Western Digital Ultrastar HC550 18TB Enterprise HDD
Western Digital Ultrastar HC550 18TB Enterprise HDD
SKU:HAWD-0B48723
The Western Digital Ultrastar HC550 is an 18TB enterprise hard disk drive designed for demanding 24x7 server and storage environments. Featuring 7200RPM performance, 512MB cache, and a 550TB annual workload rating, it delivers reliable high-capacity storage for data centres and enterprise applications.
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- 5 years limited Manufacturer Warranty
Product Information
| Brand | Western Digital |
|---|---|
| Category | Hard Disk Drives - SATA |
| SKU | HAWD-0B48723 |
| Availability | Out of Stock |
Overview
- The Western Digital Ultrastar HC550 is purpose-built for enterprise storage environments where reliability and capacity are critical. With 18TB capacity and a 550TB annual workload rating, it delivers 10 times the workload capability of desktop drives, making it ideal for demanding 24x7 operations across data centres, cloud infrastructure, and large-scale storage systems.
Designed for continuous operation, the HC550 combines advanced technology with enterprise-class reliability. The 2.5 million hour MTBF and 5-year limited warranty provide peace of mind for mission-critical applications, while the 7200RPM performance and 512MB cache ensure consistent throughput for multi-user and multi-application environments.
This drive supports a full range of deployment scenarios: from RAID arrays and network storage systems to object storage platforms like Ceph and OpenStack Swift. Its 6 Gb/s SATA interface integrates seamlessly with existing enterprise infrastructure, and the power-efficient design helps reduce operational costs in large-scale deployments.
Specifications
| Brand | Western Digital |
|---|---|
| Model | WD Ultrastar HC550 |
| Capacity | 18TB |
| Form Factor | 3.5 inch |
| Interface | SATA 6 Gb/s |
| Spindle Speed | 7200 RPM |
| Cache Size | 512MB |
| Annual Workload Rating | 550TB per year |
| MTBF | 2.5 million hours |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 60°C |
| Warranty | 5 years limited |
| Sector Size | 512E (512 byte emulation) |
| Design Class | Enterprise class, 24x7 operation |
| Part Number | WUH722018CLE6L4 |
Key Features
Ideal For
FAQs
What is the difference between the Ultrastar HC550 and standard desktop drives?
The HC550 is rated for 550TB annual workload—10 times higher than desktop drives. It's engineered for 24x7 continuous operation, has a higher MTBF rating (2.5 million hours), and includes a 5-year warranty. These features make it suitable for enterprise data centres and mission-critical storage.
Is the 18TB Ultrastar suitable for RAID storage?
Yes. The HC550 is specifically designed for RAID arrays, NAS systems, and distributed storage environments. Its consistent performance, high workload rating, and reliability make it ideal for redundant storage configurations.
Can the Ultrastar HC550 operate continuously 24 hours a day?
Yes. The HC550 is rated for 24x7 continuous operation and is designed specifically for demanding enterprise environments that require always-on reliability and performance.
What is the warranty coverage for this drive?
The Western Digital Ultrastar HC550 includes a 5-year limited warranty, providing comprehensive coverage for enterprise deployments.
Is this drive compatible with NAS systems?
Yes. The HC550 is compatible with Network Attached Storage (NAS) systems, Direct Attached Storage (DAS) solutions, and object storage platforms. Confirm your specific NAS model supports 18TB drives before purchase.
What workloads is the HC550 designed for?
The HC550 is suitable for cloud applications, distributed file systems (Hadoop, Ceph, OpenStack), RAID storage, bulk object storage, surveillance systems, and entry-level server storage environments.
How does the 512MB cache improve performance?
The 512MB cache buffer reduces latency and improves throughput for multi-user and multi-application environments, ensuring consistent performance during heavy workloads typical in enterprise storage systems.
