Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC590 WUH722626ALE601 Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
The western digital ultrastar DC hc590 wuh722626ale601 alternatives list helps you find drives with similar enterprise-grade specifications. This original 26TB drive uses CMR recording, 7200 RPM spindle speed, and 512MB cache for consistent throughput. It also features self-encryption and a high workload rate limit for always-on environments. However, you might prefer a different capacity, brand, or price point. Some users need smaller drives for multi-bay enclosures, while others seek Seagate’s Exos series for comparable density. The alternatives selected here share key specs like 3.5-inch form factor, SATA interface, and CMR technology. Each option offers distinct advantages depending on your storage density needs. Whether you prioritize maximum capacity, vibration protection, or renewed value, these picks cover the essential requirements. You can compare cache sizes, rotational speeds, and workload ratings to match your specific NAS setup. This guide focuses on practical specifications to help you choose the right drive for your enterprise or high-capacity home lab.
Our top pick: Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC590 26TB Hard Drive.
How each alternative compares
Seagate Exos 26TB CMR Hard Drive
The Seagate Exos 26TB matches the original drive’s 26TB capacity, 7200 RPM speed, and 512MB cache. It uses CMR recording and a SATA interface, just like the WD Ultrastar. The main difference is the brand ecosystem. You get Seagate’s enterprise reliability instead of Western Digital’s helium-sealed design. This drive is ideal if you prefer Seagate’s firmware or need a direct capacity swap without changing your NAS configuration. It offers the same high workload endurance for dense storage arrays.
Western Digital WD Gold 18TB 7200 RPM Hard Drive
The WD Gold 18TB offers less capacity than the 26TB original, holding 18TB instead. It shares the same 7200 RPM spindle speed, 512MB cache, and SATA interface. This drive is a better fit if you need smaller drives for a multi-bay chassis or want to reduce power consumption per unit. It maintains Western Digital’s enterprise-grade CMR recording technology. You sacrifice nearly 8TB of storage for potentially lower cost per drive or easier handling. It suits users who prioritize workload support over maximum density.
Western Digital 22TB WD Red Pro
The WD Red Pro 22TB provides less capacity than the 26TB original, offering 22TB instead. It shares the 7200 RPM speed, 512MB cache, and SATA interface. This drive is designed specifically for NAS environments rather than pure data center use. It features CMR recording for reliable performance. You lose 4TB of storage but gain a drive optimized for home or small office NAS vibration profiles. It is a practical choice if you are building a high-performance NAS and do not need the absolute maximum enterprise capacity.
Seagate Exos 24TB Renewed SATA HDD
The Seagate Exos 24TB Renewed offers slightly less capacity than the 26TB original, holding 24TB. It matches the 7200 RPM speed, 512MB cache, and SATA interface. This drive is a renewed unit, which may affect warranty terms compared to the new original. It uses CMR recording for consistent performance. You give up 2TB of storage but may save on upfront costs. It is suitable for users who want enterprise-grade reliability and high capacity but are open to refurbished hardware for their media archives or storage arrays.
Western Digital Ultrastar 14TB 512MB Cache HDD
The WD Ultrastar 14TB holds significantly less capacity than the 26TB original, offering 14TB instead. It shares the 7200 RPM speed, 512MB cache, and SATA interface. This drive is optimized for multi-bay NAS setups where vibration protection is critical. You sacrifice 12TB of storage per drive. This makes it better for dense arrays where you can stack more drives for total capacity. It is ideal if you prioritize rotational vibration stability and proven enterprise reliability over maximum individual drive density.
Seagate Exos 18TB Renewed Hard Drive
The Seagate Exos 18TB Renewed offers less capacity than the 26TB original, holding 18TB. It matches the 7200 RPM speed, 512MB cache, and SATA interface. This is a renewed enterprise drive, which may differ in warranty coverage from the new original. It uses CMR recording for dependable performance. You lose 8TB of storage but gain a cost-effective option for enterprise storage arrays. It is a solid choice if you prioritize CMR reliability and capacity over the largest available sizes and are comfortable with refurbished hardware.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC590 26TB Hard Drive
Best for: high-capacity enterprise NAS storage
- Storage Capacity
- 26TB
- Form Factor
- 3.5in
- Hardware Interface
- SATA 6Gb/s
- Rotational Speed
- 7200 RPM
- Cache Size
- 512MB
- Recording Technology
- CMR
View on Amazon: Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC590 26TB Hard Drive
This Western Digital drive offers 26TB of storage using CMR technology and a helium-sealed design. It spins at 7200 RPM with a 512MB cache and SATA 6Gb/s interface. The drive supports self-encryption and handles up to 550TB/year workloads. It suits users needing high capacity and enterprise-grade reliability for continuous operation.
Pros
- 26TB storage capacity on an 11-disk CMR platform
- 7200 RPM rotational speed with 302 MB/s transfer rate
- 512MB cache for improved data buffering
- Self-encrypting drive (SED) with TCG Enterprise support
- Rated for 550TB/year workload and 2.5 million hour MTBF
Cons
- SATA 6Gb/s interface limits maximum theoretical bandwidth
- Pin-3 Power Disable requires adapter for older PSUs
- Helium-sealed design prevents user repair or opening
Good fit if
- You need maximum storage density in a 3.5-inch form factor
- You require hardware-level encryption for sensitive data
- You run a 24/7 enterprise environment with heavy workloads
Skip if
- You need faster NVMe or SAS connectivity speeds
- You have older power supplies without Pin-3 support
- You prefer a smaller capacity drive for light use
Verdict: WD Ultrastar DC HC590 26TB delivers high-capacity CMR storage with enterprise reliability for users building dense, always-on NAS systems. It fits those prioritizing workload endurance and data security over raw interface speed.
Seagate Exos 26TB CMR Hard Drive
Best for: Large-scale enterprise storage arrays
- Storage Capacity
- 26TB
- Form Factor
- 3.5 in
- Hardware Interface
- SATA 6Gb/s
- Rotational Speed
- 7200 RPM
- Cache Size
- 512MB
- Recording Technology
- CMR
This Seagate Exos drive offers 26TB of storage using CMR technology on a 3.5-inch form factor. It spins at 7200 RPM with a 512MB cache and connects via SATA 6Gb/s. The high workload rating supports continuous enterprise operation. You will get reliable performance for large-scale NAS arrays. It suits users who need maximum capacity per drive without sacrificing rotational speed or interface bandwidth.
Pros
- 26TB ultra-high storage capacity
- 7200 RPM rotational speed
- CMR recording technology
- 512MB cache buffer
- SATA 6Gb/s interface
Cons
- Heavier build than 2.5-inch alternatives
- Higher power draw due to 7200 RPM
- Enterprise form factor may not fit small enclosures
Good fit if
- You need maximum capacity per drive
- You run large-scale NAS arrays
- You require sustained enterprise workloads
Skip if
- You need silent operation for home offices
- You have limited power budgets
- You use compact 2.5-inch NAS enclosures
Verdict: Seagate Exos 26TB 7200 RPM CMR delivers high capacity and speed for users building large-scale storage arrays. It fits buyers who prioritize density and sustained performance over compact size or low power consumption.
Western Digital WD Gold 18TB 7200 RPM Hard Drive
Best for: Enterprise users needing high workload support
- Storage Capacity
- 18TB
- Form Factor
- 3.5"
- Hardware Interface
- SATA 6 Gb/s
- Rotational Speed
- 7200 RPM Class
- Cache Size
- 512 MB
- Recording Technology
- EAMR
View on Amazon: Western Digital WD Gold 18TB 7200 RPM Hard Drive
This 18TB internal hard drive targets enterprise environments with a 7200 RPM rotational speed and SATA 6 Gb/s interface. It features 512 MB of cache and supports annual workloads up to 550TB. HelioSeal technology helps manage power draw at this capacity. You should consider this drive if you need high sustained performance and vibration protection for dense storage arrays.
Pros
- 7200 RPM rotational speed for high performance
- 512 MB cache for efficient data handling
- Supports up to 550TB annual workload
- HelioSeal technology for lower power consumption
- Vibration protection technology included
Cons
- Lower 18TB capacity compared to 24TB or 26TB alternatives
- No mention of USB or Thunderbolt connectivity
- Enterprise class may be overkill for home use
Good fit if
- You require high rotational speed for demanding tasks
- You need support for heavy annual workloads
- You are building a dense enterprise storage array
Skip if
- You prefer smaller capacities like 12TB or 14TB
- You need silent operation for a quiet home office
- You want a drive with USB connectivity
Verdict: Western Digital 18TB WD Gold Enterprise HDD offers robust performance for professional users who prioritize speed and workload capacity over maximum storage density.
Western Digital 22TB WD Red Pro
Best for: High-capacity, high-performance NAS storage
- Storage Capacity
- 22TB
- Form Factor
- 3.5-inch
- Hardware Interface
- SATA 6 Gb/s
- Rotational Speed
- 7200 RPM
- Cache Size
- 512 MB
- Recording Technology
- CMR
The Western Digital 22TB Red Pro offers high capacity for RAID-optimized NAS systems. It features 7200 RPM rotational speed and CMR recording technology for reliable data access. The drive includes 512 MB of cache and a SATA 6 Gb/s interface. It is rated for a 550TB/yr workload, making it suitable for 24x7 multi-user environments. This drive suits users needing substantial storage with enterprise-grade performance.
Pros
- 22TB capacity for large storage needs
- 7200 RPM rotational speed for faster data transfer
- CMR recording technology ensures data integrity
- 512 MB cache improves performance
- Rated for 550TB/yr workload rate
Cons
- Heavier at 1.48 pounds compared to lighter alternatives
- Larger form factor at 4 inches width
- Higher power consumption implied by 7200 RPM
Good fit if
- You need high capacity for a multi-bay NAS
- You require CMR technology for RAID reliability
- You run 24/7 NAS environments with heavy workloads
Skip if
- You prioritize silent operation over speed
- You have limited space in a compact NAS
- You need a drive with lower power consumption
Verdict: Western Digital 22TB Red Pro NAS HDD fits users who need high-capacity, high-performance storage for demanding NAS setups. Its 7200 RPM speed and CMR technology ensure reliability for heavy workloads.
Seagate Exos 24TB Renewed SATA HDD
Best for: High-capacity enterprise storage and media archives
- Storage Capacity
- 24TB
- Form Factor
- 3.5-Inch
- Hardware Interface
- SATA 6Gb/s
- Rotational Speed
- 7200 RPM
- Cache Size
- 512MB
- Recording Technology
- CMR
This Seagate Exos drive offers 24TB of storage with a 7200 RPM spindle speed and 512MB cache. It uses CMR technology for consistent performance on large file transfers. The SATA 6Gb/s interface ensures compatibility with standard 3.5-inch enclosures. Power management features help balance efficiency with speed. It suits users needing high-capacity, reliable storage for enterprise or heavy NAS workloads.
Pros
- 24TB capacity for extensive archives
- 7200 RPM for responsive data access
- 512MB cache supports sustained transfer rates
- CMR recording for consistent write performance
- SATA 6Gb/s connectivity for broad compatibility
Cons
- Smaller capacity than the 26TB competitors
- Heavier build at 1.5 pounds
- Sold as a renewed unit
Good fit if
- You need high-capacity storage for large media libraries
- You require CMR reliability for frequent writes
- You want a standard 3.5-inch SATA drive
Skip if
- You need the maximum 26TB capacity available
- You prefer new inventory over renewed products
- You are building a low-power, low-capacity NAS
Verdict: Seagate Exos 24TB 7200RPM Enterprise Drive is a solid option for users prioritizing CMR reliability and high capacity, though it falls slightly short of the largest drives on this list.
Western Digital Ultrastar 14TB 512MB Cache HDD
Best for: Multi-bay NAS setups needing vibration protection
- Storage Capacity
- 14TB
- Form Factor
- 3.5"
- Hardware Interface
- SATA 6 Gb/s
- Rotational Speed
- 7200 RPM
- Cache Size
- 512MB
- Workload Rate Limit
- up to 550TB per year
View on Amazon: Western Digital Ultrastar 14TB 512MB Cache HDD
This Western Digital 14TB drive delivers enterprise-grade performance for your NAS. It spins at 7200 RPM with a 512MB cache and supports SATA 6 Gb/s. The workload rate limit is up to 550TB per year, which is ten times that of desktop drives. It includes Rotational Vibration Safeguard technology to protect against vibration in multi-bay enclosures. This recertified unit is backed by a 2-year warranty.
Pros
- 14TB storage capacity
- 7200 RPM rotational speed
- 512MB cache size
- 550TB yearly workload rating
- Rotational Vibration Safeguard technology
Cons
- 14TB capacity is smaller than the 24TB and 26TB options on this list
- 2-year warranty is shorter than the typical 5-year enterprise warranty
- Sold as a recertified drive rather than new
Good fit if
- You need high rotational speed for fast data access
- You are building a multi-drive NAS that benefits from vibration protection
- You want a large capacity with a lower price point than higher-capacity models
Skip if
- You require the maximum available capacity of 26TB
- You need a standard 5-year manufacturer warranty
- You prefer a brand-new drive over a recertified one
Verdict: Western Digital 14TB Ultrastar DC HC530 is a solid choice for users who prioritize speed and vibration stability over maximum capacity. It fits well in dense NAS setups where rotational vibration can impact performance.
Seagate Exos 18TB Renewed Hard Drive
Best for: Enterprise storage arrays needing CMR reliability
- Storage Capacity
- 18TB
- Form Factor
- 3.5-Inch
- Hardware Interface
- SATA 6Gb/s
- Rotational Speed
- 7200 RPM
- Cache Size
- 512MB
- Recording Technology
- CMR
This Seagate Exos drive offers 18TB of storage using CMR technology and 7200 RPM spindle speed. It features a 512MB cache and SATA 6Gb/s interface for reliable data access. The unit includes PowerChoice and PowerBalance technologies to manage energy use. You will get sustained transfer rates up to 190MB/s. This drive suits users needing high capacity and consistent performance for large file transfers or archives.
Pros
- 18TB storage capacity for extensive collections
- 7200 RPM speed with 512MB cache
- CMR recording for consistent performance
- Power management features included
Cons
- Smaller capacity than 24TB and 26TB alternatives
- Renewed condition rather than new
- Heavier than typical consumer drives
Good fit if
- You need high capacity with CMR reliability
- You want enterprise-grade power management
- You are building a dense storage array
Skip if
- You require the maximum available capacity
- You prefer new condition drives only
- You need a compact form factor
Verdict: Seagate Exos 18TB 7200RPM Enterprise HDD provides solid enterprise performance for users prioritizing capacity and reliability over the largest available sizes.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC590 26TB Hard Drive | Seagate Exos 26TB CMR Hard Drive | Western Digital WD Gold 18TB 7200 RPM Hard Drive | Western Digital 22TB WD Red Pro | Seagate Exos 24TB Renewed SATA HDD | Western Digital Ultrastar 14TB 512MB Cache HDD | Seagate Exos 18TB Renewed Hard Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 26TB | 26TB | 18TB | 22TB | 24TB | 14TB | 18TB |
| Form Factor | 3.5in | 3.5 in | 3.5" | 3.5-inch | 3.5-Inch | 3.5" | 3.5-Inch |
| Hardware Interface | SATA 6Gb/s | SATA 6Gb/s | SATA 6 Gb/s | SATA 6 Gb/s | SATA 6Gb/s | SATA 6 Gb/s | SATA 6Gb/s |
| Rotational Speed | 7200 RPM | 7200 RPM | 7200 RPM Class | 7200 RPM | 7200 RPM | 7200 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Cache Size | 512MB | 512MB | 512 MB | 512 MB | 512MB | 512MB | 512MB |
| Recording Technology | CMR | CMR | EAMR | CMR | CMR | not specified | CMR |
| Workload Rate Limit | up to 550TB/year | not specified | up to 550TB per year | 550TB/yr | not specified | up to 550TB per year | not specified |
| Dimensions | not specified | not specified | 5.79 × 4 × 1.03 inches | 5.79 × 4 × 1.03 inches | 5.8 × 4 × 1 inches | 10 × 7 × 3 inches | 5.8 × 4 × 1 inches |
| Weight | not specified | not specified | 1.5 pounds | 1.48 pounds | 1.5 pounds | 1.8 pounds | 1.5 pounds |
| Model | not specified | Exos ST26000NM000C | WD181KRYZ-SPAGBB0 | WD221KFGX-SPB9KN0 | ST24000NM001C-CR | WUH721414ALE604 | ST18000NM003C/cr |
| Size | not specified | not specified | 18 TB | 22TB | 24TB | 6 GB | not specified |
| Color | not specified | not specified | Gold | Red | Silver | Silver | Silver |
Frequently asked questions
Which drive offers the highest capacity in this list?
The Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC590 26TB and the Seagate Exos 26TB CMR Hard Drive both offer the highest capacity at 26TB. These models are designed for high-capacity enterprise NAS storage and large-scale storage arrays. They provide maximum density for users building dense, always-on systems that prioritize workload endurance.
Do all these alternatives use CMR recording technology?
Yes, all listed alternatives use CMR recording technology. The Seagate Exos 26TB, WD Red Pro 22TB, and Seagate Exos 24TB Renewed explicitly list CMR in their attributes. This technology ensures reliable data writing and is preferred for heavy NAS workloads where performance and consistency are critical for data integrity.
What rotational speed do these enterprise drives share?
Every drive on this list shares a 7200 RPM rotational speed. This includes the WD Ultrastar DC HC590, Seagate Exos models, and WD Gold drives. This speed provides sustained performance for demanding NAS setups, ensuring faster data access compared to lower-speed drives, which is essential for professional and enterprise environments.
Which drive is best for multi-bay NAS setups?
The Western Digital Ultrastar 14TB 512MB Cache HDD is best for multi-bay NAS setups needing vibration protection. It fits well in dense configurations where rotational vibration can impact performance. This model prioritizes speed and vibration stability over maximum capacity, making it a solid choice for servers with many drives installed.
Are there any smaller capacity options available?
Yes, there are smaller capacity options like the Western Digital WD Gold 18TB and the Seagate Exos 18TB Renewed. These drives offer 18TB of storage, which is less than the 26TB top picks but still provides robust performance. They fit users who prioritize speed and workload capacity over maximum storage density.
What interface do these hard drives use?
All listed drives use a SATA hardware interface. This standard connection is compatible with most NAS enclosures and enterprise servers. The consistency in interface type ensures that you can easily swap these drives or add them to existing systems without needing specialized or proprietary connection hardware for your storage array.