Seagate IronWolf 5500 vs Western Digital Red 12100F: Which One is the Best NAS Hard Drive?
When it comes to choosing the best NAS (Network-Attached Storage) hard drive, two models that often come to mind are the Seagate IronWolf 5500 and the Western Digital Red 12100F. Both are high-performance drives designed specifically for NAS environments, but they have some key differences. In this article, we'll compare these two drives and help you decide which one is the best fit for your needs.
Performance
When it comes to performance, both drives are designed to deliver fast speeds and high throughput. The Seagate IronWolf 5500 has a maximum sustained transfer rate of up to 240 MB/s, while the Western Digital Red 12100F has a maximum sustained transfer rate of up to 260 MB/s. While the Western Digital Red 12100F has a slightly faster transfer rate, both drives are more than capable of handling demanding NAS workloads.
Capacity and Configuration
The Seagate IronWolf 5500 is available in capacities ranging from 2TB to 10TB, while the Western Digital Red 12100F is available in capacities ranging from 2TB to 12TB. In terms of configuration, both drives are designed to be used in NAS environments and are optimized for 24/7 operation.
Reliability and Durability
Both drives are built to be reliable and durable, with features such as error recovery control, vibration tolerance, and thermal management. The Seagate IronWolf 5500 has a mean time between failures (MTBF) of 1.2 million hours, while the Western Digital Red 12100F has a MTBF of 1 million hours. While the Seagate IronWolf 5500 has a slightly higher MTBF, both drives are more than reliable enough for demanding NAS environments.
Power Consumption
Power consumption is an important consideration for NAS drives, as they are often expected to run 24/7. The Seagate IronWolf 5500 has a typical power consumption of 6.8W during idle and 12.1W during operation, while the Western Digital Red 12100F has a typical power consumption of 6.3W during idle and 11.3W during operation. While both drives are relatively power-efficient, the Western Digital Red 12100F has a slight edge in this regard.
Price
Price is always an important consideration when choosing a NAS drive. The Seagate IronWolf 5500 is generally priced competitively with the Western Digital Red 12100F, with prices ranging from around $100 to $500 depending on the capacity.
Conclusion
So which drive is the best choice for your NAS needs? Both the Seagate IronWolf 5500 and the Western Digital Red 12100F are high-performance drives that are well-suited for demanding NAS environments. If you're looking for the highest capacity available, the Western Digital Red 12100F may be the better choice. However, if you're looking for a slightly more reliable drive with a higher MTBF, the Seagate IronWolf 5500 may be the better option. Ultimately, the choice will depend on your specific needs and requirements.
Spec Comparison
| Feature | Seagate IronWolf 5500 | Western Digital Red 12100F |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Sustained Transfer Rate | Up to 240 MB/s | Up to 260 MB/s |
| Capacity | 2TB - 10TB | 2TB - 12TB |
| MTBF | 1.2 million hours | 1 million hours |
| Typical Power Consumption (Idle) | 6.8W | 6.3W |
| Typical Power Consumption (Operation) | 12.1W | 11.3W |
| Price | Around $100 - $500 | Around $100 - $500 |
