18.0TB Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC550

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18.0TB Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC550

Enterprise Class Hard Disk Drive

Mfr P/N: 0F38459 OWC SKU: WDG0F38459

18.0TB Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC550

Ultrastar SATA Series: The New Gold Standard

  • CMR technology works with all capacity enterprise applications & environments
  • Reliable, field-proven, 6th generation design
  • Industry’s first HDD with Energy-Assisted Magnetic Recording technology
  • HelioSeal® design delivers outstanding power efficiency
  • 2.5M hours (projected) MTBF1 rating
  • Western Digital 5 Year Limited Warranty
Reviews (25)
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Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Drives the Data Center Architecture

Data center decisions are driven by TCO. Higher capacity hard drives play a leading role in reducing TCO. An 18TB data center HDD provides 29% more capacity in the same form factor as a 14TB HDD. Higher capacity HDDs enable data centers to lower CapEx by reducing supporting hardware and system level costs when compared to lower capacity drives. Helium-sealed, low power, high reliability drives reduce energy and maintenance costs, contributing to OpEx savings. For example, a data center using 18TB HDDs vs. 14TB HDDs requires 22% fewer racks while consuming 21% less power per TB at idle, resulting in significant overall TCO reduction for data center environments.

Raising the Capacity Bar with New Technologies

Ultrastar DC HC550 integrates a suite of technologies on a 9-disk platform to create a new class of HDDs. 18TB capacity is achieved by combining technologies that improve areal density working together with technologies that improve performance and reduce power consumption.
  • The first HDD in the industry to harness Energy-Assisted Magnetic Recording (EAMR) technology improves writability and therefore increases areal density.
  • The industry’s first Triple Stage Actuator (TSA) enhances head-positioning accuracy, delivering better performance and increased areal density.
  • HelioSeal® technology is the foundation for Western Digital’s high capacity HDDs and this is the 6th generation of HelioSeal product. Western Digital has shipped >65 million HelioSeal products to date.

Trusted Reliability and Quality for Data at Scale

With its massive capacity and 2.5M MTBF1 (projected) reliability rating, the Ultrastar DC HC550 is ideal for object storage implementations. Object storage systems with erasure coding provide better data durability compared to RAID systems, given their tolerance for simultaneous error conditions.
  1. Projected values. Final MTBF and AFR specifications will be based on a sample population and are estimated by statistical measurements and acceleration algorithms under typical operating conditions, typical workload and 40°C device-reported temperature. Derating of MTBF and AFR will occur above these parameters, up to 550TB/year and 60°C (device reported temperature). MTBF and AFR ratings do not predict an individual drive’s reliability and do not constitute a warranty.

IncludesIncludes

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  • (1) Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC550 Hard Disk Drive
  • Western Digital 5 Year Limited Warranty

SpecsSpecs

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    Total Capacity

    • 18.0TB

    Formatted Capacity

    • 16764GiB

    Rotational Speed

    • 7,200RPM

    Cache Data Buffer

    • 512 MB

    Form Factor

    • 3.5-inch

    Drive Interface

    • SATA 6.0 Gb/s

    Transfer Rate

    • up to 600.0Gb/s

    Average Latency

    • 4.16 ms

    Nonrecoverable Read Errors

    • 1 per 1015 bits read

    MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures)

    • 2,500,000 hours

    Annual Failure Rate

    • .35%

    Contact Start Stops

    • 600,000

    Idle Mode (Max)

    • Up to 5.6 Watts

    Idle Mode, Low Power (Max)

    • Up to 0.31 Watts

    Standby Mode (Max)

    • Up to 5.6 Watts

    Dimensions

    • Height: 2.6 cm (1.0 in)
    • Length: 14.7 cm (5.8 in)
    • Width: 10.2 cm (4.0 in)

    Weight

    • 690.0 g (1.52 lbs)

    Bytes per Sector

    • 512 / 4k (512e)

    Areal Density

    • 1,022Gb/in2

    Ambient Temperature

    • Operating: 41°F to 140°F (5°C to 60°C)
    • Non-Operating: -40°F to 158°F (-40°C to 70°C)

    Shock

    • Operating: 50 G max at 2 ms
    • Non-Operating: 250 G max at 2 ms

    Idle (Typical)

    • 2.0 bels

    Seek (Typical)

    • 3.6 bels
    1. 2.5M MTBF is a projected value. Final MTBF and AFR specifications will be based on a sample population and are estimated by statistical measurements and acceleration algorithms under typical operating conditions, typical workload and 40°C device-reported temperature. Derating of MTBF and AFR will occur above these parameters, up to 550TB/year and 60°C (device reported temperature). MTBF and AFR ratings do not predict an individual drive’s reliability and do not constitute a warranty.

    Compatibility & Installation VideosCompatibility & Installation Videos

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    Note: While 27-inch iMac 2015 and later models do support installation of macOS 12 Monterey, at this time Apple does not support installation of macOS 12 Monterey on a drive larger than 16TB. Drives larger than 16TB remain compatible in the previous OS version, macOS 11 Big Sur. Should this be resolved in the future, this note will be updated. (Last updated August 1st, 2022)

    iMac

    How to find your Mac’s Model ID info
    iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Early 2019)
    iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Early 2019)
    Early 2019
    Installation requires OWC Digital Thermal Sensor Kit
    Model ID: iMac19,1
    3.0GHz & 3.1GHz & 3.7GHz Core i5 & 3.6GHz Core i9
    Detailed SpecsInstall VideosLearn More
    iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Mid 2017)
    iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Mid 2017)
    Mid 2017
    Installation requires OWC Digital Thermal Sensor Kit
    Model ID: iMac18,3
    3.4GHz & 3.5GHz & 3.8GHz Core i5 & 4.2GHz Core i7
    Detailed SpecsInstall VideosLearn More
    iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015)
    iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015)
    Late 2015
    Installation requires OWC Digital Thermal Sensor Kit
    Model ID: iMac17,1
    3.2GHz & 3.3GHz Core i5 & 4.0GHz Core i7
    Detailed SpecsInstall VideosLearn More
    iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Mid 2015)
    iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Mid 2015)
    Mid 2015
    Installation requires OWC Digital Thermal Sensor Kit
    Model ID: iMac15,1
    3.3GHz Core i5
    Detailed SpecsInstall VideosLearn More
    iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014)
    iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014)
    Late 2014
    Installation requires OWC Digital Thermal Sensor Kit
    Model ID: iMac15,1
    4.0GHz Core i7
    Detailed SpecsInstall VideosLearn More
    iMac (27-inch, Late 2013)
    iMac (27-inch, Late 2013)
    Late 2013
    Installation requires OWC Digital Thermal Sensor Kit
    Model ID: iMac14,2
    3.4GHz & 3.2GHz Core i5 & 3.5GHz Core i7
    Detailed SpecsInstall VideosLearn More
    iMac (27-inch, Late 2012)
    iMac (27-inch, Late 2012)
    Late 2012
    Installation requires OWC Digital Thermal Sensor Kit
    Model ID: iMac13,2
    2.9GHz & 3.2GHz Core i5 & 3.4GHz Core i7
    Detailed SpecsInstall VideosLearn More
    iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2011)
    iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2011)
    Late 2011
    Installation requires OWC Digital Thermal Sensor Kit
    Model ID: iMac12,1
    3.1GHz Core i3
    Detailed SpecsInstall VideosLearn More
    iMac (27-inch, Mid 2011)
    iMac (27-inch, Mid 2011)
    Mid 2011
    Installation requires OWC Digital Thermal Sensor Kit
    Model ID: iMac12,2
    2.7GHz & 3.1GHz Core i5 & 3.4GHz Core i7
    Detailed SpecsInstall VideosLearn More
    iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2011)
    iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2011)
    Mid 2011
    Installation requires OWC Digital Thermal Sensor Kit
    Model ID: iMac12,1
    2.5GHz & 2.7GHz Core i5 & 2.8GHz Core i7
    Detailed SpecsInstall VideosLearn More
    iMac (27-inch, Mid 2010)
    iMac (27-inch, Mid 2010)
    Mid 2010
    Installation requires OWC Digital Thermal Sensor Kit
    Model ID: iMac11,3
    3.2GHz Core i3 & 2.8GHz & 3.6GHz Core i5 & 2.93GHz Core i7
    Detailed SpecsInstall VideosLearn More
    iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2010)
    iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2010)
    Mid 2010
    Installation requires OWC Digital Thermal Sensor Kit
    Model ID: iMac11,2
    3.06GHz & 3.2GHz Core i3 & 3.6GHz Core i5
    Detailed SpecsInstall VideosLearn More
    iMac (27-inch, Late 2009)
    iMac (27-inch, Late 2009)
    Late 2009
    Installation requires OWC Digital Thermal Sensor Kit
    Model ID: iMac11,1
    2.66GHz Core i5 & 2.8GHz Core i7
    Detailed SpecsInstall VideosLearn More
    iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2009)
    iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2009)
    Late 2009
    Installation requires OWC Digital Thermal Sensor Kit
    Model ID: iMac10,1
    3.06GHz & 3.33GHz Core 2 Duo
    Detailed SpecsInstall VideosLearn More
    iMac (27-inch, Late 2009)
    iMac (27-inch, Late 2009)
    Late 2009
    Installation requires OWC Digital Thermal Sensor Kit
    Model ID: iMac10,1
    3.06GHz & 3.33GHz Core 2 Duo
    Detailed SpecsInstall VideosLearn More
    iMac (20-inch, Mid 2009)
    iMac (20-inch, Mid 2009)
    Mid 2009
    Model ID: iMac9,1
    2.0GHz & 2.26GHz Core 2 Duo
    Detailed SpecsInstall Videos
    iMac (20-inch, Early 2009)
    iMac (20-inch, Early 2009)
    Early 2009
    Model ID: iMac9,1
    2.66GHz Core 2 Duo
    Detailed SpecsInstall Videos
    iMac (24-inch, Early 2009)
    iMac (24-inch, Early 2009)
    Early 2009
    Model ID: iMac9,1
    2.66GHz & 2.93GHz & 3.06GHz Core 2 Duo
    Detailed SpecsInstall Videos
    iMac (20-inch, Early 2008)
    iMac (20-inch, Early 2008)
    Early 2008
    Model ID: iMac8,1
    2.4GHz & 2.66GHz Core 2 Duo
    Detailed SpecsInstall Videos
    iMac (24-inch, Early 2008)
    iMac (24-inch, Early 2008)
    Early 2008
    Model ID: iMac8,1
    2.8GHz & 3.06GHz Core 2 Duo
    Detailed SpecsInstall Videos
    iMac (20-inch, Mid 2007)
    iMac (20-inch, Mid 2007)
    Mid 2007
    Model ID: iMac7,1
    2.4GHz & 2.0GHz Core 2 Duo
    Detailed SpecsInstall Videos
    iMac (24-inch, Mid 2007)
    iMac (24-inch, Mid 2007)
    Mid 2007
    Model ID: iMac7,1
    2.4GHz Core 2 Duo & 2.8GHz Core 2 Extreme
    Detailed SpecsInstall Videos
    iMac (24-inch, Late 2006)
    iMac (24-inch, Late 2006)
    Late 2006
    Model ID: iMac6,1
    2.16GHz & 2.33GHz Core 2 Duo
    Detailed SpecsInstall Videos
    iMac (17-inch, Late 2006)
    iMac (17-inch, Late 2006)
    Late 2006
    Model ID: iMac5,2 & iMac5,1
    1.83GHz & 2.0GHz & 2.16GHz Core 2 Duo
    Detailed SpecsInstall Videos
    iMac (20-inch, Late 2006)
    iMac (20-inch, Late 2006)
    Late 2006
    Model ID: iMac5,1
    2.33GHz & 2.16GHz Core 2 Duo
    Detailed SpecsInstall Videos
    iMac (17-inch, Early 2006)
    iMac (17-inch, Early 2006)
    Early 2006
    Model ID: iMac4,1
    1.83GHz Core Duo
    Detailed SpecsInstall Videos
    iMac (20-inch, Early 2006)
    iMac (20-inch, Early 2006)
    Early 2006
    Model ID: iMac4,1
    2.0GHz Core Duo
    Detailed SpecsInstall Videos
    iMac G5 (17-inch, Late 2005)
    iMac G5 (17-inch, Late 2005)
    Late 2005
    Model ID: PowerMac12,1
    1.9GHz PowerPC G5
    Detailed Specs
    iMac G5 (20-inch, Late 2005)
    iMac G5 (20-inch, Late 2005)
    Late 2005
    Model ID: PowerMac12,1
    2.1GHz PowerPC G5
    Detailed Specs
    iMac G5 (17-inch, Mid 2005)
    iMac G5 (17-inch, Mid 2005)
    Mid 2005
    Model ID: PowerMac8,2
    1.8GHz & 2.0GHz PowerPC G5
    Detailed SpecsInstall Videos
    iMac G5 (20-inch, Mid 2005)
    iMac G5 (20-inch, Mid 2005)
    Mid 2005
    Model ID: PowerMac8,2
    2.0GHz PowerPC G5
    Detailed SpecsInstall Videos
    iMac G5 (17-inch, Mid 2004)
    iMac G5 (17-inch, Mid 2004)
    Mid 2004
    Model ID: PowerMac8,1
    1.8GHz & 1.6GHz PowerPC G5
    Detailed SpecsInstall Videos
    iMac G5 (20-inch, Mid 2004)
    iMac G5 (20-inch, Mid 2004)
    Mid 2004
    Model ID: PowerMac8,1
    1.8GHz PowerPC G5
    Detailed SpecsInstall Videos

    Power Mac

    How to find your Mac’s Model ID info
    Power Mac G5 (Late 2005)
    Power Mac G5 (Late 2005)
    Late 2005
    Model ID: PowerMac11,2
    2.5GHz & 2.3GHz & 2.0GHz PowerPC G5
    Detailed SpecsInstall Videos
    Power Mac G5 (Early 2005)
    Power Mac G5 (Early 2005)
    Early 2005
    Model ID: PowerMac7,3
    2.0GHz & 2.7GHz & 2.3GHz PowerPC G5
    Detailed SpecsInstall Videos
    Power Mac G5 (Late 2004)
    Power Mac G5 (Late 2004)
    Late 2004
    Model ID: PowerMac9,1
    1.8GHz PowerPC G5
    Detailed SpecsInstall Videos
    Power Mac G5 (Mid 2004)
    Power Mac G5 (Mid 2004)
    Mid 2004
    Model ID: PowerMac7,3
    1.8GHz & 2.5GHz & 2.0GHz PowerPC G5
    Detailed SpecsInstall Videos
    Power Mac G5 (Late 2003)
    Power Mac G5 (Late 2003)
    Late 2003
    Model ID: PowerMac7,2
    1.8GHz PowerPC G5
    Detailed SpecsInstall Videos
    Power Mac G5 (Mid 2003)
    Power Mac G5 (Mid 2003)
    Mid 2003
    Model ID: PowerMac7,2
    1.8GHz & 1.6GHz & 2.0GHz PowerPC G5
    Detailed SpecsInstall Videos

    Power Mac G4

    Power Mac G4
    Power Mac G4
    Models equipped with a SATA controller card

    Mac Pro

    How to find your Mac’s Model ID info
    Mac Pro (Mid 2012)
    Mac Pro (Mid 2012)
    Mid 2012
    Model ID: MacPro5,1
    3.2GHz 4-Core Xeon & 3.33GHz 6-Core Xeon & 2.66GHz & 2.4GHz & 3.06GHz 12-Core Xeon
    Detailed SpecsInstall Videos
    Mac Pro (Mid 2010)
    Mac Pro (Mid 2010)
    Mid 2010
    Model ID: MacPro5,1
    2.8GHz & 3.2GHz 4-Core Xeon & 3.33GHz 6-Core Xeon & 2.4GHz 8-Core Xeon & 2.93GHz & 2.66GHz 12-Core Xeon
    Detailed SpecsInstall Videos
    Mac Pro (Early 2009)
    Mac Pro (Early 2009)
    Early 2009
    Model ID: MacPro4,1
    2.93GHz & 2.66GHz & 3.33GHz 4-Core Xeon & 2.93GHz & 2.66GHz & 2.26GHz 8-Core Xeon
    Install Videos
    Mac Pro (Early 2008)
    Mac Pro (Early 2008)
    Early 2008
    Model ID: MacPro3,1
    2.8GHz 4-Core Xeon & 2.8GHz & 3.2GHz & 3.0GHz 8-Core Xeon
    Install Videos
    Mac Pro (Early 2007)
    Mac Pro (Early 2007)
    Early 2007
    Model ID: MacPro2,1
    3.0GHz 8-Core Xeon
    Detailed SpecsInstall Videos
    Mac Pro (Mid 2006)
    Mac Pro (Mid 2006)
    Mid 2006
    Model ID: MacPro1,1
    2.66GHz & 2.0GHz & 3.0GHz 4-Core Xeon
    Detailed SpecsInstall Videos

    PC Compatible

    PC Compatible
    PC Compatible

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    reviewsCustomer Reviews

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    4.6 out of 5

    21 out of 25 (84%) reviewers would recommend this product

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    2ND TIMES THE CHARM

    Ordered this drive to place in a OWC ministack case. The first drive that was received was DOA. Would not be recognized by any computer I tried to install/format it with, even using an external drive holder. I contacted OWC to initiate a return, that's where the fun started. The online system wouldn't allow me to create a RMA. I had to go to the chat section of the website to start an RMA. That process was going good, until for some reason I got disconnected from the chat server. Re-initiated a second chat, that went better and got the RMA. Once i had the label I sent the drive back, then every couple of days I would get a message from OWC that they hadn't heard from me about my case and if I didn't respond the case would close. I sent a reply email, indicating I had shipped the defective unit back and advised OWC that the unit was scheduled to be delivered the next day. Great so far, a few days later another message from OWC, they hadn't heard from me and if I didn't respond my case would be closed, WTF? Then a couple of days after that I get a notice of a shipment from OWC, guess what? the replacement drive for the defective unit. Great! The drive arrives I install/format it, the world is good again. A few days later, I get an email from OWC, they hadn't heard from me and that my case would be closed, WTF part 2?

    Verified Purchase
    Verified PurchaseVerified Purchase.
    Gerhardt58, 
    Feb, 5 2025 
    review of: (*) 16.0TB Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC550 3.5-inch SATA 6.0Gb/s 7200RPM Enterprise Class Hard Drive
    • Reviewer:Gerhardt58
    Response from OWC, Support

    Thank you for your review! We're thrilled to hear that you could navigate the RMA process successfully, even with those initial bumps. It's great to know that your experience with our support team ultimately turned things around for you. We're sorry to hear about your trouble with the first drive, but we're glad you didn’t let that hold you back! Your feedback is invaluable, and we appreciate your understanding throughout the process. We’re excited to hear about your second drive experience and can’t wait for you to enjoy your OWC ministack case to the fullest!

    Exactly what I wanted

    I wanted a good 16 TB drive at a good price. They delivered.

    I would recommend this product to a friend!

    Verified Purchase
    Verified PurchaseVerified Purchase.
    dburnham1, 
    Sep, 5 2024 
    review of: 16.0TB Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC550 3.5-inch SATA 6.0Gb/s 7200RPM Enterprise Class Hard Drive.
    • Reviewer:dburnham1
    Response from OWC, Support

    Wow! Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear that you found the perfect 16 TB drive at a great price with us. It’s our goal to deliver exactly what our customers are looking for, and your feedback truly motivates us. Enjoy your new drive, and we can't wait to serve you again in the future!

    This is the Deal, thank you OWC / MacSales.com for this product.

    Glad I've found this deal on Enterprise HDD Disks for that price, works perfectly fine like expected. Fast Shipping, Good Product quality, Highly recommends!!! A+++

    I would recommend this product to a friend!

    Verified Purchase
    Verified PurchaseVerified Purchase.
    Reviewer2327702250, 
    Aug, 9 2024 
    review of: 16.0TB Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC550 3.5-inch SATA 6.0Gb/s 7200RPM Enterprise Class Hard Drive.
    • Reviewer:Reviewer2327702250
    Response from OWC, Support

    Wow, thank you so much for your amazing review! We're thrilled to hear that you found such a great deal on our Enterprise HDDs and that they’re working perfectly for you. Fast shipping and quality products are what we strive for, and it's fantastic to know we hit the mark! Your recommendation means the world to us! A++++ back to you! Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions, comments, or concerns.  https://eshop.macsales.com/Service/

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