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MW

MW

Western Digital My Book Essential 2TB External USB Hard Drive Review

Video thumbnail for Western Digital My Book Essential 2TB External USB Hard Drive Review by MW

Western Digital My Book Essential 2TB External USB Hard Drive Review

MW

MW

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about WD MyBook 2TB.

Build quality

  • Some MyBook cases lack internal fans, causing drives to run hot, potentially impacting longevity.

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Comparisons

  • WD MyBook and WD Red Plus/Pro both offer a three-year warranty, influencing buying decisions based on price rather than performance differences.

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  • Elements drives are noted to be easier to open compared to MyBook, which can be challenging to disassemble without voiding the warranty.

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Features and functionality

  • Larger drives, particularly those above 12TB, can produce more noise, especially in non-helium models.

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  • It's been highlighted that MyBook enclosures may have compatibility issues with non-WD drives, especially newer models, unless modifications are made.

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  • Some MyBook models may operate at 5400 RPM, while Elements models might run at 7200 RPM, affecting data transfer speeds.

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User experience

  • External enclosures with fans are suggested to potentially extend drive lifespan beyond standard external cases.

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  • Owners report that shucking a MyBook often requires cutting pins or removing a chip, making it less ideal for those planning frequent drive swaps.

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  • Shucking used to offer significant cost savings, but current market conditions often make buying internal drives directly more economical without modification hassles.

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Setup and maintenance

  • It's crucial to maintain multiple backups, ideally with one offsite, to safeguard against data loss due to drive failure.

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  • If a MyBook is shucked, the enclosure becomes e-waste, whereas Elements enclosures can be reused, adding long-term value.

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Critic Reviews

Western Digital My Book Desktop Review | Tested

techgearlab.com

The WD MyBook 2TB excels in offering vast storage and fast read/write speeds, making it a top choice for stationary setups. Its compatibility with various systems, including Mac, Windows, and Android, adds to its convenience. However, its bulky size and need for an AC wall outlet mean it's not portable, making it less ideal for those on the move. If you need massive, cost-effective storage that stays put, it's a solid pick, but if mobility is key, look elsewhere.

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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volcrom

Great

I use it a lot. It requires a separate power source, so watch out. I use it to keep all my projects, designs, and everything that is important so in the case of a computer failure my data is safe.

Artist usage

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Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use WD MyBook 2TB, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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