The most reliable and most fragile hard drives of recent years have been named. Comparing the reliability of hard drives from major manufacturers The most reliable hard drives for a computer

Over the past year, Backblaze collected data on the failures of 73,653 hard drives. It is noteworthy that the overall percentage of breakdowns in 2016 decreased slightly and amounted to 1.95%, while in 2015 this value was 2.47%, and in 2014 6.39%.

As for individual manufacturers, the WDC company “distinguished itself” here, whose products showed a 3.88% failure rate. In second place in terms of failure rate was Seagate with an indicator of 2.65%. Backblaze notes that this indicator is complex and takes into account several factors at once, including the total number of drives examined, the time of their use and other data. You can read more about the calculation method.

In addition, the report provides a summary table for the period from 2013 to 2016. It follows from it that the most unsuccessful model of all time is the ST1500DL003 (Seagate) hard drive with a failure rate of 90.92%.

Of course, these data are not exhaustive. They are limited to only one data recovery service. But we hope that they can help you get an idea of the most unreliable drive models that you should avoid.

The thing is just right. The rating will help you choose the appropriate option. The top includes the five best HDDs from advanced companies.

Each model holds a thousand gigabytes of information, so it is perfect for installing operating systems and storing multimedia. The article describes the key features and advantages of the best hard drives to help you choose the most suitable option. There are server and universal models that provide information security, and there are also mega-speed devices.

WD 3.5 SATA 3.0 1TB 7200RPM 64MB CACHE CAVIAR BLUE (WD10EZEX)

This hard drive was included in the rating for a reason. The internal model is productive and durable - this is why it has gained popularity. A 3.5-inch HDD, which holds 1000 GB of data, is perfect for both a regular office PC and gaming builds.

Note: accessory connection type classic -

Attractive features of the hard drive:

Productive - the spindle rotates at 7.2 thousand rpm. Coupled with a 64-MB cache, this allows the hard drive to quickly read and write information.

Reliable - the device can last for a very long time: it will last 7.5 years if it works around the clock.

Silence is another advantage of the drive. It does not buzz at all: when the HDD reads data, it makes a noise of only 30 decibels.

SEAGATE SATA 1TB 7200RPM 6GB/S 64MB (310506)

The Barracuda series gave the manufacturer fame. These HDDs make it possible to use the capacity to the maximum and cope 100% with any task, be it storing documents, media files or installing games.

TOSHIBA SATA 1TB 7200RPM 6GB/S/64MB HDWD110UZSVA

The model is the best option for office and “home” assemblies. The HDD capacity (1000 GB) allows you to store decent multimedia collections. The capacity of the hard drive makes it possible to collect not only a good collection of films and music, but also various games.

Advice: created for desktop computers, but if you need to add memory to a laptop, you will need

The four best features of a hard drive:

WD 3.5 SATA 3.0 1TB 7200RPM 64MB CACHE BLACK (WD1003FZEX)

The variant belongs to the “Black” line. HDDs of this series belong to the category of top options for desktop PCs. This hard drive is included in the list of the best 1 terabyte models due to its reliability and fast operation. The Black line hard drive is ideal for working with resource-intensive applications and games, as it is designed for increased loads.

Note: The manufacturer is so confident that its discs are good that they are not afraid to put a five-year warranty on them.

Four main features of HDD:

1. Transfers data very quickly: in a second it is capable of transmitting 6 Gigabits of information.

2. Performance - what you need: two processors, an advanced SATA 3.5 interface, a high speed at which the spindle rotates (it makes 7.2 thousand revolutions per minute) provide excellent performance.

3. Wear-resistant: the device is protected using NoTouch technology, which aims to ensure that heads and discs wear out less. It prevents the head from touching the surface of the plate, which protects the model from shaking during operation and transportation.

4. The hard drive will last a long, long time: its motor’s time between failures is as much as three hundred thousand hours. The computer is more likely to fail than this hard drive.

An external hard drive is designed to store and transfer large amounts of information that a flash drive cannot handle. This is the same hard drive (HDD), packed in a box with a power supply and controller. It is convenient to take it on the road to transfer information, and can be connected to a TV.

For larger volumes and at a lower price, you can purchase HDD. Writing/reading is carried out by rotating the disk and magnetic head. The vulnerability of such a drive is noise during operation, susceptibility to mechanical damage, and low speed. If you need to transfer movies, music, text files, a compact but more expensive SSD is suitable. This disk, like a flash drive, is a solid-state drive.

The size and type of drive is called the form factor. The following types differ: 1.8” (up to 2 TB), 2.5” (up to 4 TB). A 3.5” form factor disk (up to 8 TB) is a desktop option, since large capacity implies large dimensions and weight.

What is the fundamental difference between flash drives and external hard drives?

Flash drives and external hard drives belong to completely different classes of devices. Their only similarity is the purpose of storing information. But there are also differences, and significant ones.

Comparison criterion	Flash drive	External hard drive
Volume	The most capacious model currently holds 2 terabytes	Portable models up to 4 terabytes, stationary network drives (NAS) can accommodate up to 12 units. The most capacious disks are 10 terabytes, that is, a total of about 120 gigabytes
Price	A drive with a capacity of 2 terabytes costs 58 thousand rubles, and for 4000 rubles you can purchase a 128 gigabyte model	A disk with a capacity of 1 terabyte costs about 4 thousand rubles, 2 terabytes - 6 thousand rubles
Operation speed	High-quality models provide writing speeds of at least 80 megabytes per second, reading speeds from 140 megabytes	The best representatives write - 90-95 megabytes per second, read - 100-110 megabytes per second
Dimensions	Compact	Larger
Protection from external influences	Flash drives withstand mechanical stress better, but there are protected models in both classes
Resource	Flash drives have significantly less resource, but for the vast majority of users this will be enough

What to look for when buying an external hard drive?

The choice of external drive depends on the purpose, volume and personal preferences. What parameters need to be considered when choosing a drive:

Capacity. The smallest capacity for SSD 128 GB and 256 GB is also the most popular. This capacity is enough for movies, music, file copies;
Performance. The vast majority of disks are equipped with a connection device, a USB port. Modern models have USB0, with a bandwidth of up to 5 Gb/s, but the computer must match this speed. USB 2.0 ports have lower read/write speeds, but are quite suitable for watching movies and music. The maximum speed of SSD drives can reach 550 MB/sec;
Read/write speed depends on the amount of RAM: the larger it is, the higher the speed;
Protection from external influences is also important for the operation of the drive. SSDs are the most reliable because they have no moving parts inside. It is resistant to external influences. The plastic body had to contain metal and rubberized parts to make the body strong;
The weight of the product matters if the disc needs to be carried. Modern external drives weigh between 140 and 300 g;
If the storage medium is to be used in conditions that are far from clean, then protection from dust and dirt is necessary. You should choose a drive with certified protection (IPXX or military standard);
It is also necessary to take care of data protection. The larger the drive, the more information you can store on it and the more you can lose it. There are hardware protection methods that are supported by regular and solid-state drives. This will help protect data from loss;
Before purchasing an external hard drive, you need to study the market and read reviews to choose a quality device for storing information. You need to decide how much disk space is needed and, based on this, make a choice

Seagate STDR4000200.

Seagate has been a global leader in storage solutions for nearly 40 years.

The model is attractive, first of all, for its compact shape and large capacity. 4 TB is enough for data storage and backup. It is difficult to find a drive with such a 2.5” form factor on sale. The previous version of Seagate 4TB Backup Plus Slim with the same capacity contains two 2 TB drives. The speed of such a disk due to RAID will of course be higher, but in the case of RAID 0, reliability will decrease (if both disks fail).

Connection via USB 3.0 port Included with the drive is a CD with the Seagate Dashboard copying program. The presence of an NTFS driver allows you to work with two operating systems: Microsoft and MacOS (for Macintosh computers).

Advantages:

Large volume;
Easy to use software;
Compact shape;
Connection via USB 3.0 port.

Flaws:

High price.

Average price: 9000 rubles.

Seagate Expansion 1 TB

The line of disks in this series is represented by the STEA1000400 model, which has five modifications in capacities from 500 GB to 4 TB. Connection via USB 2.0 and 3.0 is possible. The same port is also used to receive power. Write/read speed - 129/121 MB/sec. Formatted to work with Microsoft.

Advantages:

High speed;
Connection via USB0 and USB 3.0;
Small price.

Flaws:

To work with a Mac, you need to reformat it (the factory setting assumes NTFS formatted for Microsoft);
Only black color.

Price from 3700 to 7600 rubles, the cost must be clarified at the sales centers.

Video review and unpacking of the product:

SEAGATE STCD500202.

Seagate STC500202 – 500 GB disk, compact, lightweight. The metal body has rough edges that prevent it from slipping on the surface. The USB 3.0 connection interface provides good speed - 600 Mb/s.

The software automatically downloads photos from social networks and saves them on storage media. Data backup is easy to set up.

Advantages:

Compact, silent;
Convenient software.

Flaws:

Short cable.

Cost about 4000 rubles.

Western Digital My Passport 4 TB.

This disk is suitable for large amounts of information. There is also a USB 3.0 connection and support for USB 2.0. Using the included software, you can set up backups according to your schedule and set a password for protection. In case the disk is lost, it is possible to add a message “return if found” when requesting a password.

Advantages:

Large volume;
Automatic copying;
Password protection;
USB 2.0 support;
Stylish body in several colors;
Three year warranty.

Flaws:

There may be slight vibration during operation.

Disc contents - in the video:

Average price: 9500 rubles.

Transcend TS2TSJ25M3.

If you need to use a disk for frequent transportation, then this model is designed just for this purpose. The case is rubber, anti-slip, impact protection is made according to military standards. The connectors are not closed, so they are not protected from water.

Has a high-tech hard drive suspension mechanism. On the case there is a button to remotely turn off the disk (without disconnecting from the port). Also, using a button on the case, automatic data copying is provided.

USB 3.0 and 2.0 interface support Average read speed 32 MB/sec.

Advantages:

High security of the case;
Two interfaces;
Automatic copying via a button on the body.

Flaws:

The connectors quickly become loose.

Average price: 7000 rubles.

ADATA DashDrive Durable HD710 2TB.

This is also a drive made to the military standard IPX7, which has a high degree of shock protection. When the connector is hermetically sealed, it can be immersed in water to a meter depth for 60 minutes. This is achieved thanks to a silicone body covered with a thick rubber layer. The hard drive shows a speed of 76.5 MB/sec. USB 3.0 has a bandwidth of 5 Gb/s. Disk capacity 2 TB.

Advantages:

Enhanced case protection;
The interface cable is attached to the housing.

Flaws:

The software must be downloaded via the Internet.

Average price: 7000 rubles.

Western Digital My Passport 2 TB.

Western Digital is a well-known American company that has been producing hard drives since 1988. The Western Digital My Passport 2 TB external drive has speeds of up to 85 MB/sec. The USB 3.0 interface is supported and works through a 2.0 port.

Software for creating an automatic copy is included with the drive.

Advantages:

Reliable manufacturer;
Sufficient volume at good speed.

Flaws:

There are visible scratch marks on the body;
Short cable.

About 5000 rub.

Professional video review of the device:

Toshiba Canvio Basics 1TB.

Canvio Basics 1TB is a budget option with a modest design that does not have any unnecessary elements - just a port and an LED status indicator. On the bottom of the case there are rubber pads that allow you to conveniently place the disc on the surface. Disk space 1 TB, USB 3.0 compatible with USB 2.0 Transfer speed 5 Gb/sec, slight vibration or noise is felt during operation.

Advantages:

Compactness;
Affordable price.

Flaws:

Short cable;
Slight vibration and noise.

Average price: 4000 rubles.

Silicon Power Armor A30 1TB.

Silicon Power Armor A30 1TB is a portable type of external storage media. The stylish orange-black body is made of plastic and rubber. The cable can be secured around the device. The disc is characterized by good writing/reading speed, absence of extraneous sounds and vibration. The disk does not heat up during prolonged operation.

The disc has a warranty period of 3 years; to receive it you need to register on the official website.

Advantages:

Unusual stylish design;
No noise or vibration at good speed;
3 year warranty.

Flaws:

Short cable;
Not all devices recognize the disc.

Average price: 5000 rubles.

Video review of the device:

ADATA DashDrive Durable HD650 1TB.

This is a stylish small external drive. The reliable case is made of composite plastic with rubber inserts and has a light weight of 201 g and dimensions of 121x81x21 mm. Even if dropped, the disc is not damaged. Thanks to its small size, the disc can easily fit in your pocket

This model is available in volumes: 500 MB, 1 and 2 TB. Test speed is 116 MB/sec when reading and 112 MB/sec when writing. The disk operates silently and is quickly recognized.

Advantages:

Compact, stylish in several colors;
Durable housing;
Quiet operation;
Quickly recognized.

Flaws:

Weak connector, loosens over time;
Small cable.

Average price: 5000 rubles.

Toshiba Canvio Connect II 1TB

Reliable, compact external storage device. It is distinguished by the presence of two high-quality software utilities in the kit. The disk is available in volumes: 500 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB, 3 TB and colors: black, blue, red, white and white-pink. The drive provides operation via USB 3.0 and USB 2.0, the speed corresponds to the ports.

The set includes two powerful copying programs: NTI Backup Now EZ and Pogoplug PC, which allows you to remotely access files through a mobile device using a utility. You can buy Pogoplug PC on the manufacturer's website for $30. Owners of this disk model receive an additional 10GB of cloud storage using this utility (more information about increasing the volume can be found on the website). When passing through a USB 3.0 port, the write speed is 100MB/sec, reading speed is 98MB/sec.

Advantages:

An easy way to access information on a disk from anywhere via the Internet;
Automatic, reliable copy program;
Low cost.

Flaws:

Not identified.

Price from 3,000 to 8,000 rubles depending on volume.

Professional review of the hard drive - in the video:

TOSHIBA Canvio Basics 500GB.

This is a budget option from a popular manufacturer. The case has an LED indicator of the operating status, as well as rubber “feet” that hold the disk on the surface. The USB 3.0 port interface is also adapted for USB 2.0

The Canvio Basics model is available in five volume options: 500 GB, 750 GB, 1 TB, 1.5 TB, 2 TB. Warranty from 1 to 3 years. There is no software included, which is a minus. Nevertheless, TOSHIBA disks are attractive primarily for their reliability.

When purchasing a drive, you need to know that when replacing the cable, only the original one will do. The kit does not include a case, which may be needed during transportation.

Advantages:

Good value for money;
The presence of small rubber pads on the body.

Flaws:

Light vibration during operation;
Short cable.

Average price: 3500 rubles.

Video review of the product:

What should you choose?

When choosing an external drive, you need to focus primarily on capacity. Currently, the smallest drive is a 500 GB drive. What can be recorded on such media:

300 films;
2000 CD albums of good quality;
Copies of information from PC.

The most popular and affordable are 1 TB drives. This volume is quite enough to record two hundred FullHD quality movies.

Two terabytes - such a disk can be used to completely copy the system, there are 50 4K UltraHD quality films.

4 TB disks for very large volumes; in most cases, they are stationary and intended for professionals.

When choosing an external drive, the manufacturer is of no small importance, since reliability is the main indicator of a storage device. Appearance and durability are also relevant for a certain group of users.

The purpose of a hard drive is to store data. Its functions include providing storage space and getting quick access to any information. Therefore, before you start looking for a new HDD, you need to understand what tasks the hard drive will be used for.

If you need to access information on different computers, then it is better to buy. This option can also be purchased if you need an additional source of information storage. If you want to use the disk as the main one for your PC, then you need to choose among the internal HDDs.

Form factor

Today, there are internal hard drives that have a standard form factor of 3.5" or 2.5". Both types can be placed in the system unit. If you are choosing a laptop drive, 2.5″ drives are suitable for you.

Advantages of 3.5”:

Cheaper in price;
The maximum volume is larger;
Thanks to the same recording, more information is placed on the plate.

Advantages of 2.5”:

Increased resistance to mechanical stress;
Consumes 2 times less energy, therefore, this affects heat dissipation and cooling costs;
They work quietly.

Hard drive capacity

The main parameter is the storage capacity. Measured in gigabytes and terabytes.

Important detail. When manufacturers calculate HDD capacity, they cheat a little, since their calculations occur in the decimal system, and the computer performs the same actions in binary. Most newbies don't know about this. For example, the manufacturer claims a capacity of 1 terabyte, but its actual size available to the operating system is about 931 gigabytes. This is explained by a difference of 5-10% between the actual and declared volume.

Everyone needs their own individual volume - 320 GB may be enough for some, while 12 TB may not be enough for others. As the disk capacity increases, so does its cost, so it is better to think in advance how much data you need.

If you have an old computer, check if the BIOS supports EFI, otherwise you should not choose disks larger than 2 TB. And in the 32-bit version of Windows, a disk larger than 2TB cannot be used to boot the operating system.

Connection interface

Hard drives differ from each other not only in volume, but also in connection interface. There are several types, among which SATA and IDE are the main ones for desktops.

The SATA interface is most often used to connect hard drives in computers. There are 3 standards: SATAI, II, III. They differ in data transfer speed: SATA I – up to 1.5 Gbit/s, SATA 2 – about 3 Gbit/s, and SATAIII – about 6 Gbit/s. The first 2 are outdated options, so it is better to use SATAIII. Since the standard is backwards compatible, the new drives will work even on old motherboards.

For a while, the IDE was a common connection interface, but now almost no one uses it. And the SCSI interface was replaced by SAS (Serial Attached SCSI). The SAS connector is universal and compatible with SATA. Both SAS and SATA devices can be connected to SAS connectors, but only SATA devices can be connected to SATA connectors.

Buffer capacity

The buffer or cache acts as the built-in RAM on the hard drive, which by default is responsible for storing information. Thanks to it, the process of working on a PC becomes many times faster, since part of the data, instead of reading from a magnetic disk, is immediately transferred from the cache. The buffer size ranges from 16 to 256 MB. Thus, the speed of the hard drive is directly proportional to the cache size.

Spindle speed

To compare disk reliability in the table, pay attention to “Drive Days”. If the sample is less than 50,000, then it is too early to draw conclusions.

The overall bounce rate in the first quarter of 2018 was 1.84%, the lowest on record. This indirectly means that drives become more reliable overall.

Total

Despite numerous advice, the choice in practice always turns out to be more difficult. When purchasing, you have to choose between speed and memory capacity. But the main thing is to set priorities. This mini-instruction will help you: