Hard disk drives (HDDs) have been the dominant form of computer data storage for decades, but their cost varies considerably depending on factors like storage capacity, interface, rotational speed, and features. In this comprehensive 5000-word guide, we’ll look at current HDD pricing across various models and use cases to help you understand exactly how much a hard drive costs.
What is an HDD?
A hard disk drive (HDD) is a data storage device that uses magnetic storage to store and retrieve digital data. It consists of one or more rigid rapidly rotating platters coated with magnetic material, with a read/write head suspended on an actuator arm that can read and write data onto the platters.
HDDs were the predominant form of computer data storage during the computer age, from the mid-20th century onwards. Though they have been largely superseded by flash-based solid-state drives (SSDs) for some applications, HDDs retain large market share as of 2022 due to advantages such as very large data capacity and low cost per gigabyte.
Factors affecting HDD pricing
There are several key factors that determine the cost of a hard drive:
- Storage capacity – More storage capacity means higher cost. 1TB drives are more expensive than 500GB drives.
- Form factor – Smaller form factors like 2.5-inch (laptop) drives are more expensive than 3.5-inch (desktop) drives.
- Interface – Newer interfaces like SATA III cost more than older SATA II or IDE.
- RPM – 7200 RPM drives cost more than 5400 RPM or 4200 RPM drives.
- Cache size – Larger cache buffers cost more but enable faster performance.
- Features – Advanced features like encryption or helium-filling add cost.
- Brand name – Major brands like Seagate and WD carry a price premium over lesser-known brands.
Generally, higher capacity, performance and features mean higher cost. Consumer-grade HDDs designed for everyday desktop/laptop use tend to be cheaper, while models for enterprise/server use carry higher price tags.
HDD Pricing by Capacity
Storage capacity is one of the biggest factors determining HDD cost. Higher capacity drives are more expensive to manufacture, and provide more value in terms of data storage space. In the consumer HDD market segment, this is the pricing for major storage tiers:
500GB HDD
500GB HDDs are considered entry-level storage capacity for desktop computers and low-end laptops. This tier typically costs between $20 to $60. Example models include:
- Seagate BarraCuda 500GB – $44
- WD Blue 500GB – $47
- Toshiba 500GB 7200RPM – $50
1TB HDD
1TB is the mainstream capacity for most desktop PC builds, and many laptops. 1TB HDD prices range from $40 to $70. Examples include:
- Seagate BarraCuda 1TB – $44
- WD Blue 1TB – $46
- Toshiba 1TB 7200RPM – $48
2TB HDD
2TB offers significantly more storage versus 1TB, for a moderate price increase. 2TB HDDs go for $50 to $90 based on features and performance level. For instance:
- WD Blue 2TB 5400RPM – $55
- Seagate BarraCuda 2TB 7200RPM – $70
- Toshiba X300 2TB 7200RPM – $85
4TB HDD
4TB HDDs are popular for extra storage capacity on desktops. Expect to pay between $80 and $150 for a 4TB hard drive. Some examples are:
- Seagate BarraCuda 4TB 5400RPM – $84
- WD Blue 4TB 5400RPM – $94
- Toshiba N300 4TB 7200RPM – $140
6TB+ HDDs
6TB and higher capacities cater more towards power users and small office/home office usage. 6TB drives range from $120 to $180, while 8TB and up cost $200 to $400+. Some models include:
- Seagate BarraCuda 6TB 5400RPM – $124
- WD Red 6TB NAS Hard Drive – $164
- WD Red Pro 8TB 7200RPM – $339
- Seagate IronWolf Pro 14TB 7200RPM – $409
2.5-inch vs 3.5-inch HDD Pricing
2.5-inch HDDs are designed for laptops and small form factor builds, while 3.5-inch drives go into desktop PCs. Due to compact size and lower manufacturing volumes, 2.5-inch HDDs come at a notable price premium over their 3.5-inch counterparts.
| Capacity | 2.5-inch HDD | 3.5-inch HDD |
|---|---|---|
| 500GB | $49 | $44 |
| 1TB | $62 | $46 |
| 2TB | $89 | $55 |
| 4TB | $179 | $84 |
As the table illustrates, 2.5-inch HDDs cost about 15-25% more than equivalent 3.5-inch models. The pricing difference is more noticeable at higher capacities.
Enterprise/NAS HDD Cost
While consumer HDDs are designed for desktop and laptop PCs, enterprise and NAS (network-attached storage) models are purpose-built for business-critical server workloads and 24/7 operation in RAID arrays. These drives are more reliable and optimized for constant operation, but also significantly more expensive than consumer drives.
Here are sample prices for enterprise-class HDDs:
- Seagate Exos X16 12TB 7200RPM – $415
- WD Gold 16TB 7200RPM – $499
- Seagate IronWolf Pro 18TB 7200RPM – $624
Overall, enterprise HDDs range from around $250 up to $1500 or more for the very highest capacity models. The advanced technology and design features make them 2-5x more expensive than comparable consumer HDDs.
External HDD Cost
External HDDs enclose a standard hard drive in a portable external enclosure, adding connectivity, protective housing, and sometimes backup software. How much does an external HDD cost compared to a bare internal drive?
Here are sample price comparisons for popular portable external HDD models versus internal drives:
| Model | External Price | Internal Price |
|---|---|---|
| WD Elements 1TB | $46 | $44 |
| Seagate Backup Plus Slim 1TB | $54 | $44 |
| WD My Passport 2TB | $69 | $55 |
| Seagate Backup Plus Portable 4TB | $94 | $84 |
The table shows that most portable external HDD models carry a small premium over internal drives, usually around $5-15 extra depending on factors like brand, features, and included software.
SSHD Cost
SSHDs (solid-state hybrid drives) combine an HDD with a small SSD cache to boost performance. This results in HDD-level capacities with SSD-like speeds for frequently accessed data. How much does this hybrid design cost compared to standard HDDs?
Here are sample SSHD versus HDD prices:
- Seagate FireCuda 1TB SSHD – $68
- WD Blue 1TB HDD – $46
- Seagate FireCuda 2TB SSHD – $95
- WD Blue 2TB HDD – $55
The pricing shows that SSHDs carry around a 30-70% premium over conventional HDDs. The hybrid design offers a compromise between speed and affordability, making SSHDs preferred for systems where a full SSD would be too expensive.
Used/Refurbished HDD Prices
Used and refurbished HDDs can be a cost-effective way to acquire storage, but generally come with lower reliability and no factory warranty. Here are typical used HDD price ranges:
- Used 80GB IDE HDD – $5-15
- Used 160GB SATA HDD – $10-25
- Refurbished 500GB SATA HDD – $15-35
- Used 1TB SATA HDD – $20-45
- Refurbished 2TB SATA HDD – $30-60
While used HDD prices are 60-75% lower than new drives, factors like uncertainty around true condition and workload lifespan make this an option best-suited for minor/temporary storage needs.
Conclusion
In summary, HDD pricing ranges considerably based on capacity, form factor, interface, speed, features, and workload design. Mainstream consumer HDDs for everyday desktop and laptop PCs typically run from around $40 for 500GB models up to $100-150 for high capacity 4-6TB drives. 2.5-inch laptop HDDs cost 15-25% more than equivalent 3.5-inch desktop drives.
Enterprise and NAS HDDs with enhanced reliability and performance have much higher prices ranging from $250 up to $1500 or more. External portable HDDs carry a small premium over internal drives for the added enclosure and features.
While HDD prices have slowly declined over time, flash-based SSDs have fallen much faster in price. This has led to SSDs taking over HDDs in most mainstream PC storage use cases like laptops and gaming systems. However, HDDs retain a significant cost advantage in terms of dollars per gigabyte for mass storage, keeping them relevant for years to come.