Youtube Reviews
-
Western Digital Elements is a USB 3.0 2.5-inch HDD or SSD enclosure, which can also be referred to as a portable hard disk case.
-
The box includes a USB 3.0 cable and a SATA to USB 3.0 adapter.
-
The hard drive enclosure has a simple design.
-
To use the enclosure, insert a 2.5-inch hard drive or SSD into it by pressing it in until it is fully seated. Then, attach the back part of the enclosure and slide the upper part into place.
-
Connect the USB cable to the computer and the USB drive to the hard drive enclosure.
-
The drive should be recognized by the computer and you will be able to access your files.
-
The speed of the drive will vary depending on the type of drive you are using.
-
The enclosure supports USB 3.0 speeds, but the actual speed will be limited by the speed of the drive you are using.
Key Pointers:
- Western Digital Elements 18 terabyte external storage drive offers ample storage space for laptops with limited storage.
- The drive is compact (3.5-inch hard drive) and features a sleek design that complements any desk setup.
- Ventilation vents on the top, back, and bottom ensure proper airflow and prevent overheating.
- Rubber feet provide stability and minimize desktop footprint.
- Ports include a power button, USB micro B connector, and power jack.
- The included cable connects via USB A to the computer and USB micro B to the device.
- An adapter (dongle) may be required for devices without USB A ports.
- After formatting, the 18 terabyte drive offers approximately 16.3 terabytes of free space.
- File transfer speeds are slower than SSDs but sufficient for backing up large files (approx. 175-180 megabytes per second).
- The compact size allows for convenient storage and organization of essential files.
Key Pointers:
- Uses WD Elements 12 terabyte hard drive
- Not a fast hard drive, standard state
- Works with USB 3 and USB 2
- Includes USB 3 cable and power cable
- Large footprint
- Simple to use, plug-and-play
- Formatted for Windows, needs reformatting for Mac
- Glossy finish attracts fingerprints
- Slow performance if working directly from the drive
- Indicator light on the front
- Reliable for backups
- Good for storing backups and not for working from
- Recommended for large storage needs
Specifications
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Capacity | 3TB |
Interface | USB 3.0 |
Speed | Up to 5Gbps (theoretical) |
Form Factor | 3.5-inch |
Dimensions (W x H x D) | 4.02 x 1.58 x 5.95 inches (10.21 x 4.01 x 15.1 cm) |
Weight | 1.25 lbs (0.57 kg) |
Power Source | Included power adapter |
Operating System Compatibility | Windows 10, 8.1, 7; Mac OS X 10.6 or later; Linux kernel 2.6 or later |
Key Features
Western Digital Elements 3TB 3.5-inch USB 3.0 External Hard Drive with Power Adapter
Features:
- Capacity: 3TB (terabytes)
- Storage Type: Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
- Form Factor: 3.5-inch
- Interface: USB 3.0 (backward compatible with USB 2.0)
- Data Transfer Speed: Up to 5Gbps (USB 3.0)
- Power Adapter Included: Yes
- Compatibility:
- Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7
- Mac OS X 10.6 or later
- Linux kernels 2.6.x or later
- Other Features:
- Plug-and-play
- No software installation required
- LED activity indicator
- NTFS file system (pre-formatted for Windows systems)
- Mac users may need to reformat to HFS+ or another file system for full compatibility
- Dimensions:
- 1.68 x 4.45 x 5.91 inches (H x W x D)
- Weight: 1.76 pounds
Additional Features:
- WD Backup Software: Allows for scheduled backups to the external hard drive.
- WD Security Software (Optional): Encrypts your data with hardware-based 256-bit AES encryption.
- 3-Year Limited Warranty: Provides peace of mind against defects and malfunctions.
Benefits:
- Spacious Storage: 3TB of storage capacity provides ample space for photos, videos, music, documents, and more.
- Fast Data Transfer: USB 3.0 interface enables rapid file transfer speeds.
- Easy to Use: Plug-and-play operation makes it incredibly user-friendly.
- Reliable Backup Solution: WD Backup Software ensures reliable data protection.
- Secure Protection: Optional WD Security Software adds an extra layer of data security.
- Sturdy Design: Durable housing protects the hard drive from external damage.
What do people say about this product
Pros:
- Large storage capacity: Ample space for storing extensive data, including photos, videos, and documents.
- USB 3.0 connectivity: Fast data transfer speeds, allowing for quick backups and file transfers.
- Compact and portable: Easy to transport and store due to its sleek and lightweight design.
- Durable construction: Robust construction designed to withstand daily use and protect data from damage.
- Affordable: Budget-friendly option for its storage capacity and performance.
Cons:
- Limited speed: While USB 3.0 offers faster speeds than USB 2.0, it may not be as fast as external hard drives with newer protocols (e.g., Thunderbolt or USB-C).
- External power supply: Requires a power adapter for operation, which can be an inconvenience for some users.
- Susceptibility to errors: External hard drives are prone to occasional errors, and data may need to be backed up regularly.
- No encryption: Lacks built-in data encryption, which may pose a security risk for sensitive data.
- Not as rugged as dedicated portable drives: While durable, it may not be as resistant to shock and impact as more ruggedized external drives designed for extreme conditions.