Technology

Refurbished Hard Drives Flood Online Market: Are They Worth It?


If you’re in the market for a high-capacity hard drive, your attention is likely drawn to Seagate’s Exos range. The pinnacle of internal storage solutions right now is the Exos 28TB HDD, which launched in 2024, surpassing the previous leader, the Western Digital Gold at 24TB. This article delves into the features, pricing, and considerations involved before purchasing this massive storage option.

Table of Contents

Seagate Exos 28TB Features

The Seagate Exos 28TB HDD is designed with enterprise needs in mind, boasting several outstanding features:

  • Storage Capacity: With an impressive capacity of 28TB, it is ideal for businesses needing extensive data storage.
  • Performance: The HDD provides excellent performance metrics, suitable for high-demand applications.
  • Reliability: Seagate has a reputation for producing reliable drives that stand up to rigorous use.

Although Seagate does not disclose the exact pricing of the Exos 28TB HDD, refurbished versions have been observed at significantly reduced prices. This phenomenon raises some questions about the reliability and quality of these recertified models.

The Appeal of Recertified Models

Recertified models of the Exos 28TB are increasingly appearing on the market, often at appealing price points. Some outlets offering these models include:

  • Amazon: Listed for $379.99
  • ServerPartDeals: Available for $364.99
  • eBay UK: Priced at £578

These recertified drives are typically either previously used or customer returns that have undergone inspection and restoration to verify their functionality. While this means you can acquire enterprise-grade HDDs at a lower cost, there are caveats to consider regarding warranty and long-term reliability.

What You Need to Be Aware Of

While buying recertified drives can be economically beneficial, potential buyers should remain vigilant:

  • Warranty Coverage: The recertified Exos 28TB drives may offer a limited warranty period, with some stating only six months—compared to the more extended warranties found on brand-new drives.
  • Previous Use: There are reports linking some of these drives to extensive prior usage, particularly in contexts such as cryptocurrency mining farms. This raises questions about the longevity and reliability of the product.
  • Buying Recommendations: If you opt for a recertified model, it’s crucial to purchase from reputable resellers to minimize risks associated with the product’s history.

Reports have surfaced suggesting that certain recertified Exos drives were sold as new but showed signs of prior use. Such instances highlight the importance of ensuring the origin and previous usage of the drive being purchased.

Future of Hard Drive Storage

Looking ahead, Seagate’s innovations continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in storage technology. In early 2025, the company introduced the 36TB Exos M model, further extending its lead in data center storage solutions. Notably, this drive is not yet available for consumer purchase.

Additionally, advancements in platter technology hint that even larger drives, potentially reaching up to 60TB, could be on the horizon. This kind of innovation promises to address the ever-increasing demand for data storage across industries.

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