Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC550 16 TB SAS Hard Drive

Discover the Ultrastar DC HC550 16 TB SAS hard drive—a premier 3.5-inch internal solution built for data centers that demand massive capacity, reliable performance, and enterprise-grade durability. Engineered for 24x7 operations, this 16-terabyte HDD offers robust sequential throughput and strong random-read/write capabilities to support databases, virtualization, backups, analytics, and large-scale storage pools. With a SAS (12Gb/s) interface, a sizable 512 MB cache, and 7200 RPM spindle speed, it delivers the balance of speed and endurance data centers crave. This drive fits into a wide range of enterprise servers and RAID arrays, delivering scalable capacity for growing workloads while maintaining predictable latency and dependable availability.

• 16 TB capacity in a 3.5-inch enterprise SAS hard drive designed for dense storage and long-term reliability in data centers, with a 12 Gb/s SAS interface and a 7200 RPM spindle for solid throughput across mixed workloads.
• 512 MB of on-drive cache accelerates read and write operations, enabling steady sequential throughput and responsive performance in RAID arrays, virtualization hosts, and large-scale backups.
• 512e Advanced Format technology combines modern sector density with compatibility across existing storage ecosystems, helping streamline deployment and integration in enterprise environments.
• Enterprise-class reliability features, including data integrity protections and RAID-friendly operation (TLER-supported), reduce unplanned downtime and optimize rebuild times in busy storage pools.
• Designed for continuous operation in data centers, the DC HC550 emphasizes efficient cooling and rugged construction, providing a solid foundation for scalable storage architectures while maintaining predictable power and performance profiles.

Technical Details of Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC550 16 TB Hard Drive

• Capacity: 16 TB
• Form factor: 3.5-inch internal
• Interface: SAS 12 Gb/s
• Spindle speed: 7200 RPM
• Cache: 512 MB
• Format: 512e
• Designed for enterprise workloads and 24x7 operation

how to install Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC550 16 TB SAS Hard Drive

To install, power down the server or ensure proper hot-swap capability, then follow these steps: identify an available 3.5-inch drive bay, align the drive with the backplane or SATA/SAS controller interface, and insert until fully seated. Connect the SAS data and power cables or slide the drive into a compatible hot-swap tray, ensuring proper latches or screws are secured. Power up the system, access the server or RAID controller management utility, and initialize the new drive if required. In your OS or RAID controller, configure the disk as part of a logical volume or array, and run any available health checks or SMART monitoring to confirm optimal operation. For best results, pair the DC HC550 with a compatible SAS controller or RAID adapter, and consider 24x7 monitoring to track performance,\nload, and reliability over time.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What workloads is the Ultrastar DC HC550 best suited for? A: It excels in data-center storage tasks such as large databases, virtualization hosts, backup targets, and archival storage, where high capacity, steady throughput, and durable reliability are essential.
• Q: Can I use this drive in a consumer desktop PC? A: While technically possible with the right SAS controller, it’s designed for enterprise environments. It is not typically supported by consumer motherboards and may require specialized backplanes or controllers for proper operation.
• Q: Is it hot-swappable? A: Yes, the Ultrastar DC HC550 is built for enterprise drive bays and hot-swap configurations, enabling maintenance without full system downtime in compatible chassis.
• Q: What maintenance or warranty coverage comes with this drive? A: Enterprise Ultrastar drives include a robust, data-center-oriented warranty and support, reflecting their design for continuous operation and predictable performance in critical environments.
• Q: How does 512e format benefit deployment? A: 512e (emulation) provides compatibility with older 512-byte sector workloads while leveraging modern 4K/NV performance benefits, making it easier to deploy in mixed environments without sacrificing efficiency.