Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›
all judged against NAS hard drives at a similar priceThe Toshiba N300 12TB scores 7.1/10 overall, ahead of the WD Red Plus 4TB WD40EFPX at 6.9/10.
The Toshiba N300 12TB leads on reliability ratings and performance.
The WD Red Plus 4TB WD40EFPX leads on noise and power.
They score the same on recording technology and warranty.
The biggest difference is noise and power, where the WD Red Plus 4TB WD40EFPX scores 8/10 to the Toshiba N300 12TB's 5/10.
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
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
| Criterion | Weight | Toshiba N300 12TB | WD Red Plus 4TB WD40EFPX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reliability ratings | 25% | 7/10 | 6/10 |
| Recording technology | 20% | 9/10 | 9/10 |
| Warranty | 20% | 6/10 | 6/10 |
| Performance | 20% | 8/10 | 6/10 |
| Noise and power | 15% | 5/10 | 8/10 |
| Overall | 7.1/10 | 6.9/10 |
| Spec | Toshiba N300 12TB | WD Red Plus 4TB WD40EFPX |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 12 TB | 4TB |
| Spindle speed | 7200 RPM | 5400 |
| Cache | 256 MB | 256MB |
| Recording (CMR/SMR) | CMR | CMR |
| Workload rating | Up to 180 TB/yr | 180 TB/year |
| MTBF | 1.2 million hours MTTF | 1,000,000 hours |
| Rated for bays | Up to 12 | up to 8 bays |
| Warranty | Limited warranty: 3 years | 3-year limited |
Skip it if:
Skip it if: