8 best generic desktop hard drives

Generic desktop hard drives are a type of internal hard drive commonly used for data storage in desktop computers. These hard drives are essential components that store a computer's operating system, software applications, files, and data. Here are some key features and details about generic desktop hard drives:

  1. Form Factor: Generic desktop hard drives typically adhere to the 3.5-inch form factor. This size is common for internal hard drives used in desktop computers and provides ample storage capacity.

  2. Storage Capacity: These hard drives come in various storage capacities, ranging from a few hundred gigabytes (GB) to several terabytes (TB) or more. The choice of capacity depends on the user's storage needs.

  3. Interface: Generic desktop hard drives usually use a SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) interface to connect to the computer's motherboard. SATA offers fast data transfer speeds and is a standard interface for internal hard drives.

  4. Rotational Speed: Desktop hard drives commonly have rotational speeds of 5,400 RPM (rotations per minute) or 7,200 RPM. Higher RPM drives tend to offer faster data access and transfer speeds.

  5. Data Transfer Speed: The data transfer speed of a desktop hard drive is influenced by factors like rotational speed and the cache size. Faster drives generally provide quicker data read and write speeds.

  6. Cache Size: These hard drives often have a cache (or buffer) that temporarily stores data being read from or written to the drive. A larger cache can improve performance when handling frequently accessed data.

  7. Reliability and Durability: The reliability of desktop hard drives can vary depending on the manufacturer and model.Some hard drives are designed for 24/7 operation and have features like error correction and shock resistance to enhance durability.

  8. Noise and Heat: Generic desktop hard drives can generate some noise and heat during operation, although modern drives are designed to be quieter and more efficient.

  9. Compatibility: Before purchasing a desktop hard drive, it's important to ensure compatibility with your computer's hardware and operating system. Check factors like SATA version and available drive bays in your desktop chassis.

  10. Data Backup: It's crucial to regularly back up data stored on desktop hard drives to prevent data loss due to hardware failures or other issues. Many users use external backup solutions or cloud storage services for this purpose.

Overall, generic desktop hard drives are essential components for desktop computers, offering reliable and cost-effective storage solutions for a wide range of applications, from storing documents and media files to running software and operating systems. Users should consider factors like capacity, speed, and durability when selecting a hard drive that suits their needs.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best generic desktop hard drives on the market
  

WL 3TB 7200RPM 64MB Cache SATA III 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Desktop Hard Drive (For RAID, NAS, DVR, Desktop PC) w/1 Year Warranty

Based on 215 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This is a White Label 3TB SATA hard drive featuring with 7200RPM, 64MB cache SATA/600 hard drive with 1 year warranty. A white label product is a product made by major hard drive company that manufactured for other companies (OEM Hard Drive Reseller/VAR) re-brand to make it appear as if they made it or for large volume special application.

  • Capacity: 3TB
  • Rotation Speed: 7200RPM
  • Buffer Size: 64MB Cache
  • Interface: 3.5" SATA 6.0Gb/s
  • Warranty: 1 Year Warranty from Reseller

User questions & answers

Question: Can this be used for gaming or movies
Answer: Dear Customer, You can close the guidelines in the menu according to the instruction manual. If you can't still solve it, please contact us according to the contact information of the manual. Sincerely Susan
Question: the pictured used for this 3TB shows wl3000gsa6454; is this 5400rpm or 7200rpm? this ad says 7200rpm
Answer: Yes, it has grid-lines.. You need to connect the green wire to the reverse light, and contact the rear camera to the cable of "CH2". And the red and yellow wires are connected to the positive pole, and the black wire is grounded. It can automatically trigger the guided lines when you reversing. Hope my reply will help you. Best regards.
Question: Will this work with a ps
Answer: Yes, as the description says, it is waterproof. I also installed the side camera on the side of my trailer and everything is working great so far.
Question: does this hardrive come with the cables
Answer: This system is a wired system. There is one side camera and one back camera in the kit. I really like this side camera, I installed it on the side of my truck, I adjusted the camera angle during installation, it allows me to observe the blind spots on the side of the truck very well.
Question: if you want to use the camera as a always on rear view, can the guidelines be disabled
Answer: I don't have the flipped issue. I did cut the green and the white loop lines to get the "Rear view with guide line" feature. See the instruction comes with the product box for details.
Question: Does this camera have gridlines
Answer: yes, sure, you can buy a monitor to use the camera
Question: Is the side camera waterproof? I want to install it on the side of my trailer
Answer: Some monitors have the feature to do it through the settings on the monitor. But you can also cut a loop wire on the camera to flip it. It shows/tells you in the instructions that came with the camera.
Question: It is a wired or wireless system
Answer: yes, it can adjust up and down.

WL 3TB 7200RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Desktop Hard Drive (For Server, RAID, NAS, DVR, Desktop PC) w/1 Year Warranty

Based on 310 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This is a White Label 3TB SATA hard drive featuring with 7200RPM, 64MB cache SATA 6.0GB/s 3.5" Desktop hard drive with 1 year warranty. A white label product is a product made by major hard drive company that manufactured for other companies (OEM Hard Drive Reseller/VAR) re-brand to make it appear as if they made it or for large volume special application. Industry's highest capacity nearline drive - SATA III (6.0Gb/s) hard drives are available in capacities 3 TB to suit even the most demanding storage needs. Highest performance for business-critical applications - delivers 6 Gb/s transfer rates, sustained sequential data rates of 171 MB/s and high random I/O rates. Designed for quality and reliability - this high performance drive delivers the highest level of reliability for 24x7 operation in up to 100% duty cycle applications.

  • Capacity: 3TB
  • Rotation Speed: 7200RPM
  • Buffer Size: 64MB Cache
  • Interface: 3.5" SATA 6.0Gb/s
  • Warranty: 1 Year Warranty from Reseller

User questions & answers

Question: Can i use a sata to usb adapter to use on xbox one
Answer: The top, edge to edge is 3 - 1/4 inches wide, while the bottom opening in 7/8 inches. Measured with a ruler.
Question: I bought year one year ago and now is clicking every second
Answer: Dimensions of the bell at the top of the chain are: width=4.5"; height= 4.5"; bottom diameter=1"
Question: Should i buy a usb docking station? i bought this hard drive and it works great but i have had a hell of a time finding an actual 3.5" hdd bracket
Answer: My gutter hole is 2.5" diameter and works fine. I wouldn't just make a hole though, it should have some pipe coming down to focus the water into the bell or it will run all over the place instead of into the bell.
Question: How do i unlock the partition? i can only use 2tb and tried to use information online to unlock the last tb, but it didn't work
Answer: It is an awesome alternative to an ugly drain pipe. There is a copper chain that attaches to this little cup-like thing. When it rains, the water travels through the chain, making a lovely sound. I love my rain chain.

Generic 500GB 8MB Cache 5900RPM SATA 3Gb/s 3.5in Internal Desktop Hard Drive (Renewed)

MaxDigitalData

Based on 50 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Generic brand 500GB 5900RPM 8MB Cache 3.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s Internal Desktop Hard drives are designed to deliver reliable 24×7 operation – optimised for low power consumption, quiet operation, durable, reliable and smooth video streaming.





It works for Internal Desktop PC, Mac, Surveillance CCTV DVR, NVR , NAS System





Key Features and Benefits





Designed for 24×7 operational profile to meet the always-on devices

Industry-leading reliability

SATA II 3Gb/s interface

Perpendicular recording technology for maximum drive capacity and reliability

8-MB cache buffer

Ultra-fast performance

Superb reliability

Whisper-quiet operation

Enhanced G-Force Protection against handling damage

78 MB/s maximum sustained data transfer rate

Clean Sweep calibration and Directed Offline scan diagnostics

RoHS (restriction of hazardous substances) compliant

Perpendicular recording, Tunneling

Magnetoresistive (TMR) recording heads and EPRML technology, for increased areal density.

State-of-the-art cache and on-the-fly error-correction algorithms.

Native Command Queueing with command ordering to increase performance in demanding applications.

Full-track multiple-sector transfer capability without local processor intervention.

  • This Certified Refurbished product is tested and inspected to look and work like-new, with limited to no signs of wear. The product comes with relevant accessories and a minimum one-year warranty.
  • 500GB Capacity, 5900RPM Rotation Speed, 8MB Cache, 3.5inch HDD
  • 3.5" Internal Hard Drive, SATA 3.0Gb/s, Heavy Duty, Low Power & Quiet
  • Works for Desktop PC, Mac, Surveillance CCTV DVR, Security System, NAS
  • Passed Factory Diagnostic Software + RE-CERTIFIED by State-of-the-Art software - Full "Sector-by-Sector" test to ensure best HDD quality! ZERO Bad Sectors!

User questions & answers

Question: does this hard drive run
Answer: Yes if you want it to.
Question: does thos hard drive record
Answer: It depends on how you program it. Mine records on demand 24/7 but it’s a program issue that you have to program
Question: does this jard drive run
Answer: Yes it can last upto 20 days recording.
Question: i am having truble getting it to work and record help Thanks
Answer: Make sure the HHD is correctly formatted for the device it is going to be used with. Most computers NTFS, Home security FAT32
Question: Work in my Toshiba satlight
Answer: I am very satisfied with this Hard Drive and I can't see that it wouldn't work in your Toshiba.
Question: Is this sata hd backwards compatible from sata 2 to standard sata
Answer: Yes this is a SATA 2 3.0 GB/s HDD backward compatible to SATA 1 1.5GB/s
Question: does the drive have a warranty
Answer: Yes. it was brand new.
Question: Is for laptop or desktop
Answer: It's for desktop.

Hitachi 3TB 7200RPM 3.5" Desktop SATA Hard Drive for PC, Mac, CCTV DVR, NAS, RAID

Generic

Based on 206 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Hitachi 3TB Hard Drive is a 3.5" Sata Hard Drive For Desktop PC/MAC/ DVR. Drive is not the same as pictured.

  • Hitachi 3TB Hard Drive
  • Capacity: 3TB
  • RPM: 7200
  • Comes with a 1 year warranty

User questions & answers

Question: For anyone who has bought this drive, is it still holding up
Answer: Yes, I use this drive in my NAS. In five years only one drive failed. That’s a great hdd lifespan.
Question: can i use with my PS
Answer: PS4 uses a 3.5" SATA HDD, you don't need a Nyko Bank, you replace the internal HDD (which is not a notebook HDD) with the new one. First you create a OS install to a USB flash drive using the PS4 utility and then you install the drive and install the OS from the flash drive. Note you will have to download all your games again as the backup utility will not restore to a larger drive. I replaced mine with a 2TB drive works great.
Question: Does this include a sata cable
Answer: It has been so long since I purchased any of these drives that I don't remember for certain. It makes sense that it would but in any case, I would strenuously dissuade you from buying one. Ignore the positive reviews. I had nine (9) of these fail, two to mechanical failures and seven to logic errors. They are garbage and the customer support is the same. You would be far better off buying Western Digital. I have dozens of them, some having run 24/7 for more than 4 years, all without a single hiccup. You will regret your decision!
Question: Does this have 64 MB cache
Answer: Yes, it s 64MB Cache on these HDD
Question: Do you know if this will fin lenova thinkpad
Answer: Yes it will fit and it's a Great Sata Drive at a Great Value !!
Question: I have a dell studio 1555 which uses a 2.5 internal hard drive. will this hard drive work in the dell? thanks
Answer: Yes...As long as your computer uses a 2.5 Sata Internal hard drive, it will fit. The only way it won't fit is if your computer uses a 2.5 Eide Internal hard drive of which or only in some older than 8-10 years . Hopes this helps
Question: Will this work in a security system DVR
Answer: Check the size of the HD slot and the attachment info. If it says 2.5 inch (size) and SATA (attachment), it'll work with this drive.
Question: Is this hard Drive already formatted for PS
Answer: Please remember that IF the hard drive is USED, then chances are that you would HAVE to format it FOR the PS3. It is QUITE simple. The PS3 has a format utility built into it. You can only use the Format of FAT32, as the PS3 doesn't recognize drives that are formatted using NTFS. If the hard drive is NEW

Western Digital 1TB WD Blue PC Hard Drive - 7200 RPM Class, SATA 6 Gb/s, , 64 MB Cache, 3.5" - WD10EZEX

Western Digital

Based on 49 reviews Check latest price

Product description

WD Blue internal hard drives deliver reliability for office and web applications. They are ideal for use as primary drives in desktop PCs and for office applications. With a range of capacities and cache sizes, there’s a WD Blue internal hard drive that’s just right for you.

  • Reliable everyday computing
  • WD quality and reliability
  • Free Acronis True Image WD Edition cloning software
  • Massive capacities up to 6 TB available
  • 2-year manufacturer's limited warranty

User questions & answers

Question: Can I plug this in as an external hdd enclosure with usb 3.0 capabilites and have it function on an xbox one
Answer: Yes, the only requirement on the Xbox One side is that the connection be USB 3.0 and the drive be a minimum of 500 Gb. Other than that purchase a reliable enclosure kit that also supplies power and uses the SATA connection already on the HDD.
Question: On the picture it shows the hard drive's insides, do I need a special enclosure besides me computer case for this
Answer: If your are installing in a Windows PC, that is a new-ish computer (probably any that came with vista and many that came with XP) it will support Serial ATA hard drives, open abbreviated to SATA drives. You should look up the specs on your computer to insure compatibility. This hard drive is a SATA drive so it will install and replace your other computer. I purchased this drive, and also bought an external case. This would allow this internal hard drive to work as an external drive. It plugs into an external power supply and connects to the computer with a USB cable. The external case I purchased here on amazon is a: Sabrent USB 3.0 To 3.5-Inch Sata Aluminum Hard Drive Enclosure Black Case.I was installing Windows 7 on my PC. I stalled the WD 1 TB drive in the PC, installed the Windows 7 software, then installed my older smaller drive in the external case.
Question: Is this the retail version (boxed) or is it an OEM bulk drive
Answer: What do you think you get for $86/4TB? It's OEM without a warranty. If you want that spend $20 more for 2 years with the retail version. For my use I don't need a warranty anyway, odds are it will fail decades from now since I use these as storage mostly sitting unpowered on a shelf 95% of the time (with LTO backups just in case I'm unlucky). The 4 in my PC are the same drives in an 8TB raid1, and they have been spinning 24-7 for 3 years now with no HDD replacement needed.
Question: Which 1 TB hard disk you recomend between the Western Digital Blue WD10EZEX or the Seagate Barracuda ST
Answer: I have bought and used WD and Seagate hard drives. I have never had an internal WD hard drive fail on me yet, but I have had one of their older Elements external hard drives fail on me. As for Seagate, I purchased an ST2000DM001 (which is the 2tb version) several months ago that has now failed. I lost everything and got a clicking sound, as if it were stuck. Only lasted 5 months. In comparison I have had my 1st WD blue WD10EZEX for more than two years now and I have not had a failure at all. It's extremely reliable, so much so I decided to replace the Seagate one with a another one of the WD10EZEX's. I have 4 hard drives in my computer 1 SSD (For operating system), 2 WD Blues 1tb and an older Seagate one from an older computer (a dell dimension) with about 250gigs of capacity. I'm planning on getting another blue or black 1 tb to replace it later. I definitely would recommend the blues. It's not that expensive, it's reliable and comes with a decent warranty. I would not recommend Seagate. Just can't trust it. No matter what hard drives should last past the warranty, not even a year and it fails? What kind of QC are they having at Seagate?

Product features

WD Blue - PC Hard Drives

Boost your PC storage with WD Blue drives, the brand designed just for desktop and all-in-one PCs with a variety of storage capacities.

A modern classic

A sixth generation masterpiece, WD Blue has only continued to advance and grow since it was first introduced making it a solid choice for your everyday PC needs.

Compute with confidence

WD products are tested on hundreds of different systems, configurations and a multitude of platforms in our FIT Lab; so you can be confident that our hard drives are compatible

Easy upgrade

WD offers Acronis True Image (available as a download on the WD Support website), which enables you to easily copy all of your old data onto your new hard drive.

White Label 2TB 8MB Cache 7200RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Desktop Hard Drive (PC, Surveillance, NAS) - w/ 1 Year Warranty

Based on 70 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This is a White Label 2 TB SATA hard drive featuring with 7200RPM, 32MB cache SATA/300 hard drive with 1 year warranty. A white label product is a product produced by major hard drive company that manufactured for other companies (OEM Hard Drive Reseller) re-brand to make it appear as if they made it or for large volume special application. This 3.5" SATA internal hard drive is fully compatible with any CCTV, DVR, NAS, External Enclosure, Server, PC/Mac Desktop Computer with SATA interface.

  • Capacity: 2TB
  • Rotation Speed: 7200RPM
  • 8MB Buffer Size
  • Interface: 3.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s
  • Warranty: 1 Year Warranty from Reseller

User questions & answers

Question: Does it come with any wires or screws or do I have to purchase them separately
Answer: Yes. As I recall, it came very well packaged and enclosed completely in Styrofoam.
Question: Will this work on my zosi security camara dvr
Answer: 1st, Cry. 2nd, contact seller who can file claim with carrier and send new one right away. Else, you can contact carrier but this is a slow process.
Question: would this work in my lenovo all in one touch screen c
Answer: The hard drive is the same thickness as one that goes in a computer not a regular laptop
Question: how many bytes is this disk? is this at least 3000592982016 bytes / or 5860533168 x 512bytes sectors (answers only no opinions
Answer: My first thought is yes. Any IDE harddrive, the ones with the grey or blue ribbon cables can be replaced in any machine that has an "IDE" connection "master, slave". When you get the new IDE drive you have to move the jumper to either master, if you only have one drive, or cable select "CS" if you only have the one drive or if it is the second drive it would be jumpered as "slave" Let me know if you have any questions.
Question: Is delivery safe
Answer: Yes. This is an IDE drive. If you look closely at the lower right corner of the picture, you can see the power plug is the older 4- pin IDE type.
Question: What to do if it is damaged during transportation
Answer: Minimum of 2MB Cache with maximum of 16MB Cache
Question: How need know how thick this hard drive is
Answer: the PS4 takes a 2 1/2" hard drive, so it has to be a laptop hard drive
Question: will this replace emachines 3619 desktop ide hard drive
Answer: Yes
Question: Do it have the big 4 prog power and the ATA plug
Answer: Not sure of your exact model but if your dvr supports 3.5 in drives and storage of 2 to then it should work. After installation go into the menu and format your new drive to allow it to be used as a storage drive.
Question: Hello. Can you please tell me how many megabytes of cache this hard drive has? Thank you
Answer: Yes, if you are using a PC/desk top to do so.
Question: Will this fit as a ps4 stock hard drive? Not really looking for an upgrade, just a replacement
Answer: The ad is correct, 7200rpm
Question: If I order multiple, will I receive the same kind for all of them
Answer: It can work with the PS4 as an external storage drive. You will need to purchase an enclosure such as the UGREEN External Hard Drive Enclosure 3.5" USB 3.0. I bought these together and it works perfectly, lots of storage space for games.
Question: will this fit in a dvr made by laview for my security system
Answer: No. They do not come with cables. Hard Drive only.

Seagate BarraCuda 2TB Internal Hard Drive HDD – 3.5 Inch SATA 6Gb/s 7200 RPM 256MB Cache 3.5-Inch – Frustration Free Packaging (ST2000DM008)

Seagate

Based on 46 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Store more, compute faster, and do it confidently with the proven reliability of BarraCuda internal hard drives. Perfect for designers, musicians, photographers, and video editors using multiple applications at once, these solutions offer uninterrupted performance, optimized read/write caching technology, and a variety of capacities and form factors to choose from. The result is a seamless experience backed by a two-year limited warranty and 20 years of hard drive innovation.

  • Store more, compute faster, and do it confidently with the proven reliability of BarraCuda internal hard drives
  • Build a powerhouse gaming computer or desktop setup with a variety of capacities and form factors
  • The go to SATA hard drive solution for nearly every PC application—from music to video to photo editing to PC gaming
  • Confidently rely on internal hard drive technology backed by 20 years of innovation
  • Enjoy long term peace of mind with the included 2 year limited warranty

User questions & answers

Question: Is the 2tb (st2000dm008) internal hard drive cmr or smr
Answer: The 2TB, 4TB, and 8TB drives are all SMR, which means they are slow for random writes and not suitable as boot drives. (Google "Why SMR drives are sub-optimal for write-intensive workloads".)
Question: Is this really 7200rpm? the model number suggests otherwise
Answer: I got the ST4000DM004 which claims 7200 rpm on amazon and my computer is reporting it has a media rotation rate of 5425 rpm
Question: Is a sata cable included in the package
Answer: Cables not included. You can buy a SATA data cable and likely the appropriate power cable for your computer right here on Amazon. Depending on your power supply, the power cable may already be connected to it in your computer -- some have that and some do not.
Question: Is this 7200 or 5400rpm
Answer: Only the 1 TB (#ST1000DM010) and 2 TB (#ST2000DM008) models are 7200, all the larger models are 5400. Both the llisted speed and model number change in the product description as you pick different disk size options. This is consistent with Seagate's website -- From the home page, drill down through (or search for) Internal / Hard Drives / BarraCuda - Learn More, and then click the 3.5 inch models tab (NOT the 3.5 inch PRO models tab). Then click on the data sheet next to any model to get a PDF with a table containing all of the models along with their drive speeds and other specs..

Product features

BarraCuda Hard Drives

Upgrading with the reliable family of cost-effective Barracuda drives will improve the efficiency of data processing and retrieval. Improved efficiency provides instant access to data, which means faster game load times, quicker open rates for applications, and speedy file transfers.

WD Blue 500GB Desktop Hard Disk Drive - 7200 RPM SATA 6 Gb/s 16MB Cache 3.5 Inch - WD5000AAKX (Renewed)

Western Digital

Based on 189 reviews Check latest price

Product description

2-year seller waranty

  • This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, a minimum 90-day warranty, and may arrive in a generic box. Only select sellers who maintain a high performance bar may offer Certified Refurbished products on Amazon.com
  • IntelliSeek: Calculates optimum seek speeds to lower power consumption, noise and vibration.
  • Data LifeGuard: Advanced algorithms monitor your drive continuously so it stays in optimum health.
  • NoTouch Ramp Load Technology: Safely positions the recording head off the disk surface to protect your data.
  • 2-year seller waranty

User questions & answers

Question: What data cables are best for it
Answer: Just the drive in an anti-static bag., no wires, no screws.
Question: Will this work for nvr system heimvision security cameras? it says that it needs a 3.5" sata hard disk drive. is that this
Answer: Yes, it can. You will need to install it and then format the HDD via the DVR's setup page, do not format it on a PC. You could format it on a PC, but you will still need to format it on the DVR's menu's for it to work properly. Do know, this HDD failed rather quickly with a constant clicking noise. I went with a WD Purple HDD, which are designed for security DVR/NVR usage.
Question: Does this work with my ps
Answer: Doubtful. Your one-touch screen probably requires a 2.5" drive. This is a 3.5" and would be too big.
Question: will this hard drive work in my cq-62 laptop
Answer: The answer is 3000592982016 bytes

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