# WD 12TB Elements Desktop Hard Drive *Published: 2026-10-07 | Updated: 2026-10-07 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/products/wd-12tb-elements-desktop-hard-drive* --- **Brand:** Western Digital **Price Range:** $170 - $9999 across 52 retailers ## Pros - Reliable for high-capacity video storage over multiple years, ideal for professional video production needs - Excellent for content creators with extensive storage requirements, including live music and YouTube content - Seamless integration with NAS systems and scheduled backups, automatically waking and sleeping to save energy - Consistent performance and data security at the outset, with very fast backup times - Large storage capacity (up to 12TB) offers plenty of room for expanding data needs - Works well with older versions of Windows out of the box; ready to use without complicated formatting - Quiet during operation, with transfer speeds that are efficient even on non-USB 3.0 ports - Trustworthy reputation over several years of use, especially for storing important photographs and data - The drive appears ready to use immediately, with minimal setup needed - Suitable for use as a central storage hub for multiple devices, with scheduled backup routines ## Cons - The included backup software is problematic, often installing with errors and encouraging paid upgrades - Limited functionality in the free version of the software, with advanced features requiring purchase - Backup support is mainly for selected folders, not for all files like images unless moved to specific directories - The drive makes a loud clicking noise every 5 seconds due to its head fluttering feature, which is disruptive and not user-modifiable - The constant noise and head movement may raise concerns over long-term reliability and unnecessary wear - Reports of files showing as 0 bytes months after transfer, indicating potential data loss risk - Significant delay in appearing on the desktop during startup, which can be inconvenient - About 7.2TB of usable space out of the advertised 8TB, which may be confusing or misleading - Limited seller communication, and unclear tracking or status updates during purchase - Deeply frustrating noise and reliability issues have led some to regret their purchase ## About This Product Western Digital elements desktop storage with USB 3.0 offers reliable, high-capacity, add-on storage, fast data transfer rates and universal connectivity with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 devices. The sleek design features up to 12TB capacity plus Western Digital quality and reliability. Operating temperature: 5 degree Celsius to 35 degree Celsius Non-operating temperature: -20 degree Celsius to 65 degree Celsius. ## Current Prices | Retailer | Price | Availability | |----------|-------|-------------| | [PayWut](https://shopsavvy.com/api/redirect/products/ELE9KX2DPqdKBw95MQqu/offers/XzhaRAFIXBRzF3SRyb7x?source=shopsavvy&medium=product-page) | $170.00 | Check | | [Amazon](https://shopsavvy.com/api/redirect/products/ELE9KX2DPqdKBw95MQqu/offers/Ht145bFSq0j7DrhJDQHK?source=shopsavvy&medium=product-page) | $179.99 | Check | | [Shopping.com](https://shopsavvy.com/api/redirect/products/ELE9KX2DPqdKBw95MQqu/offers/9JwlpuxMqE4ut0oGcw5S?source=shopsavvy&medium=product-page) | $199.99 | Check | | [Mercari](https://shopsavvy.com/api/redirect/products/ELE9KX2DPqdKBw95MQqu/offers/9SQP2ZRJM7NW3AKmSETA?source=shopsavvy&medium=product-page) | $204.79 | Check | | [Discount Bandit](https://shopsavvy.com/api/redirect/products/ELE9KX2DPqdKBw95MQqu/offers/chsVaHVPKp8URALvtDUx?source=shopsavvy&medium=product-page) | $206.24 | Check | | [Newegg](https://shopsavvy.com/api/redirect/products/ELE9KX2DPqdKBw95MQqu/offers/u3eGC0qBOYzM1Oc9WcFQ?source=shopsavvy&medium=product-page) | $208.94 | Check | | [InVastor.com](https://shopsavvy.com/api/redirect/products/ELE9KX2DPqdKBw95MQqu/offers/eSGALh9Eh1iN1inCPuHj?source=shopsavvy&medium=product-page) | $219.99 | Check | | [Micro Center](https://shopsavvy.com/api/redirect/products/ELE9KX2DPqdKBw95MQqu/offers/tU4kXw3OPxWxTSR7cDQq?source=shopsavvy&medium=product-page) | $219.99 | Check | | [Newegg Business](https://shopsavvy.com/api/redirect/products/ELE9KX2DPqdKBw95MQqu/offers/v7292JNRIFsy5LYxAoDi?source=shopsavvy&medium=product-page) | $219.99 | Check | | [PCTechSupply](https://shopsavvy.com/api/redirect/products/ELE9KX2DPqdKBw95MQqu/offers/BSMLXuGEqNXCDKl7VHq3?source=shopsavvy&medium=product-page) | $222.59 | Check | | [BrookPad](https://shopsavvy.com/api/redirect/products/ELE9KX2DPqdKBw95MQqu/offers/x2ClrPCSSrrjG9yPCcAN?source=shopsavvy&medium=product-page) | $231.00 | Check | | [Hard Disk Direct](https://shopsavvy.com/api/redirect/products/ELE9KX2DPqdKBw95MQqu/offers/eb0326b2-515d-b4d4-ecea-ef16af69faec?source=shopsavvy&medium=product-page) | $231.00 | Check | | [B&H Photo Video](https://shopsavvy.com/api/redirect/products/ELE9KX2DPqdKBw95MQqu/offers/8d20da1d-4da6-80c8-c40e-49e6767eb25f?source=shopsavvy&medium=product-page) | $239.95 | Check | | [Adorama](https://shopsavvy.com/api/redirect/products/ELE9KX2DPqdKBw95MQqu/offers/e72b40d0-1748-da34-e0f5-a23de2f41c51?source=shopsavvy&medium=product-page) | $239.99 | Check | | [B&H](https://shopsavvy.com/api/redirect/products/ELE9KX2DPqdKBw95MQqu/offers/20IEE1QgKkr0ULxdrdsu?source=shopsavvy&medium=product-page) | $239.99 | Check | | [Walmart](https://shopsavvy.com/api/redirect/products/ELE9KX2DPqdKBw95MQqu/offers/26f4705a-9a71-4d47-0a88-00f76bc20725?source=shopsavvy&medium=product-page) | $239.99 | Check | | [Western Digital Store](https://shopsavvy.com/api/redirect/products/ELE9KX2DPqdKBw95MQqu/offers/q5aCFL0hwsumZLGKBCVn?source=shopsavvy&medium=product-page) | $239.99 | Check | | [I.T. 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