WD New Hard Drives Push Storage limits to 26TB

Western Digital has launched the 26TB WD Red Pro HDD, designed for RAID configurations and network-attached storage (NAS) systems. As our files get larger, we need more storage space, and WD’s new hard drives offer just what we need. Introduced as part of the WD new hard drives lineup, the company promises cutting-edge features. So, let’s see what we have to look forward to with this new HDD.

Key Features of the 26TB WD Red Pro

The 26TB WD Red Pro was designed with high-intensity workloads in mind. Here’s what it offers:

• Improved Performance: The drive operates at 7200 RPM and uses OptiNAND technology for efficient data management and quick access, fulfilling WD’s new hard drive capability.
• Strong Durability: It supports up to 550TB annually and boasts a 2.5 million hour MTBF, suitable for continuous multi-user use.
• Advanced Vibration Protection: The system features rotating vibration sensors and multi-axis shock sensors to ensure data safety during disruptions.

Western Digital lists the 26TB WD Red Pro at $569.99, making it a competitive option for those looking for good storage solutions.

Expanding the G-DRIVE and G-RAID Lineup

In addition to the WD Red Pro, Western Digital has expanded its G-DRIVE and G-RAID series to include three new hard drive models.

• G-DRIVE PROJECT 26TB: This external hard drive features a USB-C (10 Gbps) connection, providing read speeds of 260 MB/s and write speeds of 270 MB/s. The company markets it as ideal for reliable backups and smooth workflows.
• G-RAID PROJECT 52TB: This dual hard drive RAID 0 setup boosts performance for tasks that need a lot of data processing. It is designed for professionals who require high-speed data access.
• G-RAID Shuttle 8 208TB: This portable eight-bay RAID system offers up to 208TB of storage. At this size, it’s ideal for 4K, 8K, and VR projects, which take up a lot of space. In RAID 5 configuration, it delivers read speeds of 1700 MB/s and write speeds of 1500 MB/s.

Technological Advancements of WD New Hard Drives

Other than launching the new models, WD also promises some improvements to their hard drives.

• 11-Platter Design: Improved storage density by incorporating an additional platter, which increases capacity while maintaining the same drive size, showcasing WD new hard drive technology.
• Energy-Assisted Perpendicular Magnetic Recording (ePMR) 2: This technology improves the accuracy of data writing, which helps increase storage space.
• Conventional Magnetic Recording (CMR): Provides reliable performance for different tasks, making it a good choice for diverse applications.

Pricing and Availabilty

As the storage needs keep changing, Western Digital is trying to keep up with both capacity and reliability. The WD 26TB Red Pro is available for orders at $569.99, the G-DRIVE PROJECT 26TB retails at $999,99, and the G-RAID PROJECT 52TB is priced at $1,699.99. The G-RAID Shuttle 8 208TB is a serious and specialized investment at $8,199.99.