HGST Ultrastar DC HC570 22 TB 3.5" SATA Hard Drive

The HGST Ultrastar DC HC570 22 TB hard drive is an enterprise-class storage solution built to meet the demands of data centers, large-scale servers, and high-performance NAS environments. With an expansive 22 terabytes of usable capacity, this 3.5-inch internal drive delivers a compelling blend of density, reliability, and efficiency. Designed for continuous operation in 24/7 workloads, the DC HC570 combines a rugged, purpose-built build with a modern SATA interface to support robust storage architectures, big data analytics, backup and archival strategies, and large-scale virtualization. Whether you’re expanding an existing RAID array or provisioning fresh enterprise storage, this drive is engineered to help you maximize uptime, streamline capacity planning, and accelerate data throughput. Its conventional magnetic recording (CMR) technology and 512e sector format ensure compatibility with standard enterprise storage ecosystems while preserving performance under heavy I/O loads.

• Massive 22 TB capacity for scalable data growth: Ideal for archival storage, backup repositories, virtualized workloads, and big data analytics, enabling you to consolidate silos and reduce overall storage sprawl.
• Enterprise-grade reliability and endurance: Built to withstand relentless data center workloads, with robust error correction, consistent performance, and long-term data integrity under sustained operations.
• Fast 7200 RPM performance in a 3.5" form factor: Delivers competitive sequential throughput with responsive random I/O characteristics, helping reduce bottlenecks in media streaming, database, and virtualization tasks.
• SATA (SATA/600) interface for broad compatibility: Simple integration with existing server, workstation, and storage server ecosystems, enabling straightforward upgrades without specialized hardware migrations.
• CMR with 512e format for broad software compatibility: Conventional magnetic recording paired with sector-512 emulation ensures compatibility with standard operating systems, RAID controllers, and data management software while maintaining reliable data alignment and sector sizing.

Technical Details of HGST Ultrastar DC HC570 0F48154 22 TB Hard Drive

• Capacity: 22 TB (terabytes) of digital storage dedicated to enterprise data and workloads
• Interface: SATA 6 Gb/s (SATA/600) for broad compatibility with mainstream servers and storage controllers
• Form factor: 3.5-inch internal hard drive designed for rack-mmount or chassis-based deployment
• Rotation speed: 7200 RPM, optimized for a balance of throughput and energy efficiency in data-center environments
• Recording technology: Conventional Magnetic Recording (CMR) for dependable performance under mixed-workload conditions
• Sector format: 512e (512-byte logical sectors emulated on modern 4K physical sectors) to maximize compatibility with diverse OS and software stacks
• Duty cycle / workload suitability: Enterprise-class drive designed for continuous operation and sustained I/O access in server and data-center apps
• Cache / performance features: High-efficiency caching and advanced error correction to support consistent throughput and data integrity across heavy workloads

How to install HGST Ultrastar DC HC570 22 TB Hard Drive

Installing this drive is straightforward for any environment that uses 3.5-inch internal SATA drives. Before you begin, ensure you are grounded to prevent static discharge and that you have a compatible drive bay or rack slot ready. Power down the server or storage chassis, then follow these steps:

1) Open the drive bay: Remove the appropriate cover or slot to access the 3.5-inch drive bay. Align the new DC HC570 with the mounting holes in the bay. Note that some enclosures support hot-swapping; if your system does, you may install this drive without powering down, provided you follow your vendor’s hot-swap procedures.

2) Mount the drive: Secure the drive with the proper screws or captive fasteners. Ensure the drive sits firmly in the bay and that the connectors are unobstructed for a clean connection to the backplane or interface cables.

3) Connect power and data: Attach the SATA data cable and the power connector from the backplane or power supply. Confirm the cables are seated firmly to avoid intermittent connectivity or boot-time errors.

4) BIOS/RAID controller configuration: Power up the system and enter the BIOS or RAID controller utility. If you’re deploying in a RAID array, initialize the drive or add it to an existing array according to your RAID group’s policy. If using as a stand-alone, initialize and format per your OS guidance. For best results, enable any recommended write caches and verify SMART health indicators if your tooling supports them.

5) Firmware update and health checks: After initial configuration, check for any available firmware updates from HGST/WD (the Ultrastar line is part of the broad Western Digital family). Run health checks, SMART data assessment, and surface scans to confirm the drive is functioning correctly and that there are no pending errors. Keep firmware aligned with your storage policy to maximize compatibility and reliability.

6) Performance tuning and long-term care: In enterprise deployments, pair the drive with a RAID controller or storage server optimized for large-capacity disks. Consider aligned block sizes and appropriate stripe widths to maximize throughput. Implement a routine monitoring plan to track temperature, SMART attributes, and fault rates, and ensure the drive operates within recommended operating conditions to preserve longevity.

7) Documentation and inventory: Record the model number (DC HC570), capacity (22 TB), interface (SATA), and form factor (3.5-inch) in your asset management system. This makes maintenance, warranty verification, and future expansions seamless, especially in dense data-center environments where precise tracking matters for SLA commitments and operational efficiency.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What is the primary use case for the HGST Ultrastar DC HC570 22 TB drive?
A: It is designed for enterprise storage workloads that require high capacity and reliable 24/7 operation. Typical use cases include data-center archival storage, backup repositories, large-scale virtualization, media libraries, and databases that benefit from a high-density, durable 3.5-inch hard drive with a SATA interface.

Q: Is this drive compatible with standard SATA servers and RAID controllers?
A: Yes. The drive uses a standard SATA 6 Gb/s interface and a 3.5-inch internal form factor, making it broadly compatible with most servers, storage arrays, and backplanes that support SATA-HDDs. For optimal performance in RAID configurations, ensure your controller supports large-capacity drives and is configured for the correct sector format (512e).

Q: What does 512e mean, and why is it important?
A: 512e indicates that the drive provides 512-byte logical sectors using emulated 4K physical sectors. This improves compatibility with modern operating systems that expect 512-byte sectors while leveraging the efficiency and capacity advantages of 4K physical sectors. It helps prevent misalignment issues in older software stacks and supports reliable data handling across diverse environments.

Q: Can I hot-swap this drive?
A: Many data-center enclosures support hot-swapping for enterprise drives like the Ultrastar. If your server or storage chassis is equipped with hot-swap drive bays, you can replace or install the drive without powering down, following your vendor’s hot-swap procedure. Always consult your hardware vendor’s guidelines to ensure safe operation.

Q: What kind of warranty comes with this drive?
A: Warranty terms vary by region and seller. Ultrastar drives typically come with a warranty issued by the manufacturer or distributor, and it’s best to verify the exact terms at the point of purchase. In enterprise environments, warranty and support options can include expedited replacements and extended coverage, which can be important for meeting uptime targets.

Q: How can I maximize performance and reliability with a 22 TB Ultrastar drive?
A: For best results, use a capable RAID controller or storage server with appropriate driver support and firmware, enable recommended write caching settings where appropriate, and monitor drive SMART data and thermal metrics. Use aligned data paths, adequate cooling, and redundant power to maintain reliability under heavy workloads. Regular firmware updates and consistent maintenance help sustain performance and prevent unexpected failures.

Q: Is this drive suitable for archival and cold storage?
A: Yes. The high capacity of 22 TB combined with enterprise-grade reliability makes it well-suited for long-term data retention and infrequently accessed data that still needs durable storage. When used for archival purposes, consider placing it in a RAID array or storage tier designed for infrequent access to optimize cost-per-GB while preserving data integrity over time.

Q: How should I plan for capacity and scaling with multiple drives?
A: Start with a clear capacity roadmap that accounts for projected data growth, redundancy, and performance needs. When deploying multiple drives, group them in a scale-out or scale-up architecture that aligns with your workload patterns. Monitor utilization trends and re-balance storage as needed to maintain performance and minimize contention during peak periods.

In summary, the HGST Ultrastar DC HC570 22 TB hard drive offers a compelling combination of high-density capacity, enterprise-grade reliability, and broad SATA compatibility in a 3.5-inch form factor. It’s a strong fit for data centers, virtualization clusters, backup repositories, and archival storage environments where space, efficiency, and uptime matter most. By selecting a drive from the Ultrastar DC HC570 family, you’re investing in a storage component designed to handle demanding workloads, deliver consistent throughput, and scale with your organization’s data growth over time. Whether you’re refreshing an existing enclosure or architecting a new storage fabric, this 22 TB SATA drive is positioned to contribute to a resilient, future-ready storage solution with strong total cost of ownership benefits.