Western Digital Live Duo 4TB - How Good ?

Last week I installed a WD Live 2TB for my customer. I don't have extensive experience with the performance but judging from the power adaptor, it's better to pair the storage unit with a small UPS with power regulation.

This will smooth out the power surges (spikes) and help the storage unit last longer.

They use it mainly for workgroup backup (Gigabit LAN). Installation is very easy and straight forward.

There are other brand, such as Seagate in the same category, which is for pesonal or very small workgroup.

Upward of this category would be SAN (network storage) for SOHO in the range of $800-$1000. Hope this might help.

Cheers,
 
Early days for me having only just purchased the 6TB version, but on my Mac with Thunderbolt, and Time Machine, the backup speed is phenomenal. I've been using WD backups for many a year now and can highly recommend them. Never had one single issue.
 
I have never used it...but a bit of caution here if u plan to use it 24/7. Heat dissipation issues can reduce normal life expectancy of a HD. Check to out the enclosure..

Gary
 
GaryLH said:
I have never used it...but a bit of caution here if u plan to use it 24/7. Heat dissipation issues can reduce normal life expectancy of a HD. Check to out the enclosure..

Gary
Click to expand...

The WD Live I installed are passive cooling (without fan) and unit is supposed to stand upright to help airflow. The enclosure is quite well vented. I'm not sure about the WD Live Duo, haven't checked the spec sheet.

Normally for this kind of application, manufacturer uses slower spinning hard drive unit, aka Eco/Green, perhaps in the range of 3600-4200 rpm. This is to help maintain lower operating temperature, lower spindle speed (rpm) = lower temp.

BTW it doesn't have on/off switch, so I guess it is not supposed to be turned on/off on regular basis.
 
Makes sense they are using a green drive here given Ethernet connection. The greens auto power down if I remember correctly. Seek time is not as important.

Is the enclosure made of metal (better passive heat sink capability) or the HD inside have a heat sink?

Gary
 
GaryLH said:
Makes sense they are using a green drive here given Ethernet connection. The greens auto power down if I remember correctly. Seek time is not as important.

Is the enclosure made of metal (better passive heat sink capability) or the HD inside have a heat sink?

Gary
Click to expand...

The drive enclosure is made of plastic. I didn't see inside though (heatsink or no heatsink) but I assume it has ventilation on both broad side of the hard drive.

Since you mention auto power down, I remember now it also has Auto Sleep function so it will spin down/stop after certain period of inactivity, and wake-up when there is LAN activity.

Another brand to consider is Thecus but more expensive. Thecus has dual, or 5-drive network storage system on offer. Enclosure is made of metal if I recall correctly.

WD Live Duo (or Seagate equivalent) is Ok for personal use or very small workgroup, non critical stuff. For business purpose, such as photo processing/ studio, I'd recommend something like Thecus. It has better reliability and performance feature.
 
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