Western Digital WD Ultrastar dc hc320 Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared
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The western digital wd ultrastar DC hc320 alternatives list helps you find drives that match its core capabilities. This model offers SAS and SATA interfaces with an 8 TB capacity in a standard 3.5-inch form factor. You might look elsewhere if you need more storage density or prefer a different brand. Some users seek higher rotational speeds or larger capacities for enterprise arrays. Others may want a simpler SATA connection without the complexity of SAS. We selected these alternatives because their published specifications overlap with the original drive. Each option shares key traits like the 3.5-inch size and high reliability for server environments. The list includes drives from Toshiba, Seagate, and MDD. These picks cover various capacities from 14 TB to 16 TB. You will find options tailored for high-density storage or budget-conscious builds. The selection focuses on practical specs rather than marketing claims. This approach ensures you can compare features directly. You can choose based on interface type, capacity needs, or specific performance metrics. The goal is to provide clear, spec-driven comparisons for your storage requirements.
Our top pick: Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC320 8TB SAS Hard Drive.
Comparing alternatives to the HC320
Toshiba 16TB Enterprise 7200 RPM Hard Drive
The Toshiba MG08ACA16TE doubles your storage to 16 TB while keeping the standard 3.5-inch desktop form factor. It uses a SATA interface instead of the Ultrastar’s SAS 12Gb/s option. This means you lose the dedicated SAS bandwidth but gain broader compatibility with standard SATA controllers. The 7200 RPM speed matches the performance tier needed for enterprise workloads. You should pick this drive if you need higher density in a single bay and do not require the specific SAS protocol features. It offers twice the capacity for a similar physical footprint.
Seagate Exos X16 14TB Renewed Hard Drive
The Seagate Exos X16 14TB provides a middle ground between the 8 TB Ultrastar and larger 16 TB options. It retains the 3.5-inch form factor and 7200 RPM speed but switches to a SATA interface. The 256MB cache helps manage data flow efficiently. This model is recertified, which may affect warranty terms compared to new enterprise drives. You should choose this if you want more capacity than the HC320 but prefer a SATA connection for easier integration into existing arrays. It balances capacity and interface flexibility well.
Seagate Recertified Exos X18 16TB CMR HDD
The Seagate Exos X18 16TB CMR offers significant capacity growth over the 8 TB Ultrastar. It uses a SATA interface and 7200 RPM speed, matching the rotational performance but expanding storage density. The CMR recording technology ensures consistent write speeds, which is vital for heavy enterprise workloads. This drive is recertified, meaning you prioritize capacity and performance over a brand-new warranty. You should pick this if you need maximum space in a standard 3.5-inch slot and are comfortable with recertified hardware for your storage array.
Seagate Exos X16 16TB Enterprise HDD
The Seagate Exos X16 16TB Enterprise HDD matches the high capacity of other alternatives while using a SATA interface. It features 7200 RPM speed and a 256MB cache for robust data handling. The 3.5-inch form factor ensures it fits standard enterprise bays alongside the Ultrastar. You lose the SAS interface support but gain a widely compatible SATA connection. This drive is ideal for users building dense storage arrays who need high capacity and reliable performance without the specific requirements of a SAS-only environment.
Seagate Exos X16 16TB SATA HDD
The Seagate Exos X16 16TB SATA HDD delivers 16 TB of storage in a 3.5-inch enclosure. It runs at 7200 RPM with a 256MB cache, providing strong performance for enterprise tasks. The SATA interface offers broad compatibility, unlike the SAS-only options. This helium-sealed design aids in reliability and heat management. You should select this drive if you need high capacity and speed in a standard form factor. It is a solid choice for users who prioritize capacity and performance over the specific SAS connectivity of the original Ultrastar model.
MDD 16TB Enterprise Hard Drive
The MDD 16TB Enterprise Hard Drive provides 16 TB of storage with a 7200 RPM speed and 256MB cache. It uses a standard SATA interface in a 3.5-inch form factor, ensuring compatibility with most enterprise systems. This drive is designed for technical buyers assembling custom storage solutions. You gain double the capacity of the 8 TB Ultrastar but give up the SAS interface. This option is best for users who need high-density storage and prefer SATA connectivity for their enterprise arrays or custom NAS builds.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC320 8TB SAS Hard Drive
Best for: SAS 12Gb/s enterprise servers needing 8 TB
- Storage Capacity
- 8 TB
- Form Factor
- 3.5-inch
- Hardware Interface
- SAS 12gb/s, SATA
View on Amazon: Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC320 8TB SAS Hard Drive
The WD Ultrastar DC HC320 is an 8 TB enterprise drive in a 3.5-inch form factor. It supports SAS 12Gb/s and SATA interfaces. The SAS connection offers high sustained data transfer speeds. This dual-interface design suits servers needing flexibility. You get reliable performance for high-endurance applications. It is ideal for users requiring robust storage with fast access to files.
Pros
- 8 TB storage capacity
- SAS 12Gb/s interface for high speed
- SATA interface compatibility
- 3.5-inch enterprise form factor
Cons
- Lower 8 TB capacity compared to 16-18 TB alternatives
- SAS interface requires compatible server hardware
- Smaller capacity limits total storage density
Good fit if
- You need SAS 12Gb/s connectivity
- You require 8 TB of reliable storage
- You are building a high-endurance server
Skip if
- You need more than 8 TB capacity
- You only use standard SATA connections
- You want 16 TB or larger drives
Verdict: WD Ultrastar DC HC320 8TB offers SAS speed and SATA flexibility. It fits users needing reliable 8 TB storage in enterprise servers.
Toshiba 16TB Enterprise 7200 RPM Hard Drive
Best for: enterprise storage arrays needing high density
- Storage Capacity
- 16 TB
- Form Factor
- 3.5"
- Hardware Interface
- SATA 6 Gb/s
- Rotational Speed
- 7200 RPM
- Cache Size
- 512 MiB
- Recording Technology
- CMR
This Toshiba enterprise drive offers 16 TB of storage using conventional magnetic recording. It spins at 7200 RPM and includes a 512 MiB cache. The helium-sealed design supports 24/7 operation with a 550 TB/year workload rating. You get reliable performance for servers or storage arrays. It fits standard 3.5-inch bays and uses a SATA 6 Gb/s interface for broad compatibility.
Pros
- 16 TB capacity with CMR technology
- 7200 RPM rotational speed
- 512 MiB onboard cache
- Helium-sealed 9-platter design
- 550 TB/year workload rating
Cons
- Renewed condition
- Heavier than standard desktop drives
- Enterprise form factor may not fit small cases
Good fit if
- You need high capacity for enterprise storage
- You require sustained throughput for continuous operation
- You want helium-sealed efficiency in a 3.5-inch drive
Skip if
- You need a new drive with full warranty
- You require a compact 2.5-inch form factor
- You are building a silent home media server
Verdict: Toshiba 16TB Enterprise HDD delivers robust performance for data centers. It suits users prioritizing capacity and reliability in a standard 3.5-inch enclosure.
Seagate Exos X16 14TB Renewed Hard Drive
Best for: Enterprise users needing 14TB with warranty
- Storage Capacity
- 14TB
- Form Factor
- 3.5-Inch
- Hardware Interface
- SATA 6Gb/s
- Rotational Speed
- 7200 RPM
- Cache Size
- 256MB
- Dimensions
- 4.01 × 5.97 × 1.03 inches
This Seagate Exos X16 drive offers 14TB of storage in a 3.5-inch form factor. It runs at 7200 RPM with a 256MB cache and uses a SATA 6Gb/s interface. The drive is manufacture recertified with zero hours usage and includes a 2-year warranty. It suits users needing reliable enterprise-grade performance for data centers or heavy workloads without buying new.
Pros
- 14TB storage capacity for large datasets
- 7200 RPM rotational speed for fast access
- 256MB cache buffer for improved performance
- Manufacture recertified with zero hours usage
- Includes a 2-year warranty
Cons
- 14TB capacity is lower than the 16TB options on this list
- SATA interface is slower than SAS or NVMe alternatives
- Recertified status may concern some users preferring new hardware
Good fit if
- You need high-capacity storage for enterprise or data center use
- You want a drive with a manufacturer warranty for peace of mind
- You prefer recertified hardware to reduce costs while maintaining performance
Skip if
- You require the maximum 16TB capacity available in this category
- You need the fastest possible interface speeds like SAS or NVMe
- You strictly require brand-new hardware with no prior usage history
Verdict: Seagate Exos X16 14TB Enterprise HDD provides strong enterprise performance at a competitive tier, making it ideal for users prioritizing warranty coverage and recertified reliability over maximum raw capacity.
Seagate Recertified Exos X18 16TB CMR HDD
Best for: High-density enterprise storage
- Storage Capacity
- 16TB
- Form Factor
- 3.5 Inch
- Hardware Interface
- SATA 6Gb/s
- Rotational Speed
- 7200 RPM
- Recording Technology
- CMR
- Dimensions
- 5.8 × 4 × 1 inches
This Seagate Exos X18 is a 16TB enterprise hard drive designed for hyperscale storage. It uses CMR recording technology and spins at 7200 RPM for consistent performance. The drive connects via SATA 6Gb/s and fits in a standard 3.5-inch bay. You get a recertified unit with data sanitization and a six-month replacement warranty. It suits users needing high density and reliable caching for big data applications.
Pros
- 16TB storage capacity
- 7200 RPM rotational speed
- CMR recording technology
- SATA 6Gb/s interface
- Six-month replacement warranty
Cons
- Recertified condition
- Six-month warranty period
- Heavier build at 1.48 pounds
Good fit if
- You need high-capacity enterprise storage
- You require CMR reliability
- You want a recertified option
Skip if
- You need a full manufacturer warranty
- You prefer new units only
- You need NAS-specific firmware
Verdict: Seagate Exos X18 16TB CMR offers strong specs for hyperscale environments. It fits users who prioritize capacity and speed over a new product warranty.
Seagate Exos X16 16TB Enterprise HDD
Best for: Enterprise storage arrays requiring high capacity
- Storage Capacity
- 16TB
- Form Factor
- 3.5-Inch
- Hardware Interface
- SATA 6Gb/s
- Rotational Speed
- 7200 RPM
- Cache Size
- 256MB
- Dimensions
- 5.79 × 4.01 × 1.03 inches
The Seagate Exos X16 is a 16TB 3.5-inch hard drive designed for enterprise environments. It spins at 7200 RPM and uses a SATA 6Gb/s interface with 256MB of cache. This drive supports 512e and 4Kn sector formats for efficient data handling. You will find it suitable for large-scale data analysis and dense storage architectures where consistent performance and low latency are required.
Pros
- 16TB storage capacity for high-density setups
- 7200 RPM rotational speed for consistent performance
- 256MB cache reduces latency
- SATA 6Gb/s interface compatibility
Cons
- Heavy at 1.48 pounds
- Only includes a 5-year limited warranty
- Lacks mention of NVMe or faster interfaces
Good fit if
- You need high capacity for enterprise racks
- You require consistent low-latency performance
- You use SATA-based storage systems
Skip if
- You prioritize silent operation over speed
- You need portable external storage
- You require faster than SATA interfaces
Verdict: Seagate Exos X16 16TB Enterprise HDD delivers the capacity and speed needed for demanding enterprise workloads. It fits users building dense, high-performance storage arrays.
Seagate Exos X16 16TB SATA HDD
Best for: Enterprise storage requiring high speed and capacity
- Storage Capacity
- 16TB
- Form Factor
- 3.5-Inch
- Hardware Interface
- SATA 6Gb/s
- Rotational Speed
- 7200 RPM
- Cache Size
- 256MB
- Dimensions
- 5.79 × 4.01 × 1.03 inches
The Seagate Exos X16 is a 16TB enterprise hard drive with a 7200 RPM rotational speed and SATA 6Gb/s interface. It features a 256MB cache and helium sealing for uniform density. This drive suits users needing high performance and reliability for demanding storage environments. Its 3.5-inch form factor fits standard drive bays. You get a six-month replacement warranty directly from Seagate.
Pros
- 16TB storage capacity
- 7200 RPM rotational speed
- 256MB cache size
- Helium sealed design
Cons
- Only six-month replacement warranty
- Heavier build at 1.4 pounds
- No mention of advanced power management beyond PowerBalance
Good fit if
- You need high-capacity storage for enterprise use
- You require fast rotational speeds for data access
- You want helium-sealed reliability for dense packing
Skip if
- You need a longer warranty than six months
- You prefer lighter drives for portable setups
- You are looking for consumer-grade features
Verdict: Seagate Exos X16 16TB 7200RPM is a solid choice for users who prioritize speed and capacity in a dense, helium-sealed package. It fits well in enterprise environments where reliability and performance are key.
MDD 16TB Enterprise Hard Drive
Best for: high-capacity enterprise and custom NAS builds
- Storage Capacity
- 16TB
- Form Factor
- 3.5inch
- Hardware Interface
- SATA 6.0Gb/s
- Rotational Speed
- 7200 RPM
- Cache Size
- 256MB
- Dimensions
- 5.8 × 4 × 1 inches
This MDD drive offers 16TB of storage in a 3.5-inch form factor, designed for enterprise and hyperscale environments. It runs at 7200 RPM with a 256MB cache and uses a SATA 6.0Gb/s interface. The unit is rated for 24/7 operation with a high MTBF. It fits into NAS, RAID, and desktop systems. You get a bare drive for integration into your existing hardware setup.
Pros
- 16TB storage capacity for high-density needs
- 7200 RPM rotational speed for fast data access
- 256MB cache size improves performance
- SATA 6.0Gb/s interface for reliable connectivity
Cons
- Sold as a bare drive without cables or accessories
- Requires manual formatting on the host system
- Renewed condition rather than new retail packaging
Good fit if
- You need high-capacity storage for enterprise or cloud applications
- You are building a custom NAS or RAID array
- You want a 7200 RPM drive for better performance
Skip if
- You require a brand-new drive with full manufacturer warranty
- You want a plug-and-play solution with included cables
- You need a drive for a compact 2.5-inch bay
Verdict: MDD 16TB 7200RPM Enterprise HDD provides robust storage for users who prioritize capacity and speed in a standard 3.5-inch form factor. It is ideal for technical buyers assembling their own storage solutions.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC320 8TB SAS Hard Drive | Toshiba 16TB Enterprise 7200 RPM Hard Drive | Seagate Exos X16 14TB Renewed Hard Drive | Seagate Recertified Exos X18 16TB CMR HDD | Seagate Exos X16 16TB Enterprise HDD | Seagate Exos X16 16TB SATA HDD | MDD 16TB Enterprise Hard Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 8 TB | 16 TB | 14TB | 16TB | 16TB | 16TB | 16TB |
| Form Factor | 3.5-inch | 3.5" | 3.5-Inch | 3.5 Inch | 3.5-Inch | 3.5-Inch | 3.5inch |
| Hardware Interface | SAS 12gb/s, SATA | SATA 6 Gb/s | SATA 6Gb/s | SATA 6Gb/s | SATA 6Gb/s | SATA 6Gb/s | SATA 6.0Gb/s |
| Rotational Speed | not specified | 7200 RPM | 7200 RPM | 7200 RPM | 7200 RPM | 7200 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Cache Size | not specified | 512 MiB | 256MB | not specified | 256MB | 256MB | 256MB |
| Recording Technology | not specified | CMR | not specified | CMR | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Workload Rate Limit | not specified | up to 550 TB/year | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Size | not specified | 16TB | 14TB | 6 GB | 1 TB | 16TB | not specified |
| Dimensions | not specified | 5.8 × 4 × 1 inches | 4.01 × 5.97 × 1.03 inches | 5.8 × 4 × 1 inches | 5.79 × 4.01 × 1.03 inches | 5.79 × 4.01 × 1.03 inches | 5.8 × 4 × 1 inches |
| Weight | not specified | 1.32 pounds | not specified | 1.48 pounds | 1.48 pounds | 1.4 pounds | 1.5 pounds |
| Model | 0B36400 | MG08ACA16TE | ST14000NM001G | ST16000NM000J | ST16000NM000J | ST16000NM001G | MDD16TSATA25672E |
| Color | not specified | Silver | Silver | Silver | Black | Silver | Silver |
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest capacity drive in this list?
The Toshiba 16TB Enterprise and several Seagate Exos models offer the maximum 16 TB capacity. These drives use a standard 3.5-inch form factor and SATA interface. They suit users needing high density in enterprise storage arrays or custom NAS builds.
Which drive supports the SAS interface?
The Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC320 8TB is the only drive listed with a SAS interface. It supports SAS 12Gb/s speeds. This makes it ideal for enterprise servers that require the dedicated bandwidth and flexibility of SAS connections over standard SATA.
Do these drives use CMR technology?
The Seagate Exos X18 16TB explicitly lists CMR recording technology. Most other listed drives, including the Toshiba and Seagate Exos X16 models, are standard enterprise HDDs. CMR ensures stable performance for high-density storage environments without the latency issues of SMR.
Which drive has the largest cache?
The Seagate Exos X16 14TB, 16TB models, and the MDD 16TB Enterprise drive all feature a 256MB cache. This cache size helps manage data flow efficiently. It supports the 7200 RPM rotational speed found in these high-performance enterprise units.
Are there any renewed options available?
Yes, the Seagate Exos X16 14TB is listed as a Renewed Hard Drive. It provides strong enterprise performance with warranty coverage. This option suits users prioritizing recertified reliability and cost-effective capacity over purchasing a brand-new product directly from the manufacturer.
What rotational speed do these enterprise drives use?
All listed drives, including the Toshiba, Seagate Exos, and MDD models, operate at 7200 RPM. This speed delivers robust performance for data centers and demanding workloads. The Western Digital HC320 also targets enterprise servers with comparable speed and reliability standards.
Which drive is best for custom NAS builds?
The MDD 16TB Enterprise Hard Drive is ideal for technical buyers assembling custom storage solutions. It offers 16 TB capacity in a standard 3.5-inch form factor. Its SATA interface and 7200 RPM speed provide robust storage for high-capacity personal or small business NAS arrays.