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As the holiday shopping season approaches, technology enthusiasts and everyday users are seeking unmissable deals on hard drives. Black Friday promises a variety of offers that cater to different storage needs. Whether expanding a photo collection, backing up essential files, or building a home server, selecting the right hard drive is crucial.
Among the notable options is the WD Elements 14TB external hard drive, recently priced at $169.99. This represents its lowest price ever, allowing shoppers to save up to $210 compared to its regular price. With ample space for photos, music, and important data, the WD Elements is suitable for efficiently managing digital assets.
Understanding the benefits of shucking a hard drive
While the WD Elements is primarily marketed as an external storage solution, it also provides the option of shucking. This process involves removing the internal hard drive from its external casing, enabling users to repurpose it for applications like a NAS (Network Attached Storage) system or a custom-built server. However, shucking will void the warranty, so users should proceed with caution and understand the implications.
Compatibility and setup
The WD Elements 14TB features a standard USB 3.1 Gen 1 port, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of systems, including Windows and macOS. Windows users can utilize plug-and-play functionality, while macOS users will need to reformat the drive to a compatible file system. Its compact dimensions of 5.31 x 1.89 x 6.53 inches and a weight of 0.9 pounds make it a manageable addition to any workspace, though it requires external power via an AC adapter.
Exploring additional Black Friday hard drive deals
In addition to the WD Elements, numerous other hard drives will be available this Black Friday. Mechanical hard drives, or HDDs, although often viewed as older technology, provide impressive storage capacity at a lower cost compared to SSDs. Not all drives are created equal; variations in technologies, such as conventional magnetic recording (CMR) versus shingled magnetic recording (SMR), can significantly impact both performance and price.
What to consider when purchasing a hard drive
When shopping for hard drives, consider factors such as spindle speed, which affects data transfer rates, and whether the drive includes DRAM caching. Drives with a higher spindle speed, like 7,200 RPM, generally offer improved performance over those spinning at 5,400 RPM. Additionally, be cautious with shuckable drives; while they can offer excellent value if repurposed, not all models are designed for this purpose.
For instance, a high-performance 3.5” drive featuring CMR technology, spinning at 7,200 RPM, with a cache of 512MB, delivers a top speed of 267 MB/s, making it suitable for both desktop and NAS applications. These considerations are vital to ensure the selection of the best hard drive that meets specific needs.
As Black Friday approaches, comparing prices and specifications is essential to secure the best deals. With a wide range of options available, from compact portable hard drives to large-capacity internal drives, there is something for everyone.