WD Releases Helium-Filled 10TB HDDs for NAS Systems

Western Digital is launching 10TB HDDs in its WD Red and WD Red Pro series of hard drives for NAS systems. The WD Red model runs at 5400rpm and has a suggested retail price of 439 euros. The Pro variant does 7200rpm and costs 479 euros.

The 10TB model of the WD Red gets type number WD100EFAX and the Pro version is WD101KFBX. Both models have 128MB cache, as does the 8TB variant. The manufacturer gives a three-year warranty on the WD Red HDDs, and five years on the Red Pro series. The 3.5″ HDDs are filled with helium, which technology was applied from the 8TB models that came out last year.

Because helium has a lower density than air, the platters and heads suffer less from friction, with all the advantages in terms of heat generation. This allows the use of more platters. Also, less energy is required for rotation, which results in energy savings. However, the discs must be made airtight.

According to Western Digital, the 10TB HDDs will be on sale soon. The American website states that the new HDDs will be delivered from May 31. Previously, WD released a 10TB HDD in its Purple series, which is intended for long-term continuous use, such as video surveillance.