Western Digital WD Ultrastar DC HC560 Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared
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The Western Digital WD Ultrastar DC HC560 delivers 20TB of storage with a SAS 12Gb/s interface and 7200 RPM rotational speed. If you are evaluating western digital wd ultrastar DC hc560 alternatives, you likely need a drive that matches these enterprise-grade specifications. This model is built for SAS-compatible systems that require high-speed data access and large capacity. Its 512 MB buffer supports heavy workloads in professional environments.
You might consider other options if your system uses SATA instead of SAS. Some users prefer different storage capacities or specific brands like Seagate. The alternatives listed here were chosen because their specs overlap with the original drive. Each pick shares key attributes such as the 3.5-inch form factor and 7200 RPM speed. This ensures they fit similar enterprise or high-density NAS setups. You can compare cache sizes and interfaces to find the best match for your hardware.
Our top pick: Western Digital Ultrastar 20TB SAS Hard Drive.
How alternatives compare to HC560
Seagate Exos 26TB CMR Hard Drive
The Seagate Exos 26TB offers 6TB more capacity than the 20TB HC560. It uses a SATA interface instead of SAS 12Gb/s. This means you gain raw storage space but lose the specific enterprise connectivity of the Ultrastar. Both drives spin at 7200 RPM and include 512MB of cache. You should choose this Seagate model if your system supports SATA and you need maximum density. The HC560 remains the better choice if your infrastructure relies on SAS controllers for higher throughput and reliability. This drive prioritizes capacity over interface speed.
Seagate Exos X22 20TB Renewed HDD
This renewed Seagate Exos X22 matches the HC560 at 20TB and 7200 RPM. It also uses a 3.5-inch form factor. The key difference is the interface. The Exos X22 uses SATA, while the Ultrastar DC HC560 uses SAS 12Gb/s. Both offer high rotational speeds suitable for enterprise workloads. You might pick this renewed option if you want 20TB of storage on a standard SATA connection. The HC560 is superior if you require the dedicated bandwidth and redundancy features of the SAS interface. This drive is a solid alternative for SATA-based NAS or server environments.
Seagate Exos X20 20TB SAS Hard Drive
The Seagate Exos X20 is a direct competitor to the WD Ultrastar DC HC560. It offers the same 20TB capacity, 7200 RPM speed, and 3.5-inch form factor. Like the HC560, it uses a SAS interface. This makes it a true alternative for systems requiring SAS connectivity. You would choose this drive if you prefer Seagate’s enterprise reliability over Western Digital’s. The specifications are nearly identical in terms of performance and interface. This model is ideal for SAS RAID arrays where you need 20TB of high-speed storage. It gives you the same interface benefits with a different brand ecosystem.
Western Digital WD Gold 18TB 7200 RPM Hard Drive
The Western Digital Gold 18TB has less capacity than the 20TB HC560. It uses a SATA interface instead of SAS 12Gb/s. However, it shares the same 7200 RPM speed and 512MB cache size. This drive is designed for heavy workloads but on a standard SATA connection. You should pick this WD Gold model if your system does not support SAS and you need high speed. The HC560 is better if you require the 20TB capacity and SAS interface. This alternative sacrifices 2TB of space and interface type for SATA compatibility and similar rotational performance.
Seagate IronWolf 18TB CMR NAS HDD
The Seagate IronWolf 18TB differs significantly from the HC560. It has 2TB less capacity and uses a SATA interface instead of SAS. It also has a smaller 256MB cache compared to the HC560’s 512MB. Both drives spin at 7200 RPM and are 3.5-inch models. This drive is optimized for NAS systems rather than pure enterprise SAS arrays. You should choose the IronWolf if you need CMR technology in a NAS environment with SATA connectivity. The HC560 is the better choice for SAS-based systems requiring larger capacity and double the cache size.
Western Digital 22TB WD Red Pro
The WD Red Pro 22TB offers 2TB more capacity than the HC560. It uses a SATA interface instead of SAS 12Gb/s. It matches the HC560 with 7200 RPM speed and 512MB cache. This drive is built for high-capacity NAS systems. You should pick the Red Pro if you need more storage and your system uses SATA. The HC560 remains superior if you require the SAS interface for enterprise-grade connectivity. This alternative provides extra capacity and similar cache performance but switches to the more common SATA standard, making it suitable for standard NAS setups rather than SAS arrays.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
Western Digital Ultrastar 20TB SAS Hard Drive
Best for: SAS-compatible enterprise storage systems
- Storage Capacity
- 20 TB
- Form Factor
- 3.5"
- Hardware Interface
- SAS 12Gb/s
- Rotational Speed
- 7200 RPM
- Cache Size
- 512 MB
View on Amazon: Western Digital Ultrastar 20TB SAS Hard Drive
The WD Ultrastar DC HC560 is a 20 TB internal drive with a 3.5-inch form factor. It uses a SAS 12Gb/s interface and spins at 7200 RPM. The unit includes 512 MB of cache. This high-capacity enterprise drive suits users who need fast data transfer rates and large storage volumes for serious workloads.
Pros
- 20 TB storage capacity
- SAS 12Gb/s interface
- 7200 RPM rotational speed
- 512 MB cache buffer
Cons
- SAS interface limits compatibility with standard consumer NAS
- Enterprise-grade drive may exceed typical home NAS power limits
- Lacks SATA option for broader device support
Good fit if
- You need maximum storage density in a single drive
- Your server supports SAS 12Gb/s connections
- You require high rotational speed for performance
Skip if
- You only have SATA ports available
- You are building a quiet home media server
- You need a drive for a standard consumer NAS
Verdict: WD Ultrastar DC HC560 20TB SAS delivers high-speed enterprise storage for SAS-compatible systems. It fits professionals needing large capacity and fast data access, not casual home users.
Seagate Exos 26TB CMR Hard Drive
Best for: maximum capacity and enterprise reliability
- Storage Capacity
- 26TB
- Form Factor
- 3.5 in
- Hardware Interface
- SATA 6Gb/s
- Rotational Speed
- 7200 RPM
- Cache Size
- 512MB
- Recording Technology
- CMR
The Seagate Exos ST26000NM000C delivers 26TB of storage in a 3.5-inch form factor. It uses SATA 6Gb/s and runs at 7200 RPM with 512MB cache. This drive targets enterprise workloads with high reliability. You get continuous operation support and a high workload rating. It suits users needing maximum capacity and sustained performance for data-intensive applications.
Pros
- 26TB storage capacity
- 7200 RPM rotational speed
- 512MB cache size
- CMR recording technology
Cons
- Enterprise class may be overkill for home use
- Higher power consumption than lower RPM drives
- No mention of vibration sensors
Good fit if
- You need maximum storage density
- You run enterprise-grade workloads
- You require sustained performance
Skip if
- You need quiet operation
- You use a small form factor case
- You want lower power usage
Verdict: Seagate Exos 26TB 7200RPM CMR HDD fits users who prioritize raw capacity and enterprise reliability over energy efficiency or noise levels.
Seagate Exos X22 20TB Renewed HDD
Best for: high-density enterprise and NAS storage
- Storage Capacity
- 20TB
- Form Factor
- 3.5-inch
- Hardware Interface
- SATA 6Gb/s
- Rotational Speed
- 7200RPM
- Weight
- 1.83 pounds
This renewed Seagate drive offers 20TB of storage in a 3.5-inch form factor. It runs at 7200 RPM with a SATA 6Gb/s interface. The unit uses helium sealing to manage heat and noise. You get a 2-year reseller warranty for peace of mind. It suits users needing high capacity for enterprise or heavy NAS workloads.
Pros
- 20TB storage capacity
- 7200 RPM rotational speed
- Helium side-sealing technology
- 2-year reseller warranty
Cons
- Renewed condition
- Heavier build at 1.83 pounds
- SATA interface limits speed vs SAS
Good fit if
- You need maximum capacity per drive
- You require high rotational speed for performance
- You want an enterprise-grade helium drive
Skip if
- You need a brand new sealed unit
- You require SAS connectivity for servers
- You prefer lower weight for easy handling
Verdict: Seagate Exos X22 20TB Enterprise HDD is a high-capacity choice for users prioritizing storage density and speed in a 3.5-inch drive.
Seagate Exos X20 20TB SAS Hard Drive
Best for: SAS RAID arrays needing 20TB
- Storage Capacity
- 20TB
- Form Factor
- 3.5-Inch
- Hardware Interface
- SAS 12Gb/s
- Rotational Speed
- 7200 RPM
- Cache Size
- 256MB
- Recording Technology
- CMR
This Seagate Exos X20 is a 20TB enterprise drive designed for data centers. It uses SAS 12Gb/s interface and runs at 7200 RPM. The helium-sealed design helps reduce power use. It includes 256MB cache and supports Self-Encrypting Drive security. You need a SAS HBA or RAID controller to use it. It is not for desktop PCs. This drive suits high-availability storage arrays.
Pros
- 20TB storage capacity
- SAS 12Gb/s dual port interface
- 7200 RPM rotational speed
- 256MB cache size
- Helium-sealed design for efficiency
Cons
- SAS interface requires special controller
- Not compatible with desktop PCs
- Renewed condition
Good fit if
- You need high-capacity enterprise storage
- You have a SAS RAID controller
- You require dual port connectivity
Skip if
- You use a standard desktop PC
- You only have SATA ports
- You want a new drive
Verdict: Seagate Exos X20 20TB SAS Enterprise Drive fits users with SAS controllers who need 20TB of capacity. It is not for standard desktop setups.
Western Digital WD Gold 18TB 7200 RPM Hard Drive
Best for: Heavy workloads needing high speed
- 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
The Western Digital WD Gold is an enterprise-class internal hard drive with 18 TB of storage. It spins at 7200 RPM and uses a SATA 6 Gb/s interface. You get 512 MB of cache and EAMR recording technology. The drive handles workloads up to 550 TB per year. HelioSeal technology helps keep power draw low. This unit suits users who need high sustained performance for heavy data tasks.
Pros
- 18 TB storage capacity
- 7200 RPM rotational speed
- 512 MB cache size
- SATA 6 Gb/s interface
- 550 TB annual workload limit
Cons
- Lower capacity than the 20 TB competitors
- SATA interface instead of SAS
- Heavier build at 1.5 pounds
Good fit if
- You need high rotational speed for performance
- You require a large 18 TB capacity
- You want enterprise-grade workload reliability
Skip if
- You need the maximum 20 TB capacity
- You require SAS connectivity
- You prefer a lighter drive
Verdict: WD Gold 18TB 7200 RPM SATA drives fit users who prioritize speed and cache over maximum raw capacity. It is a solid choice for heavy workloads where SATA compatibility is required.
Seagate IronWolf 18TB CMR NAS HDD
Best for: 8-bay NAS systems needing CMR
- Storage Capacity
- 18TB
- Form Factor
- 3.5 Inch
- Hardware Interface
- SATA 6Gb/s
- Rotational Speed
- 7200 RPM
- Cache Size
- 256MB
- Recording Technology
- CMR
This Seagate IronWolf drive offers 18TB of storage in a 3.5-inch form factor. It features CMR technology and a 256MB cache to support up to eight-bay NAS enclosures. The 7200 RPM rotational speed and SATA 6Gb/s interface provide reliable performance for multi-user environments. You get integrated health monitoring and a three-year warranty. This drive suits users needing high capacity with enterprise-grade reliability for their network storage.
Pros
- 18TB storage capacity
- 256MB cache size
- CMR recording technology
- Supports up to 8-bay NAS
Cons
- 18TB capacity is smaller than 20TB competitors
- SATA interface is slower than SAS options
- Heavier at 1.52 pounds
Good fit if
- You need 18TB of NAS storage
- You use an 8-bay NAS enclosure
- You prefer CMR technology over SMR
Skip if
- You require 20TB capacity
- You need SAS connectivity
- You want a lighter drive
Verdict: Seagate IronWolf 18TB NAS HDD fits users who need large capacity and CMR reliability in an 8-bay system, though those needing 20TB or SAS should look elsewhere.
Western Digital 22TB WD Red Pro
Best for: High-capacity NAS systems needing CMR reliability
- 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
This Western Digital drive offers 22TB of storage in a 3.5-inch form factor. It uses CMR technology and runs at 7200 RPM with a 512MB cache. The SATA 6 Gb/s interface supports RAID-optimized NAS systems. It is rated for a 550TB/yr workload. You should choose this if you need high capacity and enterprise-grade reliability for multi-user environments.
Pros
- 22TB capacity for large data sets
- 7200 RPM rotational speed for faster access
- CMR recording technology for consistent performance
- 512MB cache buffer
- 550TB/yr workload rate rating
Cons
- Heavier at 1.48 pounds
- SATA interface only, no SAS option
- Larger height than standard 3.5-inch drives
Good fit if
- You need maximum capacity in a single bay
- You run a high-intensity 24x7 NAS environment
- You require CMR technology for RAID stability
Skip if
- You prefer quieter 5400 RPM drives
- You need SAS connectivity
- You require a lower profile drive
Verdict: WD Red Pro 22TB 7200RPM NAS Drive suits users who need high-capacity CMR storage for demanding NAS setups. It delivers strong performance through its 7200 RPM speed and large cache.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Western Digital Ultrastar 20TB SAS Hard Drive | Seagate Exos 26TB CMR Hard Drive | Seagate Exos X22 20TB Renewed HDD | Seagate Exos X20 20TB SAS Hard Drive | Western Digital WD Gold 18TB 7200 RPM Hard Drive | Seagate IronWolf 18TB CMR NAS HDD | Western Digital 22TB WD Red Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 20 TB | 26TB | 20TB | 20TB | 18TB | 18TB | 22TB |
| Form Factor | 3.5" | 3.5 in | 3.5-inch | 3.5-Inch | 3.5" | 3.5 Inch | 3.5-inch |
| Hardware Interface | SAS 12Gb/s | SATA 6Gb/s | SATA 6Gb/s | SAS 12Gb/s | SATA 6 Gb/s | SATA 6Gb/s | SATA 6 Gb/s |
| Rotational Speed | 7200 RPM | 7200 RPM | 7200RPM | 7200 RPM | 7200 RPM Class | 7200 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Cache Size | 512 MB | 512MB | not specified | 256MB | 512 MB | 256MB | 512 MB |
| Recording Technology | not specified | CMR | not specified | CMR | EAMR | CMR | CMR |
| Bay Support | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | up to 8-bay | not specified |
| Workload Rate Limit | not specified | not specified | not specified | 550TB/year | up to 550TB per year | not specified | 550TB/yr |
| Weight | not specified | not specified | 1.83 pounds | not specified | 1.5 pounds | 1.52 pounds | 1.48 pounds |
| Dimensions | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | 5.79 × 4 × 1.03 inches | 5.79 × 4.01 × 1.03 inches | 5.79 × 4 × 1.03 inches |
| Color | silver | not specified | Silver | not specified | Gold | OLD | Red |
| Model | 0F38652 | Exos ST26000NM000C | ST20000NM004E | ST20000NM003D | WD181KRYZ-SPAGBB0 | ST18000VNZ00 | WD221KFGX-SPB9KN0 |
| Size | not specified | not specified | 20TB | not specified | 18 TB | 18 | 22TB |
Frequently asked questions
Which alternative offers the highest storage capacity?
The Seagate Exos 26TB CMR Hard Drive provides the maximum capacity on this list. It holds 26TB of data, which is larger than the 20TB Ultrastar DC HC560. This drive uses a SATA interface and spins at 7200 RPM. It is designed for users who prioritize raw storage space and enterprise reliability over other features.
Are there SAS-compatible options besides the original Ultrastar?
Yes, the Western Digital Ultrastar 20TB SAS Hard Drive and the Seagate Exos X20 20TB SAS Hard Drive are both SAS-compatible. These drives maintain the high-speed enterprise connectivity required for SAS RAID arrays. They both spin at 7200 RPM and use the 3.5-inch form factor, making them direct functional matches for systems requiring SAS interfaces.
Which drive is best for an 8-bay NAS system?
The Seagate IronWolf 18TB CMR NAS HDD is optimized for 8-bay NAS systems. It features 256MB of cache and uses CMR recording technology for reliable performance in multi-drive enclosures. While it has slightly less capacity than some enterprise options, its design specifically targets the needs of NAS users who require CMR reliability and SATA compatibility.
Does the WD Red Pro have a large cache?
The Western Digital 22TB WD Red Pro includes a 512MB cache. This large buffer helps manage heavy workloads and improves data access speeds in demanding NAS setups. It spins at 7200 RPM and uses CMR technology. The 22TB capacity exceeds the 20TB Ultrastar, offering more space for high-capacity storage needs.
What is the difference between the Exos 26TB and Exos X22?
The primary difference is capacity and interface. The Seagate Exos 26TB offers 26TB of storage with a SATA interface, focusing on maximum capacity. The Seagate Exos X22 20TB provides 20TB with a SATA interface as well. Both spin at 7200 RPM and use the 3.5-inch form factor, but the Exos 26TB gives you 6TB more space.
Is the WD Gold suitable for heavy workloads?
The Western Digital WD Gold 18TB 7200 RPM Hard Drive is built for heavy workloads. It features a 512MB cache and a SATA interface, ensuring compatibility with standard desktop and server setups. While it has less capacity than the 20TB Ultrastar, its high rotational speed and large cache prioritize performance and speed for demanding tasks.
Which drive is the best premium choice?
The Seagate Exos X22 20TB Renewed HDD is listed as the best premium option. It delivers high-density storage with 20TB of capacity in a 3.5-inch form factor. It spins at 7200 RPM and uses a SATA interface. This drive is ideal for users who need high-capacity enterprise storage with reliable performance for NAS or server environments.