What HDDs do I get for my file collection?

[Macro Device]

Let's say I have a baker's dozen terabytes of data I'd store on my own disks rather than trusting some cloud service because it's just stupid to trust them in the first place plus some data is sensitive.

What I also have:
• About five or six spare SATA ports and cables.
• No need for it to be SSD speedy. I will just flow the data onto these HDDs and rarely download it on my main machine. Rewrites on the HDDs will happen but they will be rare and not urgent.
• Absolutely zero willingness to spend on SAS/NAS/whatnot. I just want normal SATA-compatible hard drives that do this job better than other SATA drives.
• A wild allergy to SMR HDDs.
• Absolutely zero concern about noise. I don't care. If it's loud then I at least can tell if it works. Heat is also not a big problem, my room is almost constantly about 60 to 80 F/15 to 25 C and the PC case is usually open.

I assume I'll buy four HDDs of 6 TB each so that I have almost twice the space I actually need so I'll duplicate the most important files on all HDDs so I don't lose them because of hardware failures. Not that definitely at least.

What do I buy? Budget is not defined but I really don't wanna waste more than $600. Second-hand HDDs are also an option so feel free to name some older models which might only appear on the aftermarket.

And yes, logistics sucks big time so:
dns-shop.ru
ozon.ru
citilink.ru
100 RUB = $1.

Amazon, Newegg, eBay, Craigslist and such are NOT an option for me.

 

[Frick]

Based on citilink they'll cost about 17000 RUB and are all CMR so I'd say one of each and report back to us with your findings.

But seriously, in your case I'd just go with Any. I've read good things about Ironwolfs, but they cost more. Maybe look for models with 256MB cache? I don't know if that matters, but why not?

Also, very minor point and I don't want to derail the thread so I'll put it in spoilers but

Spoiler

Those cloud providers are so much better at data management than any end user, from a technical standpoint the data is probably safer with them than they are with you.

 

[9087125]

From a data security pov, cloud would arguable be better unless you got a serious home setup, but i will not pay a cent for what should be free. These corps worth trillions can fund the hosting or else they aint getting a frickin cent from me.

I can say with 100% certainty that all hdds no matter what sound the same, same sound level intensity for all practical purposes. The more industrial ones like data center have more deeper thuds and clicks, but even a WD green or blue is just as loud. Personally i dont mind.

I can also say these drives nowadays are built much better and are much more tolerant to heat and can get by with passive cooling alone. But in long term the heat cycles and heat may be a problem, but then again, the bearings usually run dry and the symptom is warmer drives than normal, so its a wash imo.

One main factor contributing to speed is the ariel density, no way around that. I have been using WD red pro drives, cmr 10TB. They do 180-200MB/s when transferring large tiffs or mkv videos etc. The higher density drives help give faster speeds so the new high capacity drives sit on 260MB/s read or write. Honestly im fine with these speeds, not like years ago with pathetic usb-2 speeds. WD blue 5400rpm was like ~120-140MB/s irrc. On all drives no drops in speed even when drives filled up to ~80%.

I too will not touch das/Nas as they offer too much clutter and a simply usb drive is just so elegant. Nas is far too expensive that the speed aint worth it one bit, cant stand the the nonsense of setting them up.

Any drive brand will do, any model, WD red or red pro is best, but blue or anything will do i guess. Nowadays given the advances in tech the makes and models blur the line, its really marketing.
I also use refurb seagate 24TB for work stuff, the logic is one can buy twice as many drives and imo you will come out ahead as far as failures.

I have at least 3 to 4 back ups, run the checksums every few years, replace drives every 5-10years, i dont pay attention to drive statistics, thats hokum. Just make sure all my files are copied with teracopy and not that POS windows copy. Also make checksums of my data and that is one way to know if the data is really good.
Its always good to store a copy off site to deter thieves or fire. That could be one's undoing. I have planted several copys as a failsafe. Just waiting for 8TB usb sticks to become cheap.

 

[Macro Device]

from a technical standpoint the data is probably safer with them than they are with you.

Whilst technically correct I never know if they sell/lose my data to someone I really don't want to know this data exists, let alone stumble upon what's inside. With offline storages, I at least know there will be no leaks.

From a data security pov, cloud would arguable be better unless you got a serious home setup

I got it offline so the only way to steal it is burglary and it's not like I'm in a rough neighbourhood. And if my apartment gets burglared then my data safety ain't that much of a concern I would say.

But seriously, in your case I'd just go with Any. I've read good things about Ironwolfs, but they cost more.

WD red or red pro is best, but blue or anything will do i guess

Okay, thanks.

Maybe look for models with 256MB cache? I don't know if that matters, but why not?

Also dunno if it matters.

Found WD40EZAXes for cheap. Prolly worth a try despite being just 4 TB each.

 

[docnorth]

I didn't browse your links, but personally I would choose WD ultrastar or alternatively gold. Unfortunately with your budget it would mean 3 x 6TB, not 4, HDDs.

 

[Macro Device]

WD ultrastar

with your budget it would mean 3 x 6TB, not 4, HDDs.

I can literally buy 8 of these and still not exceed 600 bucks. Yes, these are aftermarket but '22 means they're unlikely to be too abused. I'd give it a try.