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Seagate IronWolf 4TB NAS hard drive vs WD Red Plus Internal NAS HDD 3.5", 4TB, model WD40EFPX

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

both judged against NAS hard drives at a similar price

The Seagate IronWolf 4TB NAS hard drive scores 7.0/10 overall, ahead of the WD Red Plus Internal NAS HDD 3.5", 4TB, model WD40EFPX at 6.9/10.

The Seagate IronWolf 4TB NAS hard drive leads on warranty.

The WD Red Plus Internal NAS HDD 3.5", 4TB, model WD40EFPX leads on noise and power.

They score the same on reliability ratings, recording technology and performance.

Seagate IronWolf 4TB NAS hard drive

7.0/10verdict: wait for deal

The Seagate IronWolf 4TB is for people building or expanding a small NAS of up to eight bays who want CMR recording and a 3-year warranty. It suits bulk storage, backups and media libraries where low noise and power draw matter more than raw speed. Buyers need to check which of the two model numbers they are getting, because speed, cache and noise figures differ.

Typically about £183.58 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

WD Red Plus Internal NAS HDD 3.5", 4TB, model WD40EFPX

WD Red Plus Internal NAS HDD 3.5", 4TB, model WD40EFPX

6.9/10verdict: wait for deal

The WD Red Plus 4TB (WD40EFPX) is for home and small-office NAS owners filling up to eight bays who want a CMR drive. Its 5,400 rpm spindle and low rated noise and power suit a NAS that sits in a living space or runs around the clock. Buyers whose needs go beyond its 180MB/s transfer rate, 180TB/year workload rating or three-year warranty should look elsewhere.

Typically about £208.99 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightSeagate IronWolf 4TB NAS hard driveWD Red Plus Internal NAS HDD 3.5", 4TB, model WD40EFPX
Reliability ratings25%6/106/10
Recording technology20%9/109/10
Warranty20%7/106/10
Performance20%6/106/10
Noise and power15%7/108/10
Overall7.0/106.9/10

Specifications

SpecSeagate IronWolf 4TB NAS hard driveWD Red Plus Internal NAS HDD 3.5", 4TB, model WD40EFPX
Capacity4TB4TB
Spindle speedST4000VN006: 5400 RPM; ST4000VN008: 5900 RPM5400
CacheST4000VN006: 256MB; ST4000VN008: 64MB256MB
Recording (CMR/SMR)CMRCMR
Workload rating180TB/year (rated workload, both models)180 TB/year
MTBF1,000,000 hours1,000,000 hours
Rated for bays1-8 Baysup to 8 bays
Warranty3 years limited3-year limited

Strengths and weaknesses

Seagate IronWolf 4TB NAS hard drive

  • + CMR recording on both models
  • + Rated 23 dBA idle noise and 4.8W average power
  • + Warranty and Rescue recovery praised by owners
  • − Three independent reports of dead or faulty units
  • − Sustained speed tops out at 202MB/s
  • − Owners report mixed noise on the 5,400rpm model

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need sustained transfer rates above 202MB/s
  • People putting a NAS in a very quiet room who are wary of the 5,400rpm model's mixed noise reports
  • Anyone outside a region where Seagate's Rescue recovery is available and who is relying on it
Read the full Seagate IronWolf 4TB NAS hard drive review ›

WD Red Plus Internal NAS HDD 3.5", 4TB, model WD40EFPX

  • + CMR recording confirmed on WD's datasheet
  • + Rated 23 dBA idle and 27 dBA seek
  • + Low power: 4.7W active, 3.1W idle
  • − Only a 3-year limited warranty
  • − Up to 180MB/s internal transfer rate
  • − Rated for up to 8 bays only

Skip it if:

  • Anyone building a NAS with more than eight bays
  • Buyers wanting a 5-year warranty or included data recovery
  • Users with heavy write workloads beyond 180TB a year
Read the full WD Red Plus Internal NAS HDD 3.5", 4TB, model WD40EFPX review ›

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