What is SAS 12Gb/s and how does it differ from SATA?

SAS (Serial-Attached SCSI) provides full-duplex 12Gb/s throughput, superior to SATA's 6Gb/s. This supports higher IOPS and better multi-drive performance in demanding enterprise environments.

Why would a data center choose an 8TB SAS drive over SATA?

SAS excels in high-IOPS, multi-user environments like databases and virtualization. If your workload demands fast random access across many drives, SAS is worth the investment.

What advantage does 256 MB cache provide for the HC320 8TB?

Larger cache buffers small transactions and reduces latency. This improves transaction throughput for databases and online services, though cache benefits level off in sequential workloads.

Is the Ultrastar HC320 suitable for RAID 6 in large arrays?

Yes, the HC320 is engineered for RAID 6 and other fault-tolerant configurations. The dual-stage actuator and RVS make it reliable even during multi-drive failures and rebuild.

How does RVS help the HC320 in densely packed SAS arrays?

RVS reduces vibration interference from neighboring drives, critical in high-bay arrays where many SAS spindles run simultaneously. This ensures consistent performance and reduces errors.

What temperature and humidity conditions optimize Ultrastar HC320 reliability?

Maintain data center temperatures between 5°C and 55°C with 5–95% relative humidity (non-condensing). Stable conditions prevent thermal stress and extend drive life.

How long do SAS enterprise drives like the HC320 typically ship to the GCC?

Lead times for enterprise SAS drives depend on availability and quantity. Contact Procure.ae with your order details for a specific lead time estimate.

Does Procure.ae offer SAS controller compatibility consulting?

Procure.ae can advise on compatibility with your existing storage controllers and infrastructure. Reach out to discuss your storage architecture and integration needs.

What is the total storage capacity of the Ultrastar HC320 8TB SAS model?

This model provides 8TB of enterprise-class SAS storage, designed for high-performance data center applications.

Does the HC320 8TB SAS support hot-swap in enterprise arrays?

Yes, the HC320 is designed for hot-swap installation in enterprise storage systems. Proper enclosure firmware and cabling ensure safe drive replacement without downtime.

What warranty and SLA options are available for the Ultrastar HC320 8TB SAS?

Warranty and support tiers vary by purchase agreement. Contact Procure.ae to discuss warranty options, replacement policies, and support levels for your deployment.

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Western Digital Ultrastar HC320 8TB Enterprise SAS Hard Drive

Western Digital Ultrastar HC320 8TB Enterprise SAS Hard Drive

Name: Western Digital Ultrastar HC320 8TB Enterprise SAS Hard Drive
Brand: Western Digital
SKU: HUS728T8TAL5204

The Ultrastar HC320 8TB is a high-capacity enterprise SAS hard drive optimized for demanding data centre storage arrays. Features Rotational Vibration Safeguard (RVS), SAS 12Gb/s interface, dual-stage actuator, and 256 MB cache for robust, reliable performance.

Overview

The Western Digital Ultrastar HC320 8TB SAS brings the latest generation of enterprise storage performance to high-density data centre deployments. Its SAS 12Gb/s interface, advanced vibration compensation, and enterprise firmware deliver the reliability and throughput required by the most demanding storage environments.

Key Features

8TB capacity for large-scale enterprise deployments
SAS 12Gb/s interface for high-speed enterprise connectivity
7200 RPM spindle speed for responsive RAID performance
Rotational Vibration Safeguard (RVS) with dual-stage actuator for accurate positioning
Multi-axis shock sensor for mechanical durability
Load/unload ramp technology to extend drive lifespan
RAID-specific time-limited error recovery minimises array fallout
2M hours MTBF with 0.44% AFR for enterprise reliability
Native 512-byte sector support for legacy system compatibility
256 MB cache buffer for optimised I/O throughput

Specifications

Capacity: 8 TB
Spindle Speed: 7200 RPM
Form Factor: 3.5 Inch
Interface: SAS 12 Gb/s
Cache Buffer: 256 MB
MTBF: 2,000,000 hours
AFR: 0.44%
Vibration Compensation: RVS (Rotational Vibration Safeguard)
Weight: 0.45 kg
Country of Origin: United Arab Emirates

Why buy from Procure.ae

Procure.ae supplies enterprise storage solutions and SAS infrastructure to data centres, hosting providers, and large organisations across the UAE and GCC. Request a quote for volume pricing, SLA support, and next-business-day delivery.

FAQ

What is the difference between SAS 12Gb/s and SATA 6Gb/s?
SAS offers higher bandwidth (12Gb/s vs. 6Gb/s), dual-port connectivity, and superior error handling, making it ideal for enterprise RAID and high-performance storage arrays.

Is the HC320 backward compatible with SAS 6Gb/s controllers?
Yes, SAS maintains backward compatibility, though you will not realise the full 12Gb/s bandwidth benefit. Contact Procure.ae for guidance on SAS controller compatibility.