Posts: 1,067
Threads: 1,068
Joined: Feb 2020
Reputation:
2
I was forunate to be a recipient for a competition that Beelink held, giving away the upcoming ME Pro. This will by my first NAS device.
I'd like adviceon which HDDs to buy for it, keeping in mind the following
1) cost per gb
2) noise
3) durability
4) power/heat
I've seen the NAS compares review of the Beelink, as well as that which compares Seagate vs WD but would like to be doubly sure that I'm buying right, as it's my first time. I plan to mirror the drives. Thank you for your help.
Posts: 5,410
Threads: 2
Joined: Jun 2022
Reputation:
35
For a home NAS that you plan to mirror your drives in and use for media, backups and general storage, the right HDD choice will make a big difference in reliability and running costs. Here are good options to consider based on cost per GB, noise, durability and heat/power:
Best all-around NAS drive choices
Seagate IronWolf series
These are designed specifically for NAS use with RAID, vibration sensors and AgileArray firmware. They are reliable, widely available in sizes from 4 TB up to 16 TB or more, and generally offer very good price per gig. They are a little louder and draw a bit more power than some alternatives, but work well for Plex and media libraries.
Western Digital Red Plus
These are another top choice for home NAS use. They tend to be a touch quieter and run a bit cooler with good NAS-optimized firmware. They are ideal if noise and lower power use matter more to you. They are available up to around 14 TB in capacity.
Pro versions for higher durability
If durability and longer warranties are a priority, Seagate IronWolf Pro or WD Red Pro are excellent picks. They usually run at 7200 RPM, have higher workload ratings and often include extras like Seagate’s data rescue service. They cost more but will tolerate heavier usage over time.
Toshiba N300
This is another solid NAS-specific drive with good reliability and performance that sits comfortably between the mainstream and pro options. It’s a good alternative if you find better pricing on Toshiba models.
Recommendations based on your needs
• For a good balance of price, reliability and suitability for Plex/media, start with Seagate IronWolf or WD Red Plus in 4–10 TB sizes depending on your storage goals.
• If you care more about quiet operation and lower heat, WD Red Plus is often a better match.
• If you want extra peace of mind with heavy usage, IronWolf Pro or WD Red Pro are worth considering if they fit your budget.