Partly in my case this was due to me operating several drives on my desk simultaneously, but even a single drive can be far from silent on its own. The only downside I've noticed is that the drive can be rather noisy.
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Throughout all those years, these drives never failed me they consistently performed well until I required even more storage capacity. I personally relied on similar drives for many years before my storage needs grew and I transitioned to a NAS system. It's a popular choice among drone pilots who do extensive filming. This makes it an ideal solution for individuals who manage or work with large media files, especially videos. The cost of the 22TB version breaks down to a reasonable $18 per terabyte. However, don't assume that high capacity translates to a high price tag. With capacities ranging from 4 to 22 terabytes, the WD Digital Elements is perfect for even the most demanding data hogs. This is the go-to choice for those who require an enormous amount of storage but want to avoid the extra hardware and setup complexities of an NAS (Network Attached Storage) system. WD Digital Elements features: USB 2.0/3.0 interface | 4TB to 22TB capacities | 3.5-inch form factor | 2-year limited warranty Given the solid reputation of the WD brand and the quality of their hard drives, I have few concerns about premature data loss. What sets this drive apart are two key features: It includes WD Backup software for PCs, which simplifies and optimizes the backup process, and it offers built-in 256-bit AES hardware encryption, ensuring that data on the drive is secure. Everyone who has purchased one has reported back that they've been satisfied with their choice. Over the years, I've recommended this drive to dozens of people, ranging from home users in need of a backup solution to amateur photographers and videographers facing disk space limitations. This is why I recommend the WD My Passport Ultra to those who need a compact, easy-to-use hard drive for a few critical files, or for moving data between systems, or for travel. Later, they find themselves with a huge, noisy device that occupies too much desk space and is inconvenient to carry to the office or on the road. WD My Passport Ultra features : USB-C and USB 3.1 interface | 1TB to 5TB capacities | 256-bit AES hardware encryption | 2.5-inch form factor | 3-year limited warrantyĪ common mistake I often see is people purchasing the largest, bulkiest external hard drive they can find, under the impression that it's the best solution for their needs. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions.
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