F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Question about hard disk sizes and backup issues

Question about hard disk sizes and backup issues

Question about hard disk sizes and backup issues

E
Ediboo
Junior Member
4
01-23-2025, 02:59 AM
#1
Hi,
I do regular backups and currently have Jan and Feb images ready.
I plan to purchase either a 6TB 3.5 hard drive or two 4TB 3.5 hard drives.
I want to know if there’s any difference in storage: putting Jan and Feb into one 6TB drive versus storing Jan in a 4TB drive and Feb in another 4TB drive?
Also, will using a 3.5 hard disk without use for a long time (stored in the cabinet) cause it to fail?
I might buy a used HGST disk; do they come in different types like WD black, blue, red, green, purple? I’m new to HGST and need to know which is best for PC use?
I plan to buy a used 3.5 hard drive from a seller who said it was used for NAS. Does that mean it’s always on and more likely to fail? Should I buy it? Here’s the disk photo: https://imgur.com/a/BZfn4i3 and the view: https://imgur.com/a/BZfn4i3
I’m trying to save money, so I’m considering buying a used disk for backups. It seems unlikely both storage and backup drives will fail at once, right? Is it a good idea or not? I think used disks might wear out faster.
E
Ediboo
01-23-2025, 02:59 AM #1

Hi,
I do regular backups and currently have Jan and Feb images ready.
I plan to purchase either a 6TB 3.5 hard drive or two 4TB 3.5 hard drives.
I want to know if there’s any difference in storage: putting Jan and Feb into one 6TB drive versus storing Jan in a 4TB drive and Feb in another 4TB drive?
Also, will using a 3.5 hard disk without use for a long time (stored in the cabinet) cause it to fail?
I might buy a used HGST disk; do they come in different types like WD black, blue, red, green, purple? I’m new to HGST and need to know which is best for PC use?
I plan to buy a used 3.5 hard drive from a seller who said it was used for NAS. Does that mean it’s always on and more likely to fail? Should I buy it? Here’s the disk photo: https://imgur.com/a/BZfn4i3 and the view: https://imgur.com/a/BZfn4i3
I’m trying to save money, so I’m considering buying a used disk for backups. It seems unlikely both storage and backup drives will fail at once, right? Is it a good idea or not? I think used disks might wear out faster.

T
52
01-23-2025, 03:00 AM
#2
The main idea is 3-2-1.
Three copies, on at least two different devices, with one offsite or otherwise inaccessible.
My 'offsite' consists of a few drives stored in a desk drawer at work, refreshed roughly every quarter.
Other local backups occur daily, weekly, every other day, varying by system.
There is no single correct method.
As long as you follow the process and understand recovery options.
Avoid purchasing used drives.
This one is already seven years old.
T
TheBionicSheep
01-23-2025, 03:00 AM #2

The main idea is 3-2-1.
Three copies, on at least two different devices, with one offsite or otherwise inaccessible.
My 'offsite' consists of a few drives stored in a desk drawer at work, refreshed roughly every quarter.
Other local backups occur daily, weekly, every other day, varying by system.
There is no single correct method.
As long as you follow the process and understand recovery options.
Avoid purchasing used drives.
This one is already seven years old.

S
Summerbirth
Member
142
01-23-2025, 03:00 AM
#3
Your scenario involves having data on two distinct storage locations: one on your PC and another on a Macrium backup drive. This meets the requirement of being spread across at least two different devices. To achieve three copies with at least one offline, you would need an additional backup method or storage medium.
S
Summerbirth
01-23-2025, 03:00 AM #3

Your scenario involves having data on two distinct storage locations: one on your PC and another on a Macrium backup drive. This meets the requirement of being spread across at least two different devices. To achieve three copies with at least one offline, you would need an additional backup method or storage medium.

F
foge09
Junior Member
3
01-23-2025, 03:00 AM
#4
Yes, this is the "2". The "3" can appear anywhere.
Cloud, a friend's house, desk drawer....
This protects against threats such as malware or ransomware. When fully disconnected, it remains secure and cannot be breached.
F
foge09
01-23-2025, 03:00 AM #4

Yes, this is the "2". The "3" can appear anywhere.
Cloud, a friend's house, desk drawer....
This protects against threats such as malware or ransomware. When fully disconnected, it remains secure and cannot be breached.

T
titan1120
Junior Member
14
01-23-2025, 03:00 AM
#5
I searched for the P/N 0F26900 HGST disk and reviewed the available options. It appears to be a NAS hard drive, suitable for normal data storage and backup purposes.
T
titan1120
01-23-2025, 03:00 AM #5

I searched for the P/N 0F26900 HGST disk and reviewed the available options. It appears to be a NAS hard drive, suitable for normal data storage and backup purposes.

K
Kaisetsu
Senior Member
651
01-23-2025, 03:00 AM
#6
Yes, you can use those.
K
Kaisetsu
01-23-2025, 03:00 AM #6

Yes, you can use those.