WUH721414AL5204 Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC530 14TB 7.2K RPM SAS-12Gbps 3.5inch HDD

Overview of Western Digital WUH721414AL5204 14TB HDD

The Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC530 14TB enterprise hard disk drive is engineered for modern data-driven infrastructures that demand high reliability, consistent performance, and massive storage density. Built on a helium-sealed platform, this internal 3.5-inch HDD is optimized for always-on workloads in enterprise servers, cloud environments, and hyperscale data centers.

General Information

• Manufacturer: Western Digital
• Part Number: WUH721414AL5204
• Product Series: Ultrastar DC HC530
• Product Type: Hard Disk Drive

Technical Specifications

• Storage Capacity: 14TB
• Interface Type: SAS-12Gbps
• Sector Format: 512e 
• Rotational Speed: 7200 RPM
• Cache Buffer: 512 MB

Form Factor and Build Details

• Drive Size: 3.5-inch
• Z-Height: 26.1 mm
• Dimensions (W x D): 101.6 x 147 mm
• Approximate Weight: 690 g

The Western Digital WUH721414AL5204 14TB 7.2K RPM HDD

The Western Digital WUH721414AL5204 Ultrastar DC HC530 14TB hard disk drive is engineered within the enterprise HDD category, focusing on consistent performance, large-scale capacity, and long-term reliability for data-intensive workloads. Designed for modern data centers, this 3.5-inch SAS hard drive aligns with demanding infrastructure requirements such as cloud computing platforms, hyperscale deployments, virtualization clusters, and high-density storage arrays. Its helium-sealed architecture and advanced recording technologies position it as a cornerstone component in enterprise storage ecosystems where uptime, efficiency, and scalability are non-negotiable.

Ultrastar DC HC530 Series

The Ultrastar DC HC530 series represents Western Digital’s enterprise-grade HDD portfolio, optimized for balanced performance and storage density. The 14TB variant delivers a combination of high capacity, predictable latency, and robust workload handling, making it suitable for both primary and secondary storage tiers. Built with enterprise firmware and strict quality assurance processes, the HC530 family supports continuous 24x7 operations under heavy I/O pressure.

Category Positioning within Enterprise Storage

Within the enterprise HDD category, the Ultrastar DC HC530 fits into the high-capacity nearline storage segment. These drives are ideal for applications that require large volumes of data to be readily accessible with consistent throughput rather than ultra-low latency. This positioning makes the drive suitable for object storage, backup repositories, archival systems, and large-scale file servers.

SAS 12Gbps Interface

The Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) 12Gb/s interface ensures high-speed data transfers, robust error handling, and dual-port capability for improved redundancy. This interface is ideal for enterprise storage systems that require consistent throughput and fault tolerance.

High-Capacity Helium Platform Design

Designed using advanced HelioSeal® technology, the Ultrastar DC HC530 leverages a helium-filled enclosure to reduce internal turbulence, lower power consumption, and improve overall durability. This design enables higher areal density while maintaining thermal efficiency and long-term operational stability.

14TB Massive Storage 

With a formatted capacity of 14 terabytes, the Western Digital WUH721414AL5204 enables enterprises to consolidate data onto fewer physical drives. This capacity advantage reduces system complexity, lowers total cost of ownership, and simplifies storage management across large deployments. High-capacity drives are particularly valuable in environments where data sets grow rapidly, such as analytics platforms, media repositories, and compliance-driven archives.

7200 RPM Performance

Operating at a spindle speed of 7,200 RPM, this enterprise hard disk drive delivers a balanced mix of throughput and reliability. The rotational speed is optimized for nearline workloads, providing consistent data transfer rates while maintaining mechanical longevity under continuous operation.

Dual-Port Architecture for High Availability

The SAS interface enables dual-port access, allowing the drive to connect to two independent paths. This feature is critical in high-availability systems, ensuring uninterrupted data access even if one path fails.

512MB Buffer Cache

Equipped with a substantial 512MB buffer cache, the Western Digital WUH721414AL5204 improves data throughput and responsiveness. The cache temporarily stores frequently accessed data and write operations, reducing mechanical overhead and optimizing overall performance.

Role of Large Cache Memory

In enterprise workloads, caching plays a vital role in smoothing out bursts of activity. The large buffer helps manage command queues efficiently, ensuring steady data flow even during peak usage periods.

512e Advanced Format Technology

The 512e (512-byte emulation) format allows the drive to use larger internal physical sectors while maintaining compatibility with legacy systems. This approach improves error correction efficiency and storage utilization without disrupting existing infrastructure.

3.5-Inch Form Factor

The standard 3.5-inch form factor ensures broad compatibility with enterprise servers, storage enclosures, and JBOD systems. This physical standard simplifies deployment and replacement in existing infrastructure.