TLDR Review: WD 12TB Elements Desktop Hard Drive
Pros
- •Reliable for higapacity 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 noSB 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 useodifiable
- •The constant noise and head movement may raise concerns over lonerm 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
Bottom Line
This WD 12TB Elements drive offers a large, dependable storage option for casual or semi-professional use, especially if you need straightforward backup and ample space. However, its built-in software and loud head fluttering are major downsides, which could interfere with long-term reliability and day-to-day usability. If quiet operation and robust, feature-rich backup software are priorities, you might want to consider alternatives, such as the WD Red NAS drives, or new models without these issues.
How we researched this
About this review: We pulled together findings from professional reviews and hundreds of user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from 1 retailers to give you the short version.
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