Need 2x4TB external HDDs for backup!

[simba88]

Hello everyone!!

I have 8TB (4x2TB WDBAAU0020HBK that they have proven fortunately very durable) but I think it's time to make backups!

But it's gonna be a one time backup, i.e. once the data are copied, they go straight to the waiting room (my library )

So when the time comes and my old "dogs" die, I want something reliable and durable, and not to die over 6-12 months just like I've read by thousand owners of Seagate Expansion..

Obviously, the best solution is 2x4TB WD REDs along with an HDD enclosure like Raidsonic IB-3620U3, due to 3 years warranty, reliable disc and better storage conditions with a fan.
But the thing is that here in Greece :fou: , this combination will cost me $520 and is too much...

So, I am aiming at the cheaper solution of 2 external WD Elements at $370...

My main concern is that the HDD inside is a WD GREEN (WD40EZRX) and I've read that it isn't very reliable (too many cycles from heads) and that

The mechanical parts are built with only so many parks/unpark specs. So they they have a tendency to die early IF the drive is randomly used.

Can this be true? :??:

Cause wheeen I'm gonna use them as primaries (the old ones die),they won't be ON 24/7 and their use will be random..

? have to note though, that I have five external 2TB (WDBAAU0020HBK) for more than 3 years, and under heavy use they are still working great with no complaints,
and the HDDs that are internally are Caviar Greens WD20EADS/WD20EARS..

Or is it just a case where the saying "They don't make them like they used to" applies?


Please, what do you recommend? :??: (especially @ronintexas )
Do the Reds worth the extra $150, taking into account the use that they'll serve?

Are the 4TB Elements-Green so crappy and unreliable that they even die if randomly used?

Can they endure let's say 2-3 years?


Thank you in advance!


P.S.
In a thread at WD's community forum, with complaints about very high temperatures of Elements-MyBook due to the plastic case,
a mod said

that not designed to lay down, ?hat can burn it up. You need to stand it on end, so the heat can vent out the top.

Could this be true? :??:

 

[Zepher]

What about using an 8TB Seagate Archive drive to use as a backup?
http://www.amazon.com/Archive-3-5-I...430993053&sr=1-1&keywords=seagate+archive+8tb

 

[Deleted member 126051]

Okay if this is a one-time backup. You can basically take the unit, perform the backup, then power it off and unplug. At that point, you're really not all that worried about durability (unless you leave it on a shelf in earthquake country).

 

[simba88]

Thank you guys for your input!

@Zepher
Although it's super cheap and looks ideal, I'm weary of consolidating all in one drive and mostly going to Seagate...

unless you leave it on a shelf in earthquake country

Well, I did some thinking and since yesterday some things have changed...
I don't wanna ripped of by my local stores here in Greece,
so I'm thinking of getting 2 from the US through my friend who lives there..

I'm aiming only for reliability and longevity, not performance.
Once they're loaded, their data won't change and they'll be accessed maybe 1h/day.
On such configuration, what's your recommendation?

I'm between those (all found in bhphotovideo)




Should I go for the black one (yet expensive) to rest my head, or the HGST that also score highly in reliability?
Or I could do just as well my job with the Reds, plus adding a 2tb extra in total?
Go extra cheap with the Elements and maybe buy 2 every 1.5/2 years (provided that they won't fail until then) or it's pointless in the long run?
Of course there's no guarantee with anything but I just wanna increase my odds!

Thanx in advance guys!

 

[drescherjm]

I'm aiming only for reliability and longevity, not performance.

Remember that this is always a gamble. I mean any drive (even an enterprise drive) can die at any time.