BUFFALO DriveStation 4TB High Speed 7200RPM TAA Desktop External Hard Drive USB 3.2
Status: BUFFALO DriveStation 4TB High Speed 7200RPM TAA… (4TB hard drive): Unavailable on Amazon as of . SpecPicks has no in-stock 4TB hard drive on file; an Amazon search for "4TB hard drive" lists current offers with the same specs. eBay sellers may still list this model new or used.
Bottom line: The BUFFALO DriveStation 4TB High Speed 7200RPM TAA Desktop External Hard: 7200RPM drive speeds up large file copies vs. 5400RPM externals; main trade-off: must be reformatted before use with a Mac.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ 7200RPM drive speeds up large file copies vs. 5400RPM externals
- ✓ 4TB capacity holds large photo libraries and full-system backups
- ✓ Optional 256-bit AES hardware encryption for sensitive files
- ✓ Buffalo Backup Utility schedules automatic PC backups
- ✓ Time Machine support for Mac backups after reformatting
Cons
- ✗ Must be reformatted before use with a Mac
- ✗ USB 3.2 Gen 1 caps the interface at 5Gbps
- ✗ Spinning hard drive is slower than an SSD and more sensitive to drops
- ✗ Desktop form factor, not built to carry in a bag
Manufacturer description
The BUFFALO DriveStation 4TB is a desktop external hard drive for anyone who needs a large, permanent home for photo libraries, project archives or full-system backups. Inside is a 7200RPM hard drive, faster than the 5400RPM drives common in budget external storage, so large file copies finish sooner. You connect over USB 3.2 (Gen 1). It works with Windows PCs as soon as you plug it in. Mac users need to reformat it first, and after that it supports Time Machine for automatic Mac backups. On a PC, the Buffalo Backup Utility lets you schedule backups so they run without you starting them, and…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored BUFFALO DriveStation 4TB High Speed 7200RPM TAA Desktop External… using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the external storage category. BUFFALO's external storage lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for external storage of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the BUFFALO DriveStation 4TB work with a Mac?
Yes, but you have to reformat it first. It is plug-and-play on Windows PCs. After you format it for macOS, it supports Time Machine backups.
How fast is the drive inside the DriveStation?
It uses a 7200RPM hard drive and connects over USB 3.2 (Gen 1). BUFFALO also includes Turbo PC and TurboCopy software to improve transfer performance on PCs.
Can I encrypt the data on this external hard drive?
Yes. The DriveStation has optional 256-bit AES hardware encryption. It is off by default, so you have to enable it.
Can it back up my PC automatically?
Yes. The included Buffalo Backup Utility lets you set backups to run on a schedule. Mac users can use Time Machine instead.
What warranty comes with the BUFFALO DriveStation 4TB?
It comes with a standard 2-year manufacturer's warranty. Check BUFFALO's support site for the exact coverage terms and how to file a claim.
Key Features
- A great option for storing photos
- 7200 RPM hard drive for extremely fast file transfers
- USB 3.2 (Gen 1) PC compatible plug-and-play. Compatible w/ Mac after formatting
- Schedule automatic backups for your PC with Buffalo Backup Utility
- Optional 256-bit AES hardware encryption provides an extra level of data protection
- Time Machine support offers backups for protecting Mac computers
Full Specifications
| Brand | BUFFALO |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Turbo | Yes |
| Model Name | DriveStation Axis Velocity |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Form Factor | External Hard Drive |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Model Number | HD-LX4.0TU3 |
| Compatibility | PC, Mac |
| Built-In Media | DriveStation Axis Velocity, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Cable, AC Adapter, Quick Setup Guide, Warranty Statement |
| Item Type Name | Portable Hard Drive |
| Hard-Drive Size | 4 TB |
| Mfr Part Number | HD-LX4.0TU3 |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Special Feature | Fast Speed |
| Hardware Platform | PC;Mac |
| Installation Type | External Hard Drive |
| Compatible Devices | PC, Mac |
| Enclosure Material | Unspecified |
| Additional Features | Fast Speed |
Ready to buy?
Amazon shows no buyable offer for BUFFALO DriveStation 4TB High Speed 7200RPM TAA… at the last check. An Amazon search for "4TB hard drive" lists current offers. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
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