Western Digital
Western Digital 8TB WD Red Plus NAS Internal Hard Drive HDD (WD80EFBX)
Bottom line: The Western Digital 8TB WD Red Plus NAS Internal Hard Drive HDD: CMR recording, the format RAID users prefer for predictable rebuilds; main trade-off: supported in NAS systems up to 8 bays only; larger arrays need another tier.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ CMR recording, the format RAID users prefer for predictable rebuilds
- ✓ 7200 RPM spindle speed with a 256 MB cache
- ✓ Rated for up to 180 TB/yr of workload in 24x7 NAS use
- ✓ NASware firmware tuned for NAS enclosure compatibility
- ✓ Standard 3.5-inch SATA 6 Gb/s fits most NAS and desktop bays
Cons
- ✗ Supported in NAS systems up to 8 bays only; larger arrays need another tier
- ✗ Listed transfer rate tops out at 150 MB/s, far below any SSD
- ✗ Bare internal drive; needs a NAS bay or separate enclosure to use
- ✗ 7200 RPM can run warmer and louder than slower NAS drives
Manufacturer description
The Western Digital WD Red Plus 8TB NAS hard drive (model WD80EFBX) is an internal 3.5-inch drive for small and medium business NAS systems that run 24x7. It spins at 7200 RPM, connects over SATA 6 Gb/s, and carries a 256 MB cache. It uses CMR (conventional magnetic recording), the format many RAID users look for to keep rebuilds predictable. WD rates the drive for a workload of up to 180 TB per year. That figure counts all user data written to or read from the drive, annualized over its power-on hours. The rating suits file servers, backup targets and media libraries that stay busy all day…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Western Digital 8TB WD Red Plus NAS Internal Hard Drive HDD using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the external storage category. Western Digital'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 WD Red Plus 8TB WD80EFBX use CMR or SMR?
It uses CMR (conventional magnetic recording), as stated in the product title. Many NAS and RAID users prefer CMR for consistent write behavior during array rebuilds.
How many drive bays does the WD Red Plus support?
Western Digital supports the WD Red Plus line in NAS systems with up to 8 bays. For larger enclosures, check WD's higher-tier NAS drives.
What workload is the WD80EFBX rated for?
It is rated for up to 180 TB per year. The figure counts all user data transferred to or from the drive, annualized over its recorded power-on hours. Actual results depend on your hardware and software setup.
Is this an external drive I can plug into USB?
No. The WD80EFBX is an internal 3.5-inch SATA 6 Gb/s hard drive. To use it, install it in a NAS bay or desktop drive bay, or put it in a separate 3.5-inch enclosure.
How fast is the WD Red Plus 8TB?
It spins at 7200 RPM, has a 256 MB cache, and WD lists a transfer rate of up to 150 MB/s. Real-world speed varies with your NAS, RAID level and network.
Key Features
- Available in capacities ranging from 1-14TB with support for up to 8 bays
- Supports up to 180 TB/yr workload rate Workload Rate is defined as the amount of user data transferred to or from the hard drive. Workload Rate is annualized (TB transferred ✕ (8760 / recorded power-on hours)). Workload Rate will vary depending on your hardware and software components and configurations.
- NASware firmware for compatibility
- Small or medium business NAS systems in a 24x7 environment. Transfer Rate-up to 150MB/s
Full Specifications
| Brand | Western Digital |
|---|---|
| Color | Red |
| Special Feature | 7.2K 6G 3.5" SATA |
| Installation Type | Internal Hard Drive |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Hard Disk Interface | Serial ATA-600 |
| Hard Disk Description | Mechanical Hard Disk |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 3.5 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | SATA |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 8 TB |
| Full listing title | Western Digital 8TB WD Red Plus NAS Internal Hard Drive HDD - 7200 RPM, SATA 6 Gb/s, CMR, 256 MB Cache, 3.5" - WD80EFBX |
Ready to buy?
Western Digital 8TB WD Red Plus NAS Internal Hard Drive HDD - 7200 RPM, SATA 6 Gb/s, CMR, 256 MB Cache, 3.5" - WD80EFBX is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
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