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    refurbished external hard drive - seeking advice

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by paradoxguy, May 30, 2012.

  1. paradoxguy

    paradoxguy Notebook Evangelist

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    I am considering purchasing a manufacturer-refurbished Western Digital (WD) Elements SE 1TB hard drive (portable) and possibly a refurbished WD Elements desktop hard drive. For anyone who has purchased refurbished WD hard drives, what has your experience been? I also welcome advice from others with knowledge in this area.

    Thanks much for your attention and any information.

    PG
     
    paradoxguy, May 30, 2012
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  2. truekiller28

    truekiller28 Notebook Consultant

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    Bought a 2TB WD Elements External Hard Drive in 2011. No problem since then.
     
    truekiller28, Jun 1, 2012
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  3. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Make sure it has the standard warranty, otherwise it isn't worth the risk. Make sure you do a full scan or two of the hard drive using HDTune followed up with a long SMART test.
     
    Greg, Jun 1, 2012
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  4. homank76

    homank76 Alienware/Dell Enthusiast

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    I wouldn't worry about being refurbished. I've never bought a refurb hard drive yet, but some companies go thru everything and sometimes its better than new.
     
    homank76, Jun 2, 2012
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  5. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    ...and I've also seen a lot of refurbished parts only carry a 90-day warranty.
     
    Greg, Jun 2, 2012
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  6. homank76

    homank76 Alienware/Dell Enthusiast

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    If they only come with a 90 day warranty than what would be the purpose of buying refurb unless you're going to save at least 25% off the cost.
     
    homank76, Jun 2, 2012
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  7. Qing Dao

    Qing Dao Notebook Deity

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    Refurbished mechanical hard drives have a lower failure rate than brand new ones. They have been checked and double checked. A lot more attention has been given to them to see if they are good or not that fresh ones coming off the assembly line.
     
    Qing Dao, Jun 2, 2012
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