WD has added higher capacity versions of its popular NAS drives and also a step-up version for datacenters.
The WD Red line now has 5 TB and 6 TB models, joining its existing 1, 2, 3 and 4 TB versions.
With the introduction, WD also has expanded the maximum recommended number of NAS bays for WD Red use from 5 to 8. The company said this new recommendation is possible due to tweaks made in its NASware 3.0 technology.
WD also announced the WD Red Pro. The Pro is an enhanced version of the Red aimed more at datacenter applications for desktop and rackmount systems up to 16 bays. The higher bay count is possible due to hardware vibration compensation and extended burn-in. Red Pros carry a 5 year limited warranty vs. 3 years for the Red.
WD Red and Red Pro comparison
WD’s NAS drive lineup now includes the Red, Red Pro and high-end WD Re. The Red Pro is expected to also find use in applications where WD’s Se drive is now used.
All Red and Red Pro models are shipping now. MSRP’s follow below.
WD Red 5 TB (model #: WD50EFRX) is $249.00 USD and $299.00 USD for 6 TB (model #: WD60EFRX).
WD Red Pro 2 TB (model #: WD2001FFSX) is $159.00 USD, $199.00 USD for 3 TB (model #: WD3001FFSX) and $259.00 USD for 4 TB (model #: WD4001FFSX).