HGST Ultrastar DC HC550 18 TB Hard Drive - Internal - SATA (SATA/600) - 3.5" Carrier

Introducing the HGST Ultrastar DC HC550 18 TB Hard Drive, an enterprise-grade internal storage solution purpose-built for data centers, large-scale backups, and media libraries. This 18-terabyte powerhouse is designed to deliver massive capacity with consistent performance and reliability in demanding workloads. With a SATA (SATA/600) interface and a 3.5" carrier, it slides seamlessly into standard server bays and storage enclosures, enabling rapid deployment and scalable storage growth. Engineered for continuous operation, the DC HC550 is optimized to support archival storage, data-intensive applications, and high-volume data workflows while keeping power usage and costs in check.

• Massive 18 TB capacity for expansive data archives, backups, media libraries, surveillance footage, and large-scale analytics — reducing the need for frequent expansion and enabling longer data retention.
• Enterprise-grade SATA interface (SATA/600) for broad compatibility with a wide range of servers, NAS/SAN appliances, and storage arrays, ensuring straightforward integration into existing infrastructure.
• 3.5" internal drive with a standard carrier, designed for easy installation into common drive bays and hot-swap backplanes, minimizing downtime during upgrades or replacements.
• Engineered for 24/7 operation in data centers, featuring robust reliability and data integrity for mission-critical workloads, with endurance built to withstand continuous read/write cycles and power events.
• Energy-conscious storage solution that delivers dense capacity without sacrificing performance, helping data centers optimize total cost of ownership while maintaining consistent throughput for bulk data transfer and batch processing.

Technical Details of HGST Ultrastar DC HC550 18 TB Hard Drive

• Capacity: 18 TB
• Interface: SATA 6 Gb/s (SATA/600)
• Form Factor: 3.5-inch internal enterprise hard disk drive with standard carrier
• Drive Type: Ultrastar enterprise-grade HDD designed for data centers and storage arrays
• Compatibility: Suitable for servers, storage enclosures, NAS/SAN systems, and back-end storage arrays that support 3.5-inch drives

How to install HGST Ultrastar DC HC550 18 TB Hard Drive

Follow these steps to install the drive into a compatible server or storage array:

Step 1: Power down the system and disconnect it from the power source. Ground yourself to prevent static discharge before handling the drive.

Step 2: Open the server or storage enclosure to access the drive bays. If you are replacing an existing drive, remove the old drive and any carrier or sled as required by your chassis.

Step 3: If your enclosure uses a carrier, insert the Ultrastar DC HC550 into the carrier and secure it with any screws or locking mechanisms specified by the chassis design. Ensure the drive is firmly seated in the carrier.

Step 4: Connect the SATA data and power cables to the drive. In hot-swap backplanes, align the drive with the backplane connectors and slide it into the bay until it seats securely. Verify a firm connection for both data and power.

Step 5: Return the carrier (if used) to the drive bay and secure the bay door or latch. Reconnect power and, if applicable, network cables tied to the storage array or server.

Step 6: Power on the system and access the storage management interface. Initialize the new drive if required by your operating system or storage array. For drives replacing components in a RAID or storage pool, allow the array to perform rebuild or syncing operations as needed.

Step 7: Run a quick health check using your preferred diagnostic and firmware utilities. Confirm the drive reports correctly in the management console, and apply any available firmware updates to ensure optimal compatibility and performance with your infrastructure.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the capacity of the HGST Ultrastar DC HC550 18 TB drive?

  A: It provides 18 terabytes of storage, suitable for extensive archival and data-intensive workflows.

• Q: What interface does it use?

  A: It uses a SATA 6 Gb/s interface (SATA/600), ensuring broad compatibility with a wide range of servers and storage systems.

• Q: What form factor is this drive?

  A: It is a 3.5-inch internal enterprise hard drive designed for standard drive bays and carriers in data-center environments.

• Q: Is this drive suitable for 24/7 operation?

  A: Yes. Ultrastar drives are built for continuous operation in enterprise settings, offering reliability and data integrity for demanding workloads.

• Q: How do I integrate this drive into a RAID or NAS system?

  A: Install it into a compatible 3.5-inch drive bay, connect the SATA data and power, and follow your storage array or OS provisioning steps to add the drive to an existing pool or create a new volume. If using hot-swap bays, ensure proper backplane alignment for a seamless rebuild.