Review of the WD 5TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive
Western Digital (WD) has long been a trusted name in data storage solutions, and their 5TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive (model: WDBU6Y0050BBK-WESN) stands as a testament to their commitment to quality, capacity, and convenience. This review will delve into its features, performance, usability, and overall value for both PC and Mac users.
Design and Build Quality
Dimensions and Weight
The WD 5TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive is sleek, compact, and designed for portability. Measuring at 4.35 x 3.23 x 0.82 inches and weighing a mere 8.3 ounces, it easily fits into a laptop bag or even a pocket, making it an ideal companion for users on the go.
Aesthetic Appeal
The drive sports a minimalist black design that is both elegant and unobtrusive. While aesthetics may not be the primary concern for many users, the understated look aligns well with modern tech devices, making it a good fit whether at home, in the office, or on the road.
Capacity and Performance
Huge Storage Capacity
With a capacity of up to 5TB, this external hard drive provides ample storage space for photos, videos, music, important documents, and much more. The vast capacity allows users to store an extensive library of files without the need for constant data management, which is particularly useful for creative professionals and data enthusiasts.
Speed and Connectivity
Equipped with USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps) and USB 2.0 compatibility, the drive offers impressive data transfer speeds. Users have reported quick file transfers, which is essential for anyone dealing with large files, such as video editing or backups. The drive’s plug-and-play functionality means that it’s ready to use out of the box, with no complicated setup required.
Usability
Cross-Platform Compatibility
This external hard drive is designed to function seamlessly with both PC and Mac systems, further enhancing its versatility. However, Mac users need to remember that reformatting is required before the initial use, a relatively simple task that can be accomplished in just a few minutes.
Time Machine Issues
While many users have reported smooth experiences, some have faced challenges when using Apple’s Time Machine for backups. Notably, the drive may reformat to the Apple File System (APFS) during the first backup, which can block further access. Users should be aware of this to avoid unexpected issues.
Reliability and Durability
Long-Lasting Performance
Feedback from long-time users indicates that the WD 5TB Elements drive is built to last. Many have reported no data loss or operational issues even after several years of use. The manual operation power source also adds to its reliability, as it eliminates potential issues related to power supply failures.
Caution with Portability
While the drive is portable, it is essential to handle it with care. As it contains mechanical components, dropping or jostling the drive while it is in use can lead to damage. For users who frequently move their storage devices, an SSD may be a more suitable option.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High Storage Capacity: 5TB provides significant space for data storage.
- Fast Data Transfer Speeds: USB 3.2 Gen 1 ensures quick file transfers.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Works seamlessly with PC and Mac.
- Compact and Lightweight: Easy to carry for on-the-go users.
- Plug-and-Play Setup: No complicated installation required.
Cons
- Reformatting for Mac Users: Requires reformatting for initial use on Mac.
- Potential Time Machine Issues: Some users experienced complications with backups.
- Mechanical Components: Care must be taken during transport to avoid damage.
Overall Rating: 4.7/5⭐
After a thorough evaluation, the WD 5TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive earns an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Its excellent storage capacity and performance make it a valuable asset for both casual users and professionals alike, though minor usability issues related to Mac compatibility prevent it from achieving a perfect score.
Ratings Breakdown:
- Design: ★★★★½
- Performance: ★★★★★
- Usability: ★★★★★
- Reliability: ★★★★☆
- Value for Money: ★★★★★
Conclusion
The WD 5TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive is an excellent choice for anyone in need of a substantial amount of storage in a compact package. Its reliability, speed, and cross-compatibility make it appealing to a wide range of users. While there are a few caveats, particularly for Mac users, the advantages far outweigh the downsides. For those looking for a dependable external storage solution, the WD Elements drive is hard to beat.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the WD 5TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive compatible with both Windows and Mac?
Yes, it is compatible with both PC and Mac, though Mac users will need to format the drive initially.
2. How fast is the data transfer speed?
The drive supports USB 3.2 Gen 1, providing transfer speeds up to 5Gbps.
3. Do I need an external power source for this hard drive?
No, the WD 5TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive is powered through the USB connection, making it convenient to use.
4. Can this drive be used for Time Machine backups on Mac?
Yes, but there may be issues with Time Machine automatically reformatting the drive to APFS during the first backup.
5. What should I do if I encounter problems with the drive?
If you experience issues, check the connections, try using a different USB port, or consult WD’s customer support for assistance.
DG –
The Western Digital 2TB Elements SE Portable SSD is an excellent storage option. Its lightweight design, speed, and portability make transferring files a breeze. With USB 3.0 compatibility, it delivers outstanding performance on both PC and Mac. Dependable and compact, it’s ideal for those who need storage on the move. I highly recommend it for additional storage!
Sterzy –
I’ve been using this external hard drive for over four years, and it has been completely reliable—no data loss, crashes, or issues whatsoever. My only regret is not regularly backing up my important documents and grad school files from my laptop.
It’s incredibly convenient with its plug-and-play feature and doesn’t require an external power source. Plus, it’s even smaller than my iPhone!
I upgraded from a 1TB WD external hard drive that required external power, which also worked perfectly but was much bulkier. If you need external storage, I highly recommend Western Digital.
Mariana Ceci –
Excellent quality external hard drive, very fast at transferring files from the computer/laptop. Definitely worth it!
Mariana Ceci –
Works well, safe, and reliable. Durable.
Ricardo –
I have been using this product for years, and it still works flawlessly. I can store movies from the disk, and the speed at which the information transfers is impressive.
21days –
The WD external drive performed excellently with my brand new 2022 MacBook Pro featuring the M1 Pro chip. It’s impressive how affordable HDDs have become. I plan to keep purchasing them until the prices of external SSDs drop. You can get double the storage capacity with HDDs at half the price of SSDs.
As is the case with all external drives for Mac backups, reformatting the disk is necessary before use, and this WD drive is no exception. Fortunately, reformatting is a quick and straightforward process that only takes a few minutes to prepare the drive for your Mac.
However, I encountered some challenges with Time Machine on the latest version of Monterey that came pre-installed on my laptop. No matter what format I selected during reformatting, Time Machine automatically reformats the drive to the new Apple File System (APFS) when I performed the first backup. Additionally, after Time Machine reformats the drive to APFS and completes the backup, it restricts access, preventing any additional file storage or modifications. Essentially, the drive becomes dedicated solely to backups. Moreover, with the APFS format, the drive cannot be used to backup older Apple computers, which I have never experienced with my previous Apple devices.
To confirm that this wasn’t an issue specific to the WD brand, I tested several other HDDs from different manufacturers, and they exhibited the same behavior. After multiple calls to Apple, I discovered that this is indeed a known issue with Time Machine. The only workaround is to create a “new volume” on the external HDD, allowing you to store other files separately. You can create as many volumes as needed, and APFS facilitates this process. Once the HDD is connected, the backup volume appears on your desktop (indicated by a Time Machine color) alongside any additional volumes you’ve created (shown in yellow).
I hope this information helps others avoid the frustration of dealing with Time Machine and external drives while using the latest Monterey version. I also hope Apple addresses this issue, as it seems illogical for Time Machine to override your chosen reformat option and restrict the drive’s functionality.
Overall, the WD external drive is fantastic. It offers great value with 2TB of storage and is compact and lightweight. The issues I experienced are specific to the Apple operating system and would occur with any HDD brand.
Ian Nandhra –
TL;dr – It works wonderfully. Handle it with care, be ready to replace the included cable (as it tends to fail), and enjoy ample storage at a great price.
If you’ve landed here, you’ve likely read numerous external drive reviews. With over 44 years in the tech industry, I’ve seen everything from 128KB 8” floppy disks to today’s advanced drives. I’ve tested many external drives over the years.
To clarify, this drive isn’t a “portable drive”; it’s an external drive you can move if needed. Like all such drives, it has delicate moving parts. Dropping it can cause damage, and moving it while in use is risky. Think of it like a laptop—drop it, and it’s likely to break. If you want something truly portable, opt for an SSD.
I bought this drive primarily for cloud storage and archiving large data sets for read-only access, as well as a buffer for cloud synchronization (lots of read/write operations). It performed so well that I purchased a second one and may get a third.
While cloud storage is excellent for frequently accessed files, for your video library, extensive music collection, or the 130GB of photos your spouse took last month, offline storage is preferable. This drive fits the bill perfectly.
Is it fast? It’s not as quick as an SSD, but it outperforms many other external hard drives. For speed, stick with your device’s local SSD or invest in an external SSD. If you’re looking to save money, this drive is still an excellent choice.
The drive operates quietly and runs slightly warm. I did experience the infamous “click of death.” It won’t function properly on an overloaded unpowered USB hub (resulting in clicking due to insufficient power). The included cable can be problematic, and I recommend getting a replacement. Yes, I had the click, click issue because of the cable failure (luckily, I had a spare handy). This is something that can happen with any drive, so it’s not unique to this one.
My setup includes Windows 10 Pro and Home on Lenovo, Surface Books, and Surface Pro; it works flawlessly right out of the box.
For those who complain about compatibility with certain backup software, that’s not the drive’s fault. Similarly, if you’re looking for speed for gaming, you should have chosen an SSD instead.
Yes, it’s compatible with OneDrive; just create a junction from your OneDrive folder to the desired folder on the external drive using the command:
mklink /J srcFolder destFolder
With such a large capacity for extensive data, tools like robocopy (included in Windows) and mklink for creating junctions will be very helpful.
What if the drive fails? Like any drive, you risk data loss. The best practice is to buy two drives and sync one with the other.
Pros: 5TB of storage for under $100. Quiet, efficient, and gets the job done. It’s a disk drive, not meant to be thrilling.
Cons: The cable leaves much to be desired; invest in a better one for about $6. Remember, as with all drives, treat it with care.
Robin johnson –
Extremely useful since my laptop has limited storage. It fits perfectly in a bank safety deposit box for secure offsite backup.
Ricardo –
The product arrived on time and in perfect condition. I found it a bit odd that the box was outside the bubble wrap, but everything else was great. It comes with a manual and cable, and it works well. A small light turns on when it’s connected. Although it isn’t exactly 1TB—it’s 931GB—it’s more than sufficient. I’m satisfied.