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Looking for an additional HDD for my desktop PC. It's to store 4k video, so large sizes ideally.
I have a Seagate EXOS X20 20TB, and its noisy. Audible when reading data; especially noticeable when the room is quiet.
Unfortunately I understand that most large server drives are noisy. Small drives, under 10TB are impractical for me. So what are my ideal options, when looking for a large drive, that is not very expensive, but also has relatively lower noise.
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For large-capacity drives that balance noise levels and cost, it’s true that most high-capacity server or enterprise drives like the Seagate Exos tend to be louder due to their design and spindle speeds.
If noise is a key factor for you, here are some options to consider:
Western Digital Red Plus or Red Pro
Designed for NAS use, quieter than typical enterprise drives.
Available up to 14TB or 18TB.
Good balance of noise, reliability, and price.
Seagate IronWolf or IronWolf Pro
NAS-optimized drives with better noise dampening than Exos.
Sizes up to 18TB or more.
Slightly quieter and usually more affordable than Exos.
WD Red SMR models (if you find them)
Tend to be quieter, but use SMR which can affect performance in some use cases.
Might be fine for archival or sequential storage like videos.
Lower RPM Drives
Some models run at 5400 RPM instead of 7200 RPM, which reduces noise but may impact speed.
Since your priority is large capacity and quieter operation, WD Red Plus or Seagate IronWolf Pro 16TB or 18TB would be solid choices. They are widely regarded as quieter alternatives to enterprise drives while still offering good reliability for large storage.
Just keep in mind that no large high-capacity HDD will be completely silent, but these models strike a better balance.
If noise is really critical, you could also consider installing the drive in a well-insulated enclosure or NAS chassis designed to dampen sound.
