HGST (a Western Digital company)
Western Digital Caviar RE2 500GB
Best reliable storage for continuous operation in server setups.
This 500GB internal hard drive is engineered for demanding enterprise environments, delivering exceptional reliability and performance. It boasts a 7200 RPM rotational speed for swift data access and a 16MB cache to enhance processing efficiency. The SATA 3Gb/s interface ensures robust connectivity, making it an ideal choice for servers and other business-critical systems requiring dependable storage solutions. Its 3.5-inch form factor is designed for seamless integration into standard server chassis.
$70.18
Owner Satisfaction
4.3
/ 5
Category Rank
3157
/ 4142
#3157 in Hard Drives
Price vs Category Average
-87%
Below average
Brand
Western Digital
/ Western Digital
Who it's for
- Businesses needing robust storage for critical data.
- System administrators building resilient data storage solutions.
- IT professionals supporting legacy systems or specific industrial applications.
Who should skip it
- Consumers requiring ample space for games, media, or large applications.
- Users expecting fast boot times and quick application loading.
- Buyers seeking new products with full warranty and readily available replacements.
Performance breakdown
Enterprise Reliability
Engineered for continuous operation in demanding, high-uptime server environments.
Data Throughput
SATA 3Gb/s interface limits speed compared to modern high-bandwidth storage standards.
Mechanical Performance
The 7200 RPM motor provides consistent access times for standard workloads.
Cache Efficiency
The 16MB cache is sufficient for legacy systems but lacks modern headroom.
Form Factor Compatibility
Standard 3.5-inch design fits seamlessly into most traditional server chassis.
Build Durability
Robust construction designed to withstand the rigors of heavy-duty data centers.
Key Specs
Brand
Western Digital
Product Line
Caviar RE2
Storage Capacity
500 GB
Cache Storage
16 MB
Maximum Data Transfer Rate
3Gb/s
Drive Type
Internal HDD
Drive Width
3.5"
Drive Interface
SATA
Know before you buy
While this drive is engineered for enterprise-grade reliability and server environments, it is physically compatible with standard desktop PCs that support 3.5-inch SATA drives. However, keep in mind that its performance is optimized for continuous server workloads rather than typical home computing tasks.
The 7200 RPM speed indicates how fast the internal platters spin, which directly impacts how quickly the drive can read and write data. This speed is a standard for performance-oriented drives, offering a good balance between quick data retrieval and consistent operation.
Yes, the SATA 3Gb/s interface is backward compatible with most modern SATA III (6Gb/s) controllers. You will be able to connect and use the drive, though it will operate at its native 3Gb/s transfer speed.
This is a standard 3.5-inch internal drive, so it fits into the drive bays found in most tower servers and desktop cases. You will need standard mounting screws or a tool-less drive tray compatible with 3.5-inch form factors.
The 16MB cache acts as a temporary high-speed storage area for data that the drive frequently accesses. It helps improve overall responsiveness by reducing the time the drive spends searching for data on the physical platters.
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