As an IT manager, you know that the backbone of any successful IT operation is robust, high-performing server hardware. Among the critical components, server hard drives stand out, playing a pivotal role in ensuring efficient, reliable, and secure data storage.

Choosing the right server hard drive can revolutionize your IT infrastructure, enhancing performance, scalability, and durability. This post explores the eight best server hard drives that can transform your IT operations, helping you make an informed decision.

What are Server Hard Drives?

In simple words, server hard drives are specialized storage devices designed to handle the rigorous demands of server environments. Unlike standard desktop hard drives, server hard drives offer enhanced durability, higher data transfer rates, and improved reliability.

Moreover, these drives are optimized for continuous operation, ensuring that your data remains accessible and secure at all times. They come in various interfaces, such as SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) and SATA (Serial ATA), and are available in different form factors and capacities to suit diverse IT needs.

6 Reasons Server Hard Drives are a Must

Reliability and Durability

Server hard drives are built to withstand the constant read/write operations typical in server environments. They offer higher Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF), reducing the risk of downtime.

Performance

With faster data transfer rates and advanced caching mechanisms, server hard drives ensure quick access to data, crucial for applications requiring high IOPS (Input/Output Operations Per Second).

Scalability

Server hard drives allow for easy scalability, enabling IT managers to expand storage capacity as needed without compromising performance.

Data Integrity

Features like error correction, self-monitoring, and reporting technology (SMART) ensure data integrity and early detection of potential issues.

Security

Many server hard drives come with built-in encryption and secure erase features, protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access.

Compatibility

Designed to work seamlessly with server operating systems and RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configurations, these drives integrate smoothly into existing IT infrastructures.

Choosing Server Hard Drives in 2024 - What to Consider?

When selecting server hard drives in 2024, several factors must be considered to ensure optimal performance and reliability:

  • Capacity: Determine your current and future storage needs. Opt for drives that offer sufficient space for data growth.

  • Speed: Look for drives with high RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) and low latency to ensure fast data access and transfer rates.

  • Interface: Choose the appropriate interface (SAS or SATA) based on your server's compatibility and performance requirements.

  • Form Factor: Ensure the drive's form factor (2.5-inch or 3.5-inch) matches your server's drive bays.

  • Reliability: Consider drives with high MTBF ratings and advanced error correction technologies.

  • Cost: Balance your budget with the drive's features and performance to get the best value for your investment.

Unlock 8 Best Server Hard Drives You Can Opt for

HPE 4TB SAS 12Gb/s 7200RPM (872487-B21)

The HPE 872487-B21 7200RPM drive is designed for ProLiant servers, offering exceptional performance and reliability. With a rotational speed of 7200 RPM and a data transfer rate of 12Gb/s, this drive ensures rapid data access and robust performance for demanding applications.

Technical Specifications:

  • Capacity: 4TB

  • Interface: SAS 12Gb/s

  • RPM: 7200

  • Form Factor: 3.5-inch

  • Compatibility: ProLiant G8, G9, G10

Seagate Exos X16

The Seagate Exos X16 is a high-capacity drive ideal for large-scale data centers and enterprise applications. It delivers reliable performance and scalability with a storage capacity of up to 16TB.

Technical Specifications:

  • Capacity: 16TB

  • Interface: SAS 12Gb/s or SATA 6Gb/s

  • RPM: 7200

  • Form Factor: 3.5-inch

  • MTBF: 2.5 million hours

Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC550

Western Digital’s Ultrastar DC HC550 offers a perfect balance of performance, reliability, and capacity. It’s engineered for heavy-duty data center applications.

Technical Specifications:

  • Capacity: 18TB

  • Interface: SAS 12Gb/s or SATA 6Gb/s

  • RPM: 7200

  • Form Factor: 3.5-inch

  • MTBF: 2.5 million hours

Toshiba MG08

The Toshiba MG08 series provides robust storage solutions with high capacity and performance, making it suitable for enterprise storage arrays and industrial applications.

Technical Specifications:

  • Capacity: 16TB

  • Interface: SATA 6Gb/s

  • RPM: 7200

  • Form Factor: 3.5-inch

  • MTBF: 2.5 million hours

Samsung PM1643a

The Samsung PM1643a is a high-performance SSD designed for mission-critical applications, offering unparalleled speed and reliability.

Technical Specifications:

  • Capacity: 7.68TB

  • Interface: SAS 12Gb/s

  • Sequential Read Speed: Up to 2,100 MB/s

  • Sequential Write Speed: Up to 2,000 MB/s

  • Form Factor: 2.5-inch

Seagate IronWolf Pro

The Seagate IronWolf Pro is tailored for NAS environments, delivering robust performance and reliability with multi-user capabilities.

Technical Specifications:

  • Capacity: 14TB

  • Interface: SATA 6Gb/s

  • RPM: 7200

  • Form Factor: 3.5-inch

  • MTBF: 1.2 million hours

HGST Ultrastar He10

The HGST Ultrastar He10 is a helium-filled drive designed for data centers, offering high capacity and energy efficiency.

Technical Specifications:

  • Capacity: 10TB

  • Interface: SATA 6Gb/s or SAS 12Gb/s

  • RPM: 7200

  • Form Factor: 3.5-inch

  • MTBF: 2.5 million hours

Dell EMC PowerEdge 4TB

The Dell EMC PowerEdge 4TB drive is optimized for Dell servers, providing excellent performance and reliability for various enterprise applications.

Technical Specifications:

  • Capacity: 4TB

  • Interface: SAS 12Gb/s

  • RPM: 7200

  • Form Factor: 3.5-inch

  • Compatibility: PowerEdge servers

FAQs

What is the lifespan of a server hard drive?

The lifespan of a server hard drive typically ranges from 3 to 5 years, depending on usage and operating conditions. Regular maintenance and monitoring can extend its life.

How do I choose between SAS and SATA drives?

SAS drives offer higher performance and reliability, making them suitable for mission-critical applications. SATA drives are more cost-effective and are ideal for bulk storage and less demanding tasks.

Can I mix different brands of hard drives in a server?

Yes, you can mix different brands of hard drives in a server, but it is essential to ensure compatibility with the server hardware and RAID configuration. Consistency in performance and reliability should also be considered.

What is the significance of RPM in server hard drives?

RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) indicates the speed at which the drive’s platters spin. Higher RPM drives offer faster data access and transfer rates, improving overall performance.

Are SSDs better than HDDs for servers?

SSDs offer superior speed and reliability compared to HDDs, making them ideal for high-performance applications. However, HDDs provide higher capacities at lower costs, suitable for bulk storage.

Wrapping Up

Simply said, if you want to stabilize your IT operations you need to choose the best server hard drive for your IT infrastructure. It is crucial for optimizing your IT operations. At this point, you can make an informed purchase decision.

Now, if you are all set to make a purchase, opt for a credible marketplace or vendor. We recommend going for Direct Macro since they have a healthy reputation on Shopper Approved with 500+ five-star ratings.