 8TB remains a solid option for systems optimized for its specific form and helium efficiency. Your decision should depend on whether you need the extra 4TB or prefer the smaller capacity.
HC520 12TB vs He8 8TB Specs
Storage Capacity
The HGST Ultrastar DC HC520 offers 12TB of storage, while the HGST Ultrastar He8 provides 8TB. This difference is significant for your total array size. You get 50% more space with the HC520 model. This allows you to store more data or run larger RAID configurations without adding extra physical drives. The He8 is suitable if you have limited drive bays or need smaller individual volumes. For most high-density storage needs, the HC520 delivers better value per drive slot.
Cache Size
Cache memory helps the drive manage data flow between the platters and your system. The HC520 includes 256MB of cache, which is double the 128MB found in the He8. Larger cache can improve performance during random read/write operations. It allows the drive to buffer more data before writing it to the disk. If you run many small file transfers or heavy multitasking workloads, the HC520 may respond faster. The He8 is adequate for sequential large file transfers common in backup scenarios.
Recording Technology
Both drives use helium-filled designs to reduce friction and power consumption. The He8 is noted as the industry-first helium-filled drive, establishing the platform. The HC520 also utilizes this proven helium technology for efficiency. Helium reduces internal drag, allowing for higher spindle speeds and more platters. This design choice lowers power draw and heat output compared to traditional air-filled drives. Both models benefit from this advanced engineering for reliability in 24/7 operation. The technology level is effectively equal for your daily use.
Rotational Speed
Speed impacts how quickly the drive can access data. Both the HC520 and the He8 spin at 7200 RPM. This is the standard high-speed rating for enterprise drives. You get consistent performance from both models regarding seek times and data transfer rates. Neither drive has a speed advantage over the other. They are both optimized for high-performance server environments. If rotational speed is your primary metric, both drives meet the same baseline requirement for enterprise applications.
Form Factor
Physical size determines which enclosures you can use. Both drives are 3.5-inch internal hard drives. This standard form factor fits most desktop workstations, NAS enclosures, and server racks designed for 3.5-inch bays. You do not need adapters or special mounting hardware for either model. The dimensions are nearly identical, with minor variations in length and width that do not affect installation. You can swap them in the same drive bay without issues. Compatibility with your existing chassis is guaranteed for both.
Which HGST Drive Fits Your Needs
Users needing maximum storage density
The HC520 provides 12TB of space, which is 50% more than the He8. This extra capacity reduces the number of drives you need to manage. You benefit from a 256MB cache for better data buffering. The larger cache helps handle larger files and complex RAID operations more efficiently.
Budget-conscious buyers with space
The He8 offers 8TB in a standard 3.5-inch form factor. It uses a helium design for power efficiency. The 128MB cache handles standard enterprise workloads. This model is suitable if you need reliable 24/7 operation without requiring the highest possible capacity per drive.
Administrators prioritizing security features
The HC520 includes Instant Secure Erase (ISE) for reliable data deletion. It features dual safe firmware for secure updates. These specs ensure your data remains protected during drive retirement or maintenance. The higher capacity also means fewer physical drives to secure in your rack.
The products compared
HGST Ultrastar DC HC520 12TB SATA Hard Drive
Best for: high-density data center storage
- Storage Capacity
- 12TB
- Form Factor
- 3.5-Inch
- Hardware Interface
- SATA 6Gb/s
- Rotational Speed
- 7200RPM
- Cache Size
- 256MB
- Dimensions
- 5.79 × 4.01 × 1.03 inches
View on Amazon: HGST Ultrastar DC HC520 12TB SATA Hard Drive Affiliate link
This drive offers 12TB of storage in a 3.5-inch form factor. It spins at 7200RPM and uses a SATA 6Gb/s interface. The 256MB cache helps with data handling. It uses a helium design for better power efficiency. You should choose this if you need high capacity for data centers or surveillance systems.
Pros
- 12TB storage capacity
- 7200RPM rotational speed
- 256MB cache size
- Helium platform design
Cons
- SATA interface limits speed compared to SAS
- 3.5-inch size requires larger bays
- Higher power draw than lower RPM drives
Good fit if
- You need maximum capacity per drive
- You run data center applications
- You use centralized video surveillance
Skip if
- You need quiet operation
- You have limited drive bays
- You want faster SAS connectivity
Verdict: HGST Ultrastar DC HC520 12TB provides high density storage for servers. It fits users who prioritize capacity and durability in data centers.
HGST Ultrastar He8 8TB 7200 RPM Hard Drive
Best for: High-performance NAS and RAID systems
- Storage Capacity
- 8TB
- Form Factor
- 3.5-inch
- Hardware Interface
- SATA 6.0Gb/s
- Rotational Speed
- 7200RPM
- Cache Size
- 128MB
- Dimensions
- 5.6 × 4 × 1 inches
View on Amazon: HGST Ultrastar He8 8TB 7200 RPM Hard Drive Affiliate link
The HGST Ultrastar He8 is an 8TB enterprise drive using helium sealing for reliability. It features 7200RPM rotational speed and a 128MB cache over SATA 6.0Gb/s. This 3.5-inch unit suits NAS and RAID systems needing consistent performance. You get a drive designed for 24/7 operation with a high MTBF rating. It is a solid choice for users prioritizing speed and durability in a standard form factor.
Pros
- 7200RPM rotational speed for fast data access
- 128MB cache buffer reduces latency
- Helium-filled platform for enhanced reliability
- SATA 6.0Gb/s interface for broad compatibility
Cons
- 8TB capacity is lower than 12TB alternatives
- Refurbished condition rather than new stock
- No mention of included warranty coverage
Good fit if
- You need higher rotational speed for performance
- You prefer helium-sealed drive reliability
- You require a 128MB cache buffer
Skip if
- You need maximum capacity for large libraries
- You require a brand-new sealed drive
- You prefer lower RPM for silent operation
Verdict: HGST Ultrastar He8 8TB 7200RPM offers superior speed and helium reliability for users who value performance over raw capacity. It fits well in high-demand NAS or RAID setups where rotational speed matters most.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | HGST Ultrastar DC HC520 12TB SATA Hard Drive | HGST Ultrastar He8 8TB 7200 RPM Hard Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 12TB | 8TB |
| Form Factor | 3.5-Inch | 3.5-inch |
| Hardware Interface | SATA 6Gb/s | SATA 6.0Gb/s |
| Rotational Speed | 7200RPM | 7200RPM |
| Cache Size | 256MB | 128MB |
| Size | 12TB | 8TB |
| Dimensions | 5.79 × 4.01 × 1.03 inches | 5.6 × 4 × 1 inches |
| Color | Silver | Silver |
| Model | HUH721212ALE600 | Ultrastar He8 |
Frequently asked questions
Does the HGST Ultrastar DC HC520 12TB use helium sealing?
The provided specifications do not mention helium sealing for the HGST Ultrastar DC HC520. It is listed as a 3.5-inch drive with 7200 RPM rotation and a 256MB cache. You should check the manufacturer's detailed technical sheets if helium technology is a critical requirement for your specific storage environment.
Is the HGST Ultrastar He8 8TB suitable for high-performance NAS setups?
Yes, the HGST Ultrastar He8 is best for high-performance NAS and RAID systems. It features a 7200 RPM rotational speed and a 128MB cache. This configuration supports users who value speed and reliability in high-demand environments over raw maximum capacity.
What is the cache difference between the HC520 and He8 models?
The HGST Ultrastar DC HC520 includes a 256MB cache, while the Ultrastar He8 has a 128MB cache. This means the HC520 offers double the cache memory. A larger cache can help manage data flow more efficiently in data center applications.
Do both drives use the same form factor?
Yes, both the HC520 and He8 drives use a 3.5-inch form factor. This standard size ensures they fit into compatible drive bays in most servers and NAS enclosures. You can swap them in systems designed for 3.5-inch hard drives without needing adapters.
Which drive offers more storage capacity?
The HGST Ultrastar DC HC520 offers 12TB of storage, which is significantly more than the 8TB provided by the Ultrastar He8. This 50% increase in capacity allows you to store more data on a single drive, reducing the total number of drives needed in your array.
What interface do these HGST drives use?
Both the HC520 and He8 drives use a SATA hardware interface. This standard connection type ensures compatibility with most motherboards and RAID controllers. You can connect them using standard SATA cables found in typical server and desktop computer setups.