WD Red SA500 1TB NAS-Optimized SATA SSD (WDS100T1R0A) — 2.5" Internal Drive

Upgrade your NAS or small office server with the WD Red SA500 1TB solid state drive. This 2.5" internal SATA SSD is purpose-built for multi-drive NAS environments, delivering fast, reliable performance under continuous workloads. Whether you’re hosting media libraries, running backups, supporting surveillance storage, or providing shared storage for a small team, the WD Red SA500 is engineered to handle demanding tasks with ease. With NAS-focused firmware, enhanced endurance characteristics, and a compact 2.5-inch form factor, this drive blends speed and reliability into a single, easy-to-integrate solution that complements your existing NAS ecosystem.

• The WD Red SA500 is designed for NAS workloads, delivering swift access times and sustained throughput that helps multiple users stream media, back up data, and run light virtualization without bottlenecks. Its architecture is tuned for sequential and random read/write patterns typical of NAS operations, enabling smoother file transfers, quicker video editing over a network, and faster backups—so your team stays productive even during peak usage.
• NAS-optimized endurance and reliability sit at the core of this drive. Built to run continuously in NAS configurations, the SA500 features firmware enhancements that improve data protection, drive health monitoring, and error recovery. With ECC and robust error-handling, you gain greater resilience in RAID arrays and multi-drive setups, reducing the risk of data loss during long-term storage and large transfers.
• 2.5-inch form factor with a SATA III interface makes the WD Red SA500 a convenient upgrade for most NAS backplanes and consumer-grade desktops alike. The slim profile fits into standard 2.5" drive bays and backplanes, enabling easy hot-swap compatibility (where supported) and broad compatibility across popular NAS brands and enclosure designs. This form factor also helps keep noise and heat in check within compact NAS enclosures.
• Power efficiency and thermal stability support extended NAS uptime. The SA500 is engineered to balance performance with low power consumption, helping your NAS run cooler and quieter. Lower energy use translates into cooler rack environments, longer fan life, and reduced operating costs in always-on storage scenarios.
• Easy maintenance, monitoring, and compatibility. The drive is built to work seamlessly with common NAS operating systems and RAID configurations. It supports SMART monitoring and health alerts, enabling proactive maintenance and timely replacements. Its firmware enhances drive-to-drive compatibility, simplifying implementation in mixed-drive arrays and ensuring predictable behavior across the NAS ecosystem.

Technical Details of WD Red SA500 WDS100T1R0A 1TB Solid State Drive

• Capacity: 1TB
• Form factor: 2.5-inch internal solid state drive
• Interface: SATA III (6 Gb/s)
• NAS-focused firmware: NASware (optimized for compatibility and reliability in multi-drive NAS configurations)
• Designed for NAS environments: supports continuous 24/7 operation with improved data protection and error recovery
• Power efficiency: balanced power consumption for steady NAS performance and cooler operation
• Reliability features: enhanced ECC and smart health monitoring to help prevent data loss
• Warranty: limited warranty (region-specific terms apply; verify with retailer or WD support)

How to Install WD Red SA500 1TB

• Verify compatibility: Confirm your NAS model or desktop backplane supports a 2.5-inch SATA drive and that the SATA interface is enabled in the system BIOS or NAS controller settings.
• Power down and unplug: For safety, shut down the NAS or PC and disconnect power and any connected cables before handling the drive.
• Prepare the drive Tray: If your NAS uses a tray or caddy, remove the tray from the enclosure, attach the WD Red SA500 using the appropriate screws or mounting hardware, and ensure the drive is seated firmly.
• Insert into the bay: Slide the drive into the backplane or drive bay, aligning connectors with the backplane’s slots. In hot-swap bays, this step is typically straightforward—gently push until you hear or feel a click.
• Connect power and data: Attach the SATA data cable to the drive and connect the power cable or backplane interface. Ensure a snug, secure connection to prevent intermittent faults.
• Power on and initialize: Power up the NAS or computer. Enter the NAS management interface or BIOS/UEFI to initialize the new drive. If you’re expanding storage, add the drive to an existing RAID array or format it for standalone use as required by your setup.
• Health checks and monitoring: Run a SMART check or health diagnostics from the NAS OS. Configure drive health alerts and, if applicable, set the drive to be a hot-spare or part of a RAID array. Perform a quick data integrity check after formatting to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: Is WD Red SA500 suitable for NAS environments? A: Yes. It is specifically engineered for NAS workloads, with firmware and features that support reliability, continuous operation, and RAID compatibility in multi-drive configurations.
• Q: What is the form factor and interface? A: The WD Red SA500 uses a 2.5-inch form factor and a SATA III (6 Gb/s) interface, making it compatible with most NAS backplanes, drive bays, and many desktop systems that accept 2.5" SATA SSDs.
• Q: Can I use this drive in a home PC? A: Absolutely. While it is NAS-optimized, the SA500 is a standard 2.5" SATA SSD and can be used in compatible desktops. Keep in mind that some NAS-centric features are geared toward multi-drive NAS environments.
• Q: Does it support hot-swapping? A: Many NAS enclosures support hot-swapping, and the SA500 is designed to perform reliably in NAS configurations. Always refer to your device’s documentation to confirm hot-swap support and procedures.
• Q: How durable is the drive for 24/7 operation? A: The WD Red SA500 is built for continuous NAS workloads, with features that enhance reliability and data protection during steady-state operation. Regular health monitoring and proactive maintenance help maximize uptime.
• Q: What warranty comes with the drive? A: WD typically offers a limited warranty that varies by region and retailer. Check the product listing or WD customer support for exact terms and coverage in your area.