The HDD category covers hard disk drives for servers, workstations, NAS devices, desktop PCs, laptops and surveillance systems. It also includes a few accessories, such as cables, drive trays and cages.
Our range has over 2,300 items, mostly from HPE, Western Digital, Seagate and Dell.
How to choose an HDD
Intended use. Decide first where the drive will work. Our range includes drives for servers and workstations, desktop PCs, NAS devices, disk arrays, laptops and surveillance systems. NAS and surveillance drives are built to run around the clock, while standard desktop drives are not designed for that kind of workload.
Size. 3.5 inch drives are usually fitted in desktop PCs, NAS devices and servers, while 2.5 inch drives suit laptops and smaller server bays. Both sizes are in our range. Check which bay or caddy size your device has before ordering.
Interface. We stock drives with SAS, NL-SAS, Serial ATA (SATA II and SATA III) and older IDE/ATA connections. A SAS drive needs a SAS controller, whereas SATA drives can often be connected to SAS controllers too. The reverse does not work: a SAS drive cannot be plugged into an ordinary SATA port. NL-SAS drives have a SAS interface but are typically high-capacity drives that spin more slowly.
Rotational speed. Our range includes 5400, 5900, 7200, 10000 and 15000 RPM drives. Slower drives run quieter and cooler, which suits archives and laptops. 7200 RPM is the usual choice for a desktop PC or NAS. 10000 and 15000 RPM drives are meant for servers and databases where short access times matter, but they are noisier and usually offer less capacity.
Server compatibility. Server drives are often supplied in the manufacturer's own caddy and are sometimes checked by part number. Compare the number in your server or array documentation with the product description before you order.
Brands we carry
- HPE (Hewlett Packard Enterprise): the largest share of our range, mostly drives for ProLiant and similar servers, often with a SAS interface.
- Western Digital: known for its Red series for NAS devices and Purple series for surveillance.
- Seagate: makes IronWolf drives for NAS devices and Exos drives for data centres.
- Dell: drives for PowerEdge servers and workstations, often already mounted in the manufacturer's caddy.
- Toshiba: produces drives for desktop PCs and laptops, as well as for NAS and surveillance use.
- Lenovo: drives for ThinkSystem servers and Lenovo workstations.
- IBM: drives for older IBM servers and storage systems, useful when replacing parts in an existing installation.
- LaCie: known for external drives, which creative professionals often choose.
- Synology: a NAS manufacturer that also offers its own drives for its NAS systems.
Also in our range: HP and HP Inc. drives.
HDD frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a SAS and a SATA drive?
SAS drives are designed for servers and disk arrays, and they use a different connection and protocol from SATA. A SAS drive can only be connected to a SAS controller, while a SATA drive often fits a SAS bay as well. For a home or office PC you need a SATA drive.
Is an HDD still worth buying when SSDs are available?
Yes, when capacity matters most: archives, video files, backups and NAS devices. An SSD starts the system and programs faster, so the two are often used together: an SSD for the operating system and an HDD for data.
Which drive should I choose for a NAS?
Choose a drive the manufacturer lists as designed for NAS use, because these are built to run continuously and in multi-drive arrays. Most are 3.5 inch models. Check the compatibility list from your NAS maker before buying.
Is a 7200 RPM drive faster than a 5400 RPM drive?
Usually yes: a higher rotational speed shortens access times and generally improves read speeds. Actual speed also depends on data density and the specific model. 5400 RPM drives run quieter and cooler, which suits archives.
