0B48722 Western Digital 16TB 7.2K RPM SATA-6GBPS Helium Platform Enterprise HDD

Product Overview for the Western Digital 0B48722 16TB 7.2K RPM SATA-6GBPS Hard Drive

Core Specifications at a Glance

• Brand: Western Digital
• Model Number: 0B48722
• Family: Ultrastar Series
• Variant: Ultrastar DC HC555
• Form Factor: 3.5-inch Internal HDD

Optimal Use Cases for High-Volume Data Environments

This enterprise-grade drive is expertly designed to meet the demands of:

• AI and machine learning training data pools
• Hybrid cloud storage frameworks
• High-scale computing environments
• Converged infrastructure and software-defined storage systems

Where Performance Meets Scalability

The 16TB Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC555 excels in capacity and efficiency, making it an ideal candidate for:

• Massive data lake repositories
• Hyperscale data centers and enterprise-grade server farms
• Workloads requiring consistent, high-throughput data access

Robust Features Engineered for Enterprise Performance

Storage and Interface Capabilities

• Total Capacity: 16 Terabytes
• Connectivity: SATA III 6 Gb/s interface
• Drive Size: 3.5-inch bay compatible
• MTBF Rating: Estimated 2.5 million hours

Endurance for Always-On Operations

With enterprise reliability ratings, the HC555 series is built to withstand 24/7 usage in intensive environments:

• Reliability-backed workload support
• Designed for ultra-high uptime
• Low risk of failure across massive deployments

High-Speed Data Access and Throughput

• Interface Bandwidth: Up to 600 MB/s
• Sustained Read/Write Speed: 269 MB/s
• Rotational Speed: 7,200 RPM
• Average Latency: 4.16 milliseconds
• Onboard Cache: 512 MB buffer memory

Quick Response and Smooth Handling

This drive minimizes delays, ensuring efficient data retrieval and write cycles — perfect for AI workloads and virtualized storage layers.

Precision Engineering and Physical Attributes

Drive Dimensions and Build Details

• Height (Z-axis): 26.1 mm
• Width: 101.6 mm
• Depth: 147 mm
• Net Weight: 690 grams

Solid Construction for Rack-Based Storage

The durable design accommodates secure installation into existing server racks, NAS, or RAID setups.

Compact Yet Powerful

• Fits standard 3.5-inch bays
• Streamlined for high-density deployments
• Ideal for colocated data infrastructure

Why Choose the Ultrastar DC HC555 for Your Infrastructure?

Tailored for Enterprise Demands

• Engineered by Western Digital for maximum dependability
• Supports large-scale, mission-critical systems
• Advanced firmware optimized for storage-intensive operations

Modern Data Architecture Compatibility

Whether integrating with cloud-native storage systems or expanding data center capacity, the HC555 adapts effortlessly:

• Perfect match for tiered storage systems
• Harmonizes with on-premise and virtual cloud platforms
• Empowers AI-driven and analytical environments

Compliance and Reliability

• Built in accordance with enterprise data standards
• Tested for endurance in multi-petabyte applications
• Secure storage for mission-critical business continuity

Western Digital 0B48722 16TB Ultrastar DC HC555 Overview

The Western Digital 0B48722 16TB Ultrastar DC HC555 enterprise hard drive is engineered for demanding data center environments. With its massive 16TB capacity, 7200 RPM spindle speed, SATA 6Gb/s interface, and 512MB cache buffer, it is optimized for high-capacity storage arrays, bulk storage, and long-term data retention. Built on a helium-sealed platform, this 3.5-inch form factor drive delivers consistent performance, reduced power consumption, and increased reliability for large-scale enterprise applications.

Key Specifications of Western Digital 0B48722 16TB Hard Drive

• Model Number: 0B48722
• Drive Series: Ultrastar DC HC555
• Capacity: 16TB
• Rotational Speed: 7200 RPM
• Interface: SATA 6Gbps
• Cache: 512MB buffer
• Form Factor: 3.5-inch
• Sector Format: 512e
• Helium-Filled Platform
• Designed for: Enterprise-level applications, cloud storage, hyperscale data centers

Performance Features of the Ultrastar DC HC555

This enterprise-class drive offers a strong balance between performance, storage capacity, and efficiency. The 512MB buffer significantly enhances data throughput, especially for sequential read/write operations. With sustained transfer rates reaching up to 270 MB/s, the Ultrastar DC HC555 ensures optimal data handling even under intense workloads.

SATA 6Gbps Interface

The SATA 6Gbps interface provides broad compatibility and cost efficiency for enterprise storage configurations. This makes the 0B48722 model ideal for storage infrastructures built around traditional SATA backplanes while still achieving reliable performance benchmarks expected in mission-critical deployments.

7200 RPM Spindle Speed

With a 7200 RPM spindle, this drive offers a balance between power consumption and data access speed, making it suitable for use cases where energy efficiency and performance must coexist, such as nearline storage and archiving with regular access requirements.

Helium Technology Platform Benefits

One of the standout features of the Ultrastar DC HC555 series is the use of a sealed helium platform. Helium is less dense than air, which means reduced friction and turbulence inside the drive casing. This design enables several key benefits for enterprise deployments:

Lower Power Consumption

By reducing internal resistance, helium-filled drives use less power during read/write operations and idle states. The 0B48722 achieves significant power savings, making it suitable for hyperscale environments aiming to reduce operating expenses.

Improved Reliability

The reduced wear and internal pressure contribute to improved mechanical reliability. Western Digital's sealed HelioSeal design allows the Ultrastar DC HC555 to operate at cooler temperatures, prolonging lifespan and reducing failure rates in 24/7 deployments.

Higher Storage Density

The helium platform enables thinner platters and allows more platters per drive. This contributes to the 16TB capacity in a standard 3.5-inch form factor, enabling greater storage density per rack unit.

Advanced Enterprise-Level Capabilities

Beyond raw specifications, the Western Digital 0B48722 is designed with features tailored to enterprise usage scenarios. From advanced error correction algorithms to workload optimization tools, this hard drive is engineered to withstand the rigors of intensive data environments.

512e Advanced Format

The 512e sector format offers compatibility with legacy 512-byte sector software while improving performance and error correction over native 4K sectors. This format helps balance backward compatibility and modern storage efficiency.

RAID Optimization

Designed to perform efficiently in RAID environments, the Ultrastar DC HC555 supports TLER (Time-Limited Error Recovery), minimizing the likelihood of RAID dropouts due to error recovery processes. This feature is vital for maintaining uptime and data availability in complex arrays.

Advanced Power Management

Multiple power modes, including active idle and deep idle states, enable flexible energy management strategies within data centers. The drive intelligently scales power use based on workload intensity, aligning with green IT goals.

Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios

The Western Digital 0B48722 16TB Ultrastar DC HC555 is suitable for a wide range of enterprise-grade storage applications. Its reliability, efficiency, and capacity make it an ideal solution for:

Hyperscale and Cloud Data Centers

Massive capacity and optimized power-to-density ratio make this drive well-suited for hyperscale cloud storage environments. It enables service providers to manage large volumes of data with minimal rack space and energy overhead.

Big Data Analytics

Big data applications require both high capacity and consistent performance. This model offers the bandwidth and buffer size to support streaming analytics, real-time processing, and data mining applications.

Backup and Archival Storage

With 16TB of capacity and reliable design, the 0B48722 is a prime choice for long-term storage strategies. Its durability and error correction features ensure data integrity over extended timeframes.

Video Surveillance Storage

Ideal for storing high-resolution surveillance footage, this drive supports continuous 24/7 write operations and can retain months or years of video data depending on system configuration.

Comparison with Other Enterprise Hard Drives

When compared with other drives in the 16TB category, such as Seagate Exos X16 or Toshiba MG08, the Ultrastar DC HC555 stands out for its helium-sealed reliability, massive cache buffer, and energy efficiency.

Versus Seagate Exos X16

While both offer similar storage capacities and performance ranges, the Western Digital HC555 excels in power efficiency due to its HelioSeal design and often provides a larger cache buffer, enhancing burst performance.

Versus Toshiba MG08

The Toshiba MG08 also targets enterprise workloads, but Western Digital’s implementation of helium-sealing and extensive compatibility with both 512e and 4Kn formats offers more flexibility for diverse IT environments.

Form Factor and Mechanical Design

This 3.5-inch drive conforms to industry standards, allowing seamless integration into existing servers, storage enclosures, and RAID systems. Its robust design minimizes vibration and acoustic emissions, which is crucial in multi-drive chassis configurations.

Build Quality and Vibration Resistance

Engineered with Western Digital's proprietary dual-stage actuator and enhanced servo mechanisms, the HC555 maintains data integrity even in vibration-heavy environments. This is key when deploying hundreds of drives in close proximity.

Cooling and Thermal Efficiency

The reduced friction in helium-filled drives allows them to operate at lower temperatures, resulting in less strain on chassis-level cooling solutions. Data centers can optimize airflow and reduce reliance on high-powered fans.

Data Integrity and Security Features

Protecting data is a central pillar of any enterprise storage solution. The 0B48722 incorporates several features to protect against data corruption, unauthorized access, and unexpected power losses.

Enhanced Error Correction

Advanced ECC algorithms and on-the-fly parity checks help ensure that data written and read from the platters remains accurate. These features significantly reduce the likelihood of silent data corruption.

Optional Encryption Support

Although this particular SKU may not include built-in encryption, the Ultrastar DC series is compatible with enterprise-level encryption and security protocols when paired with compliant controllers or storage systems.

Protection from Power Loss

Firmware-controlled safe write operations protect against data corruption during unexpected power interruptions. This reliability is crucial for mission-critical applications.

Long-Term Reliability and MTBF

With a Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) of up to 2.5 million hours and an annualized failure rate (AFR) of less than 0.35%, the Western Digital 0B48722 is one of the most reliable drives available for 24/7 enterprise use.

Workload Rate Limit (WRL)

The HC555 supports up to 550TB/year of workload, far surpassing consumer and prosumer drive capabilities. This makes it suitable for environments that push hardware to the edge with high read/write cycles.

5-Year Limited Warranty

Western Digital backs this enterprise-grade hard drive with a 5-year limited warranty, reinforcing confidence in its design and deployment in long-term storage scenarios.

Compatibility and Integration

Full support for SATA backplanes and broad compatibility with major server and NAS operating systems makes deployment of the 0B48722 simple and scalable. Its standardized interface and sector formatting ensure plug-and-play functionality in supported enterprise environments.

NAS and SAN System Compatibility

This drive is certified for use in several enterprise NAS (Network Attached Storage) and SAN (Storage Area Network) systems, making it versatile across different infrastructure types.

Operating System Support

Compatible with Linux, Windows Server, VMware, and various Unix-based systems, this drive integrates seamlessly into heterogeneous data centers.

Environmental Impact and Compliance

Western Digital continues to push for sustainability through energy-efficient components and compliance with major environmental and safety standards. The 0B48722 is manufactured with a focus on reducing environmental footprint.

RoHS and REACH Compliance

The drive is fully compliant with RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) and REACH directives, ensuring it meets environmental safety regulations for global deployment.

Reduced Carbon Footprint

By lowering energy consumption and using recyclable materials in packaging and components, the Ultrastar DC HC555 contributes to greener data center initiatives.

Summary of Features and Advantages

• High-capacity 16TB design for storage-intensive applications
• Helium-filled platform for energy efficiency and durability
• 512MB cache buffer for enhanced performance
• 7200 RPM with SATA 6Gb/s for reliable throughput
• Optimized for 24/7 enterprise workloads and RAID environments
• Low power draw and thermal output reduce TCO in large deployments
• Certified for integration in major data center infrastructures