This article covers WD60EZAZ [WD Blue（6TB 3.5インチ SATA 6G 5400rpm 256MB）].

Overview

Western Digital's WD Blue series has been a staple for desktop HDDs for years. The WD60EZAZ is a 6TB model that runs at 5400 RPM with a 256MB cache, balancing quiet operation and low power consumption. It uses the SATA 6Gb/s interface and comes in the standard 3.5-inch form factor, making it easy to install in any desktop PC case. This drive is ideal for secondary storage, data archiving, backup, or use in a NAS enclosure. Transfer speeds top out around 180MB/s, which is slower than any SSD but more than adequate for moving large files sequentially. Its strength lies in capacity per dollar rather than raw speed.

Compatibility Guide

The WD60EZAZ requires a SATA 3 (6Gb/s) data cable and a SATA power connector from your power supply. Most desktop motherboards have multiple SATA ports, so adding this drive as a secondary storage device is straightforward. It fits in standard 3.5-inch drive bays. However, it will not fit in a 2.5-inch bay or slim laptop chassis. If you need to use it with a laptop, you'll need an external USB 3.0 enclosure. Also, avoid using it as a boot drive if you prioritize fast startup times — pair it with an SSD for the OS.

Product Info

Released in 2021, the WD60EZAZ is part of the WD Blue lineup, positioned as an entry-level to mid-range high-capacity HDD. Its reference price on Japan is around ¥35,000, which is competitive for a 6TB drive. The warranty is 2 years (limited). Power consumption is rated at 5.3W during read/write and 3.0W at idle, keeping heat and noise low. It's designed for desktop PCs, external enclosures, and basic NAS units. The 256MB cache helps with write burst performance, but sustained speeds are typical for 5400RPM drives.

Best Use Cases

  1. Media Storage for Creators – Photographers and videographers with large asset libraries will appreciate the 6TB capacity. Storing raw footage, project files, and archived exports on this drive keeps the main SSD free for active work. The low noise makes it suitable for a home office. 2. Gaming Library – If you own a large Steam library and don't want to uninstall games, this HDD can hold dozens of AAA titles. Loading times will be longer than from an SSD, but for less demanding games or those you play infrequently, it's a cost-effective solution. 3. Backup Drive – Use it as a dedicated backup target for your PC or NAS. The 5400RPM speed is adequate for scheduled backups, and the low power consumption is ideal for always-on use. Who should NOT buy this? If you need the fastest possible transfer speeds (e.g., for video editing directly from the drive), or if you plan to use it as a boot drive, look for a 7200RPM model or an SSD instead.

Things to Consider

The main trade-off is speed: 5400RPM vs 7200RPM models offer roughly 20-30% lower sequential throughput. For random access (small files), the difference is less noticeable. The drive uses a 256MB cache, which helps but is not a substitute for a fast platter speed. Competitors include Seagate BarraCuda 6TB and Toshiba X300 6TB. WD Blue is known for reliability and quietness, but some models may use SMR (Shingled Magnetic Recording) technology, which can affect write performance in RAID scenarios. Check the specific model number if you plan to use it in a RAID array. Also, note that the WD Blue series is not designed for 24/7 enterprise use; for NAS with multiple concurrent accesses, consider WD Red or Red Pro. ## FAQ
Q: Can I use this HDD as a boot drive? A: Technically yes, but it's not recommended due to slow boot times. Use an SSD for the OS and this drive for data storage. Q: Does it work with a PS4 or PS5? A: Yes, as an external USB drive via an enclosure. The PS4 supports external USB HDDs for game storage; PS5 can store PS4 games on it, but PS5 games require internal SSD or compatible expansion drive. Q: Is this drive good for a home NAS? A: For a basic 1-2 bay NAS with light usage, yes. But for heavy or multi-user NAS, consider a NAS-specific drive like WD Red that handles vibration better.

Product Disclosure (Amazon)

  • Manufacturer: ウエスタンデジタル(Western Digital)
  • Seller: Αストア
  • Fulfilled by: Αストア
  • ASIN: B09B52KBWC
  • Note: This article covers a manufacturer-made product based on Amazon listing details.