14 Best Direct Attached Storage For 2024

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Introducing the 14 Best Direct Attached Storage for 2023. As technology continues to advance, storage solutions have become increasingly crucial for individuals and businesses alike. Direct Attached Storage (DAS) offers a reliable and efficient way to store and access data directly from a device. In this ever-evolving market, it can be challenging to choose the right DAS solution that meets your specific needs. That's why we have carefully curated a list of the 14 best DAS options for 2023, ensuring that you stay ahead with the latest and most efficient storage solutions for your data management requirements.

Seagate Cheetah 15K.7 600 GB 15000RPM SAS 6 Gb/s 16MB Cache 3.5 Inch Internal Bare Drive ST3600057SS

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Overall Score: 8.7/10

The Seagate Cheetah 15K.7 600 GB 15000RPM SAS 6 Gb/s 16MB Cache 3.5 Inch Internal Bare Drive ST3600057SS is a high-performance storage drive that is perfect for replacing old spindle drives. It offers 600 GB of storage capacity and operates at a fast 15000 RPM. The drive's 16 MB cache ensures smooth and efficient data transfers. With a sleek green color and compact dimensions of 12.00Lx6.00Wx6.00H, it is a great addition to any setup. Despite not being a certified Dell drive, it has received positive reviews from customers who have used it as a replacement drive in Dell servers. Overall, the Seagate Cheetah 15K.7 600 GB 15000RPM SAS 6 Gb/s 16MB Cache 3.5 Inch Internal Bare Drive ST3600057SS is a reliable and efficient storage solution for those in need of high-performance drives.

The Seagate Cheetah 15K.7 600 GB 15000RPM SAS 6 Gb/s 16MB Cache 3.5 Inch Internal Bare Drive ST3600057SS is an excellent option for those in need of high-performance storage. While it may not be certified by Dell, it has proven to be a reliable replacement drive in Dell servers according to customer reviews. The drive offers ample storage capacity, fast RPM, and an efficient cache, making it a great choice for upgrading old spindle drives. However, users should be aware of its compatibility limitations with Dell server RAID arrays. Overall, the Seagate Cheetah 15K.7 600 GB 15000RPM SAS 6 Gb/s 16MB Cache 3.5 Inch Internal Bare Drive ST3600057SS is a solid storage solution that delivers on both performance and reliability.

Sunany Flash Drive 128GB

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Overall Score: 8.5/10

The Sunany Flash Drive 128GB is a versatile USB memory stick that provides external storage for your phone, pad, Android, PC, and more devices. With a stylish pink design, this thumb drive is both functional and fashionable. It offers thumb drive access security with password and touch ID encryption to protect your private files. With high-speed data transfer and one-click backup, you can quickly backup photos, videos, and documents. The flash drive also allows you to watch videos directly from the device and share them to social media. It supports multiple devices and comes with a frosted aluminum metal design. The Sunany Flash Drive 128GB is a reliable storage solution for all your data needs.

The Sunany Flash Drive 128GB is a reliable and stylish storage solution for all your data transfer and backup needs. With its thumb drive access security, high-speed data transfer, and support for multiple devices, it offers convenience and functionality. The ability to watch videos directly from the flash drive and share them to social media enhances the user experience. However, the lack of a cap for protection and limitations in saving Live Photos as Live Photos are minor drawbacks. Overall, the Sunany Flash Drive 128GB is a great choice for those looking for a versatile and efficient storage device.

Seagate Barracuda Pro 1TB HDD

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Overall Score: 8/10

The Seagate Barracuda Pro Performance Internal Hard Drive is a high-speed storage solution designed for laptops and small-form factor systems. With its 7200RPM spin speed and sustained data rates of up to 160MB/s, this drive offers fast and reliable performance. Its thin 7mm z-height makes it the perfect fit for thin laptops and similar systems. The drive is compatible with creative professional systems, desktop or all-in-one PCs, home servers, and entry-level direct-attached storage devices. It comes bundled with 2 years of Seagate Rescue Data Recovery Services and has a 5-year product warranty, ensuring your data is protected. With its ample storage space, slim form factor, and impressive performance, the Seagate Barracuda Pro is a reliable choice for storage upgrades.

The Seagate Barracuda Pro Performance Internal Hard Drive offers impressive performance and reliability for storage upgrades in laptops and small-form factor systems. With its fast 7200RPM spin speed and sustained data rates, it delivers smooth operation and efficient data transfer. The slim form factor makes it easy to install in various devices, and the included data recovery services provide added peace of mind. While it may not match the speed of an SSD, it offers ample storage space and is a cost-effective choice. However, some users have experienced issues with previous Seagate drives, and occasional shipping errors by Amazon may cause inconvenience. Overall, the Barracuda Pro is a solid option for those looking to enhance their storage capabilities.

Seagate 4TB BarraCuda SATA 3.5-Inch Internal Hard Drive

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Overall Score: 8.5/10

The Seagate BarraCuda Internal Hard Drive is a cost-effective upgrade for laptop or desktop computers. With a capacity of 4TB, it allows you to store all of your games, music, movies, and more. It features a SATA 6Gb/s interface for optimized burst performance and offers hardware-based data security. The hard drive is best suited for desktop or all-in-one PCs, home servers, and entry-level direct-attached storage devices. It also comes with a 2-year limited manufacturer warranty. Overall, the Seagate BarraCuda Internal Hard Drive provides reliable storage at an affordable price.

The Seagate BarraCuda Internal Hard Drive is a great choice for those looking for a cost-effective storage upgrade. It offers a large capacity, reliable performance, and hardware-based data security. While there may be some compatibility issues with SATA III ports and the drive can be a bit noisy during small file transfers, overall it provides excellent value for the price. Whether you need extra storage for your games, music, or movies, this hard drive is a reliable option that won’t break the bank.

Seagate BarraCuda Pro 6TB Internal Hard Drive

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Overall Score: 8.5/10

The Seagate BarraCuda Pro Performance Internal Hard Drive is a fast and reliable storage option. With a 7200RPM spin speed and sustained data rates up to 250MB/s, this drive delivers high performance. It comes bundled with Seagate Rescue Data Recovery Services for added protection. The drive has a 5-year product warranty and a 300TB/year workload limit. It is compatible with various systems including creative pros systems, desktop or all-in-one PCs, home servers, and entry-level direct-attached storage devices. The drive has a capacity of 6TB and comes with a 128MB cache. The compact dimensions make it easy to install in any system. The Seagate BarraCuda Pro Performance Internal Hard Drive is a great choice for those in need of high-speed and reliable storage.

The Seagate BarraCuda Pro Performance Internal Hard Drive is a powerful storage solution that offers high performance and reliability. With its fast spin speed and data rates, it is ideal for creative professionals and those in need of large capacity storage. The bundled data recovery services provide added peace of mind. However, some users have reported noise issues and there are concerns about reliability based on reviews. Overall, if you are looking for a high-speed and dependable internal hard drive, the Seagate BarraCuda Pro is a solid choice.

QNAP TR-004 4 Bay USB Type-C DAS with hardware RAID (Diskless)

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Overall Score: 8.2/10

The QNAP TR-004 is a 4 Bay USB Type-C Direct Attached Storage (DAS) device that provides expandable storage for Windows, macOS, and Linux systems. It supports hardware RAID with options including RAID 0, 1, 5, JBOD, and individual disks. With lockable drive bays and a compact design, it offers secure and convenient storage. The TR-004 can be used as external storage for NAS backup and also as an expansion for QNAP NAS devices. It comes with a USB Type-C to Type-A connector cable for easy connectivity. The device does not support certain NAS models and cannot be combined into the connected NAS. Despite some limitations and issues with software compatibility, the QNAP TR-004 offers a reliable and affordable storage solution.

The QNAP TR-004 4 Bay USB Type-C Direct Attached Storage is an affordable and reliable storage solution for expanding the capacity of your QNAP NAS or as external storage for NAS backup. Despite a few limitations and concerns with software compatibility, the device offers hardware RAID support, lockable drive bays, and flexible connectivity options for Windows, macOS, and Linux systems. The compact design and easy setup make it a convenient choice for users looking to enhance their storage capabilities. However, it’s important to consider the compatibility with specific NAS models and the potential need for software updates in the future. Overall, the QNAP TR-004 provides great value for the price and is suitable for both personal and professional storage needs.

QNAP TR-002 2 Bay USB Type-C Direct Attached Storage (DAS) with Hardware RAID (Diskless) (TR-002-AMZ-US)

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Overall Score: 8/10

The QNAP TR-002 is a versatile 2 Bay USB Type-C Direct Attached Storage (DAS) device that provides high-speed storage capabilities for Windows, macOS, and Linux systems. It can be used as external storage for NAS backup or to expand the capacity of your QNAP NAS. With support for up to 2 2.5/3.5 inch SATA drives, this DAS offers fast and reliable storage options. The hardware RAID supports RAID 0, 1, JBOD, and individual disks, providing flexibility for various storage needs. The TR-002 also comes with a USB Type-C to USB 3.0 cable and lockable drive bays for added security.

Overall, the QNAP TR-002 2 Bay USB Type-C Direct Attached Storage is a reliable and versatile storage solution for users looking to expand the capacity of their QNAP NAS or utilize it as external storage for backup purposes. It offers high-speed performance, hardware RAID options, and lockable drive bays for added security. However, it may have slower performance in RAID 5 configurations. With its easy installation and use, reasonable price, and reliable hardware, this DAS is a great choice for users in need of additional storage capacity.

Seagate 300GB SAS Drive

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Overall Score: 7.3/10

The Seagate 300GB SAS 15K Rpm 3GB/S – ST3300656SS is a high-performance storage device perfect for data centers and NAS appliances. With its industry-leading reputation, this hard drive delivers outstanding performance and reliability. It features a capacity of 300GB and operates at 15,000 RPM, ensuring fast and efficient data transfer. The drive is compatible with various systems, including Dell servers. Additionally, it generates nominal heat and is energy-efficient, making it an excellent choice for minimizing energy costs. With positive customer feedback and a trusted brand name, the Seagate 300GB SAS is a reliable storage solution.

The Seagate 300GB SAS 15K Rpm 3GB/S – ST3300656SS is a reputable and efficient storage solution. It offers excellent performance, reliability, and compatibility with Dell servers. With its fast data transfer capability and energy-efficiency, this storage drive addresses the needs of data centers and other demanding environments. It has received positive customer feedback, further solidifying its reputation as an industry leader. Whether you need to expand your storage capacity or upgrade your existing system, the Seagate 300GB SAS is a reliable choice that you can count on.

Asustor AS5202T 2 Bay NAS

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Overall Score: 8/10

The Asustor AS5202T is a powerful 2-bay NAS that offers high-end specs at an affordable price. It features an Intel Celeron dual-core 2.7GHz CPU with 2GB DDR4 RAM (expandable up to 8GB) for power users and enthusiasts. The NAS is compatible with both 2.5" and 3.5" SATA SSD/HDD drives, allowing for a maximum storage capacity of 36TB. It also includes 2 x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports for faster performance and supports 4K HDR experiences with HDMI 2.0a. With a 3-year manufacturer warranty, the Asustor AS5202T is a reliable option for personal cloud storage.

The Asustor AS5202T is a budget-friendly NAS with impressive specifications and features. It offers high-end performance, expandable storage capacity, and 4K HDR support. While some apps may still be in development and the support may not be as mature as other brands, the overall performance and functionality make it a great choice for power users and technology enthusiasts. The NAS is easy to navigate and the 3-year manufacturer warranty provides peace of mind. Whether you need network storage, multimedia streaming, or a personal cloud, the Asustor AS5202T delivers on its promises.

ORICO MetaBox Pro HS200 – Powerful 2-Bay NAS DiskStation for Home/Office

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Overall Score: 8/10

The ORICO MetaBox Pro HS200 is a powerful 2-bay NAS diskless storage server that offers reliable network storage for home and office use. With its Intel Celeron N4020 Dual Core processor, 4GB RAM, and 2.5GbE Gigabit Ethernet ports, it is an excellent choice for multimedia entertainment and small office applications. It allows for automatic backup and remote access, supports multiple RAID array modes, and can be accessed through various devices. Additionally, the MetaBox Pro HS200 features intelligent management functions such as smart album organization, content isolation, and secure data encryption. Its elegant aluminum alloy enclosure ensures durability and it supports both 2.5 inch and 3.5 inch SATA 3.0 HDDs/SSDs with a maximum capacity of 36TB.

The ORICO MetaBox Pro HS200 is a feature-rich NAS storage server that offers excellent performance for home and office users. Its powerful hardware, automatic backup capabilities, and intelligent management functions make it a reliable and convenient solution for storing and accessing data remotely. The integrally formed aluminum alloy enclosure ensures durability, and its support for large storage capacity allows for extensive multimedia storage. However, the software has been reported to be sketchy, which may require additional workarounds or alternative software solutions. Overall, the MetaBox Pro HS200 is a solid choice for those in need of a versatile and efficient network storage solution.

Water Panther Arsenal 20TB DAS Hard Drive

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Overall Score: 8/10

The Water Panther Arsenal 20TB SATA 7200RPM 3.5-Inch DAS Hard Drive is a reliable and high-performance storage solution. Designed for direct-attached-storage (DAS) systems, this 20TB SATA HDD delivers consistent and responsive transfers, making it ideal for heavy workloads. Its optimized design ensures three times the workload capacity compared to NAS drives, and it seamlessly integrates into mainstream JBOD, disk shelf, and multi-bay RAID arrays. With low latency hardware and drop-in compatibility, this hard drive offers top-notch performance. Expand your storage capacity and enhance your workflow with the Water Panther Arsenal 20TB SATA DAS Hard Drive.

The Water Panther Arsenal 20TB SATA DAS Hard Drive is a reliable and high-performance storage solution. With its exceptional storage capacity and optimized design for heavy workloads, it is perfect for demanding storage needs. Its low latency hardware ensures top-notch performance, while its drop-in compatibility makes it easy to integrate into existing storage setups. However, there have been some issues with customers receiving renewed drives instead of new ones, which may cause confusion. Overall, if you’re in need of a robust and efficient storage solution, the Water Panther Arsenal 20TB SATA DAS Hard Drive is a solid choice.

Seagate Barracuda Green 2TB SATA 6Gb/s 64MB Cache

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Overall Score: 8/10

The Seagate Barracuda Green 2TB SATA 6Gb/s 64MB Cache 3.5-Inch Internal Bare Drive is a storage device designed for high-capacity desktop storage and network attached storage. It features a unique 5900-RPM speed for faster performance, Seagate SmartAlign technology for hassle-free installation, and a SATA 6Gb/s interface and 64MB cache for improved performance in cache-intensive applications. With plenty of capacity and compatibility with various storage devices and operating systems, this drive is a reliable option for storage-hungry applications. The drive also has a highly positive customer rating of 4.3/5.

The Seagate Barracuda Green 2TB SATA 6Gb/s 64MB Cache 3.5-Inch Internal Bare Drive is a reliable and high-capacity storage option for desktop and network attached storage systems. With its unique 5900-RPM speed, SmartAlign technology, and large cache, it offers improved performance for storage-intensive applications. While some users have reported drive failures and a slight spin-up delay, the majority of customers have praised its performance and reliability. Overall, it provides excellent value for the price and is a recommended choice for those in need of ample storage space.

Seagate BarraCuda Pro Performance HDD

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Overall Score: 8/10

The Seagate BarraCuda Pro Performance Internal Hard Drive is a high-performance storage solution for creative professionals, home servers, and desktop PCs. With a 12TB capacity, 7200RPM spin speed, and sustained data rates up to 250MB/s, this hard drive delivers fast and reliable performance. It is also bundled with Seagate Rescue Data Recovery Services, providing added protection against any mechanical, accidental, or natural disasters. The drive comes with a 5-year product warranty and a 300TB/year workload limit. Its compatibility with various systems makes it a versatile choice for different storage needs. Score: 8

The Seagate BarraCuda Pro Performance Internal Hard Drive offers impressive performance and reliability for various storage needs. With its fast data rates, high capacity, and added protection from data loss, it stands out as a top choice in storage products. The 5-year warranty and versatile compatibility make it a reliable option for creative professionals, home servers, and desktop PCs. While the long spin-up time and potential compatibility issues with certain enclosures can be minor drawbacks, the overall performance and features of this hard drive make it a solid investment.

Seagate Barracuda ST1000DX001 HDD

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Overall Score: 8/10

The Seagate Barracuda ST1000DX001 is a 1TB 3.5inch SSHD (Solid State Hybrid Drive) that combines the high capacity of a hard disk drive with the speed of a solid-state drive. With 8GB NAND flash and a 7200 RPM spindle speed, it performs up to 5X faster than traditional desktop hard drives. This SSHD improves overall system responsiveness by 30% or more and can boot Windows 10 in less than 10 seconds. The drive features a state-of-the-art cache and on-the-fly error-correction algorithms. It comes as a bare drive only, without any screws, cables, or accessories. Backed by a 5-year warranty, it is brand new and factory sealed.

The Seagate Barracuda ST1000DX001 is an impressive hard disk drive that offers a great balance between performance and capacity. With its 1TB storage and 8GB NAND flash, it delivers faster load times and improved system responsiveness. Boasting a 5-year warranty, this drive ensures reliability and peace of mind. It is perfect for users who require high-speed storage for their intensive tasks, such as gaming and video editing. The only drawback is that it comes as a bare drive only, so users need to ensure they have the necessary screws, cables, and accessories. Overall, the Seagate Barracuda ST1000DX001 is a top-notch storage solution for those seeking enhanced performance and ample capacity.

Buyer's Guide: Direct Attached Storage

In today's digital age, the need for data storage is ever-increasing. Whether you are a professional working with large files, a business with growing data requirements, or a home user looking for extra storage capacity, direct attached storage (DAS) can be a reliable solution. To help you navigate through the options and make an informed decision, we have prepared this buyer's guide on direct attached storage.

Advantages of Direct Attached Storage:

• Speed: DAS offers high-speed data transfer rates, allowing for quick access and retrieval of files.
• Reliability: Since DAS connects directly to your device without any network intermediaries, it provides a stable and reliable storage solution.
• Security: With DAS, you have greater control over your data's security and can implement your own encryption or security protocols.
• Scalability: DAS can be easily expanded by adding additional drives or upgrading storage capacity, ensuring it grows along with your needs.
• Plug-and-Play: Connecting DAS to your device is as simple as plugging in a cable, making it easy to set up and use.

Types of Direct Attached Storage:

1. External Hard Drives – Compact and portable, these drives connect to your device via USB, offering high storage capacity for personal or small-scale storage needs.
2. External Solid State Drives (SSDs) – Similar to external hard drives but with faster data transfer rates due to their SSD technology, they are ideal for users who require even speedier data access.
3. Storage Arrays and Enclosures – These devices are designed for professional or business use, usually consisting of multiple hard drives or SSDs configured for increased performance, redundancy, or both.

Considerations when Choosing Direct Attached Storage:

1. Storage Capacity – Determine how much storage space you require for your data, considering present and future needs. It's better to have some extra capacity to accommodate potential growth.
2. Data Transfer Speed – Depending on your use case, consider the required speed for data transfer. SSDs generally have faster transfer rates than traditional hard drives.
3. Connection Options – Ensure that the DAS you choose has compatible connection ports for your device, such as USB, Thunderbolt, FireWire, or eSATA.
4. Physical Size and Portability – Take into account the physical size and weight of the DAS if portability is important to you. Consider whether a desktop-sized storage array or a compact external drive suits your needs better.
5. Reliability and Data Security – Investigate the reliability and data protection features of the DAS, such as RAID support, encryption capabilities, or backup software compatibility.
6. Budget – Determine your budget and explore options that align with it. While DAS can offer cost-effective storage solutions, higher-end models with advanced features can be pricier.