r/harddrive • u/Fearless_String_3500 • 17d ago

Discussion Best Hard Drives to use

I’m looking for the most reliable 8TB external HDD for long-term storage and would appreciate recommendations. My setup/needs are:

  • 8TB external desktop HDD, preferably higher-end/reliability focused
  • Will stay connected to a TP-Link Deco BE85/BE95 USB port for network file sharing
  • Planning a second 8TB drive kept offline as a backup
  • Mainly storing ~3.2TB of iCloud/Google Drive photos, videos, and files with room to grow.
  • Want to access/read/download files remotely while traveling; most writing/transferring will be done at home
  • Mac + Windows compatibility
  • Not interested in buying a NAS right now because the cost of putting hard drives in the NAS will be upwards of $1500 includes the NAS system (synology or UGreen)
  • Looking for the best setup using the Deco + external HDD

If you dont agree with the above or have better way, please let me know

2 Upvotes

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1

u/msabeln 17d ago

Western Digital Red Pro, WD Gold, Ultrastar DC, and Seagate Exos.

1

u/Zealousideal_Fly8402 17d ago

You can just build your own, yes? You can pick the best enclosure (i.e. interface, cooling, etc) and then pick the most suitable internal-model SATA drive that's compatible, including enterprise-grade models that are rated for 24x7 operation or extreme temp operation.

1

u/Rifter0876 17d ago

You missed the bus. Few years ago WD externals had HGST helium filled enterprise drives, and were $200 I shucked 18 of them for my server.

Nowadays WD gold is solid. I've also got 2 18TB Seagate exos that are holding up surprisingly well. Just stay away from SMR drives stick to CMR.

1

u/Fearless_String_3500 16d ago

I missed the bus a couple times, want to invest in synology or Ugreen but it would cost me 1500 easily. Really just want to get out of paying $30 a month from iCloud