A 3.5 inch hard drive is still the cheapest way to put a lot of terabytes into a server, NAS or storage chassis with large-form-factor (LFF) bays. This range is made up of refurbished server drives rather than desktop disks: 7.2K RPM enterprise and datacentre models, many carrying Dell or HPE part numbers so you can match the drive your system already reports. Use the notes below to match capacity, interface and part number to the job.
At a glance
Typical deployments
Backup targets and archive
Cost per terabyte matters most, and so does bay count, because every slot you fill with a small drive is capacity you cannot get back without a migration. A 12TB drive like the Dell Exos X18 12TB (KTJTY) holds the same data as twelve 1TB disks and leaves room to grow. Plan for RAID 6 or similar on large drives, as rebuild times stretch with capacity.
File servers and NAS
Mid-range 3TB and 4TB drives balance capacity against rebuild time and spindle count. More spindles in the array means better concurrent read performance, so six 4TB drives will usually feel quicker than two 12TB drives for shared folders. The HPE 4TB Enterprise Capacity drive (872772-001) is labelled for ProLiant Gen8 to Gen10.
Replacing a failed array member
Here the priority is matching, not upgrading. Buy the same part number, or at least the same capacity, interface and speed, so the controller accepts it as a like-for-like member. If your Dell server reports a Toshiba 1TB, the Dell MG04ACA100NY (K4M5W) is the direct swap. Our guide to how RAID controllers handle drives explains what to check before a rebuild.
Legacy systems and boot mirrors
Older servers and appliances often only need a pair of small disks for the operating system. A 500GB SATA2 drive such as the Dell RE4 500GB (1KWKJ) keeps an older platform running at a low cost, without paying for capacity it will never use.
Why buy from Compuwyze
- 12-month return-to-base warranty on drives, with full terms on our warranty information page
- Free UK delivery on orders over £50
- Orders for simple items placed before 2pm aim to ship the same day
- UK delivery is normally next working day once shipped
- International shipping via FedEx, with economy and priority services
- Bulk drive orders can be shipped boxed or on pallets
FAQs
Will a Dell-labelled drive work in an HPE server, or the other way round?
SATA is a standard interface, so the drive itself will usually be recognised, but drive carriers differ between manufacturers and some management tools flag non-native part numbers. For the fewest surprises, buy the drive labelled for your server brand and check whether a caddy is listed with it.
Can I use a SATA2 drive in a SATA3 system?
Yes. SATA is backward compatible, so a 3Gb/s drive runs in a 6Gb/s bay at its own speed. For 7.2K hard drives the difference in real-world throughput is small; the drive's mechanics are the limit, not the link.
Can I replace a 3.5 HDD with a 2.5 SSD?
Physically, yes, with a 2.5in to 3.5in adapter or a carrier designed for it. Check that your controller and backplane support SSDs, and remember you trade a lot of capacity for speed. SSDs are rarely made in a 3.5in form factor.
Are hard drives still worth buying over SSDs?
For bulk storage, backups and archive, yes. Spinning disks remain far cheaper per terabyte. Put databases and virtual machine boot volumes on flash, and keep large, sequential or rarely accessed data on 3.5in drives.
What if the drive is not right for my system?
We accept returns within 30 days, with return shipping paid by the customer. Checking the part number against your existing drives before ordering is the quickest way to avoid that.