Skip to content
sudopicks
esc

Synology HAT5300-12T vs Toshiba N300 12TB

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

all judged against NAS hard drives at a similar price

The Synology HAT5300-12T scores 8.2/10 overall, ahead of the Toshiba N300 12TB at 7.1/10.

The Synology HAT5300-12T leads on reliability ratings and warranty.

They score the same on recording technology, performance and noise and power.

The biggest difference is warranty, where the Synology HAT5300-12T scores 9/10 to the Toshiba N300 12TB's 6/10.

Synology HAT5300-12T

Synology HAT5300-12T

8.2/10verdict: buy

The Synology HAT5300-12T is a 12TB, 7,200rpm CMR drive for people building or expanding a Synology NAS. It suits buyers who want a high workload rating and a five-year warranty. It is less suited to anyone whose main concern is a silent NAS.

Typically about £510 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

Toshiba N300 12TB

Toshiba N300 12TB

7.1/10verdict: buy

The Toshiba N300 12TB is a NAS drive for people building small to mid-sized RAID arrays. It suits buyers who want CMR recording and a solid sustained transfer rate. It is less suited to anyone who puts warranty length or near-silent running first.

Typically about £384.08 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

CriterionWeightSynology HAT5300-12TToshiba N300 12TB
Reliability ratings25%9/107/10
Recording technology20%9/109/10
Warranty20%9/106/10
Performance20%8/108/10
Noise and power15%5/105/10
Overall8.2/107.1/10

Specifications

SpecSynology HAT5300-12TToshiba N300 12TB
Capacity12 TB12 TB
Spindle speed72007200 RPM
Cache256 MB256 MB
Recording (CMR/SMR)CMRCMR
Workload rating550 TB per yearUp to 180 TB/yr
MTBF2.5 million hours1.2 million hours MTTF
Rated for baysnot listedUp to 12
Warranty5 yearsLimited warranty: 3 years

Strengths and weaknesses

Synology HAT5300-12T

  • + Rated for 550TB per year with 2.5 million hours MTBF
  • + Five-year warranty counted from the purchase date
  • + Owners report cool running and consistent speed
  • − Owners disagree on noise; some find it loud on seek
  • − Reports of noise during array reorganisation or rebuild
  • − Owners say long-term reliability is still unproven

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need a near-silent NAS in a living space
  • Anyone running a lightly used archive who doesn't need a 550TB per year rating
  • Buyers who want data recovery cover included with the warranty
Read the full Synology HAT5300-12T review ›

Toshiba N300 12TB

  • + CMR recording suits RAID arrays
  • + Rated up to 253MB/s sustained on the 12TB model
  • + Rated for up to 12 bays at 180TB/year
  • − Three-year warranty draws owner complaints
  • − 7,200 rpm; one owner finds it a bit noisy
  • − No data recovery service listed

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want the longest possible warranty on a 12TB drive
  • Anyone placing a NAS in a bedroom or quiet office where noise matters
  • People who need data recovery cover bundled with the drive
Read the full Toshiba N300 12TB review ›

More comparisons

Compare all NAS hard drives · Best NAS hard drives