Are you in need of additional storage space for your desktop computer? Look no further! In this article, we will explore the top 8 incredible external hard drives for desktop computers that are predicted to dominate the market in 2023. These external hard drives offer high storage capacities, lightning-fast data transfer speeds, and enhanced durability, making them the perfect solution for anyone looking to expand their storage options. Whether you are a gamer, professional photographer, or simply need extra space for your files, these external hard drives will surely meet your expectations and beyond. Get ready to revolutionize your desktop computer experience with these cutting-edge storage devices!
Overall Score: 7.5/10
The WD 6TB Elements Desktop USB 3.0 external hard drive is a high-capacity storage solution that offers fast data transfers and is plug-and-play ready for Windows PCs. With its sleek and minimalist design, this hard drive is both stylish and compact, making it easy to fit on any desk or in a cabinet. It is made of durable materials and feels sturdy and well-built. The drive uses USB 3.0 technology, providing data transfer rates of up to 5 Gbps. It is compatible with WD's backup software, allowing for automatic file backups. Overall, the WD 6TB Elements Desktop USB 3.0 external hard drive is a reliable and easy-to-use storage option for both personal and professional use.
Key Features
- High-capacity add-on storage
- Fast data transfers
- Plug-and-play ready for Windows PCs
- WD quality inside and out
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 5.30Lx1.90Wx6.50H
- Size: 6TB
Pros
- High storage capacity
- Fast data transfer speeds
- Reliable and durable build
- Compatibility with WD backup software
Cons
- Drive can get hot
- Some units have a smelly odor
- Noise issue at idle
- No internal fan
The WD 6TB Elements Desktop USB 3.0 external hard drive is an excellent choice for those in need of a large storage solution. Its high capacity, fast transfer speeds, and reliable performance make it ideal for both personal and professional use. However, users should be aware of the potential heating and noise issues that may arise with prolonged use. Overall, this hard drive provides great value for its price and is a convenient plug-and-play option for Windows PC users.
Overall Score: 9/10
The Avolusion PRO-5Y Series 18TB USB 3.0 External Hard Drive is a reliable and spacious storage solution for Windows OS desktop PCs and laptops. With a built-in 18TB capacity (approximately 16TB available after formatting), it offers ample space for expanding your computer's storage and creating backup copies of your important files. This external hard drive is easy to use, simply connect it to a USB 3.0 port and start transferring data. Featuring a sleek white design, it adds a stylish touch to your setup. With its 2-year warranty, you can have peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected.
Key Features
- Built-in 18TB Capacity USB 3.0 External Hard Drive
- Works for any Windows OS Desktop PC/Laptop with USB 3.0 Port
- Instantly expand computer hard drive storage without opening up the case
- Perfect for hard drive expansion and backup storage for Windows OS system
- 2-Year Warranty from Reseller
Specifications
- Color: White
- Dimension: 8.00Lx5.00Wx1.60H
Pros
- Large 18TB capacity for ample storage
- Easy to use, no need to open up the computer case
- Sleek and stylish white design
- Comes with a 2-year warranty for added peace of mind
Cons
The Avolusion PRO-5Y Series 18TB USB 3.0 External Hard Drive is an excellent choice for those in need of significant storage expansion and backup capabilities. Its large 18TB capacity ensures you have enough space for all your files, while the USB 3.0 connectivity offers fast data transfer speeds. The sleek white design adds a touch of elegance to any setup. Additionally, the 2-year warranty provides assurance of its reliability. Whether you’re a professional needing extra storage for work files or a casual user looking to backup precious memories, this external hard drive delivers on performance and convenience.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
The WD 6TB My Book Desktop External Hard Drive is a reliable and secure storage solution. With a massive capacity of up to 18TB, it is perfect for both business and personal use. It comes with software for device management and backup, including password protection for added security. The hard drive features a 256-bit AES hardware encryption and is compatible with SuperSpeed USB 3.0. With its sleek black design and compact dimensions, it is easy to fit into any workspace. Keep your important files and backups safe with this powerful external hard drive.
Key Features
- Massive capacity, up to 18TB
- Includes software for device management and backup
- 256-bit AES hardware encryption
- Super Speed USB 3.0 compatibility
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 3.46Lx8.50Wx6.70H
- Size: 6TB
Pros
- Large storage capacity
- Password protection for added security
- Fast data transfer speeds
Cons
- Noisy drives
- Misleading advertised capacity
- Software installation issues
The WD 6TB My Book Desktop External Hard Drive is a reliable choice for those in need of secure and spacious storage. It offers a massive capacity, fast data transfer speeds, and password protection for added security. While the drive may produce some noise and have a slightly lower usable capacity than advertised, it still performs well. The software installation process could be improved for a smoother user experience. Overall, this external hard drive provides a reliable and convenient backup solution for both personal and business use.
Overall Score: 8/10
The Avolusion PRO-T5 Series 12TB USB 3.0 External Hard Drive offers a convenient way to expand your computer's storage instantly. With an impressive 12TB capacity (approximately 10TB available after formatting), it provides ample space for backing up your entire Windows OS system. The sleek white design adds a touch of elegance to your setup. Simply plug it into the USB 3.0 port of your Windows OS desktop PC or laptop and enjoy the benefits of added storage without the need to open up your computer's case. With a 2-year warranty from the reseller, you can trust in the reliability and durability of this external hard drive.
Key Features
- Built-in 12TB capacity USB 3.0 external hard drive
- Works with any Windows OS desktop PC or laptop
- Expand computer hard drive storage instantly
- Perfect for hard drive expansion and backup storage
- 2-year warranty from reseller
Specifications
- Color: White
- Dimension: 8.00Lx5.00Wx1.60H
Pros
- Large 12TB capacity
- Fast USB 3.0 connection
- Easy to use, no need to open up computer
- 2-year warranty for peace of mind
Cons
The Avolusion PRO-T5 Series 12TB USB 3.0 External Hard Drive is a reliable and convenient solution for expanding the storage of your Windows OS desktop PC or laptop. With a massive 12TB capacity and fast USB 3.0 connection, you can easily backup and store your entire system without worrying about running out of space. The white design adds a sleek touch to your setup, while the 2-year warranty provides peace of mind. Whether you need additional storage for work or personal use, this external hard drive is a reliable choice.
Overall Score: 9/10
The Avolusion PRO-T5 Series 18TB USB 3.0 External Hard Drive is a game-changer for keeping your files safe and sound. With its built-in 18TB capacity, it allows you to expand your computer hard drive storage instantly without opening up the case. Perfect for hard drive expansion and backup storage for your entire Windows OS system, this external hard drive offers unparalleled file protection. It comes with a 2-year warranty, ensuring peace of mind. The Avolusion PRO-T5 Series 18TB USB 3.0 External Hard Drive is a reliable and essential solution for anyone who values control over their data.
Key Features
- Built-in 18TB Capacity USB 3.0 External Hard Drive (estimate 16TB Capacity available after formatted)
- Works for any Windows OS Desktop PC, Laptop with USB 3.0 Port
- Expand computer hard drive storage instantly! Add extra storage to your Desktop PC / Laptop Without opening up the case
- Perfect for hard drive expansion and backup storage for your entire Windows OS system! (Do it before it crashes, you never know when it will happen! "Daily schedule backup is no longer optional")
- 2 Years Warranty from Reseller
Specifications
- Color: White
- Dimension: 8.00Lx5.00Wx1.60H
Pros
- High capacity for large storage needs
- Compatible with Windows OS devices
- Easy installation without opening up the case
- Reliable file protection and backup solution
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
Cons
- USB cable could be a bit longer
The Avolusion PRO-T5 Series 18TB USB 3.0 External Hard Drive is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-capacity storage solution. Its easy installation and compatibility with Windows OS devices make it a convenient option. With unparalleled file protection and backup features, this external hard drive ensures the safety of your data. However, a longer USB cable would have been appreciated. Overall, the Avolusion PRO-T5 Series 18TB USB 3.0 External Hard Drive is a reliable and essential tool for anyone who wants control over their data and peace of mind.
Overall Score: 8/10
The Avolusion PRO-5X Series 18TB USB 3.0 External Hard Drive is a convenient and reliable storage solution for Windows OS Desktop PCs and laptops. With its built-in 18TB capacity (approximately 16TB after formatting), it allows you to expand your computer's storage without the need to open up the case. This external hard drive is perfect for both hard drive expansion and backup storage for your entire Windows OS system. The 2-year warranty provides peace of mind, and the white color adds a touch of elegance to your setup.
Key Features
- Built-in 18TB Capacity USB 3.0 External Hard Drive
- Works for any WIndows OS Desktop PC, Laptop with USB 3.0 Port
- Expand computer hard drive storage instantly
- Perfect for hard drive expansion and backup storage for Windows OS system
- 2 Years Warranty from Reseller
Specifications
- Color: White
- Dimension: 8.00Lx5.00Wx1.60H
Pros
- Massive 18TB capacity
- Easy installation without opening up the case
- Reliable backup storage solution
- 2-year warranty for added peace of mind
Cons
The Avolusion PRO-5X Series 18TB USB 3.0 External Hard Drive provides a convenient and reliable solution for expanding storage and backing up your Windows OS system. With its massive 18TB capacity and easy installation, you can ensure all your data is safe and accessible. The 2-year warranty adds an extra layer of security, making it a worthwhile investment. Whether you need additional storage for your desktop PC or laptop, this external hard drive delivers on both performance and reliability.
Overall Score: 8/10
The Avolusion PRO-Z Series 8TB USB 3.0 External Hard Drive is a reliable solution for expanding storage on Windows OS Desktop PCs and Laptops. With its built-in 8TB capacity, it provides ample space for backup storage and HDD expansion. The hard drive is easy to set up and works with any Windows OS system. It comes with a 2-year warranty for added peace of mind. The drive offers fast transfers and is pre-formatted for Windows. While it may not be the fastest drive on the market, it delivers solid performance at an affordable price. The only downside is that it can be a bit noisy. Overall, it is a great choice for those in need of budget-friendly storage.
Key Features
- Built-in 8TB Capacity USB 3.0 External Hard Drive
- Works for any Windows OS Desktop PC, Laptop with USB 3.0 Port
- Expand computer hard drive storage instantly!
- Perfect for hard drive expansion and backup storage
- 2 Years Warranty from Reseller
Specifications
- Color: White
- Dimension: 8.00Lx5.00Wx1.60H
- Size: 8TB
Pros
- Large 8TB storage capacity
- Affordable price
- Easy to set up
- Fast transfers
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Can be noisy
- Not the fastest drive
- Short USB cord
The Avolusion PRO-Z Series 8TB USB 3.0 External Hard Drive offers an affordable solution for expanding storage on Windows OS devices. With its large storage capacity, it provides ample space for backup storage and HDD expansion. The drive delivers solid performance and fast transfers, although it can be a bit noisy. The short USB cord may also be a drawback for some users. Overall, it is a reliable and budget-friendly option for those in need of extra storage. However, if you require faster speeds or a quieter drive, you may want to consider other options. With a 2-year warranty and pre-formatted for Windows, it offers good value for its price.
Overall Score: 8/10
The Avolusion PRO-Z Series 18TB USB 3.0 External Hard Drive is a reliable and high-capacity storage solution for Windows OS Desktop PCs and laptops. With its built-in 18TB capacity, it offers ample space for expanding your computer's storage and creating backups of your entire system. The USB 3.0 connectivity ensures fast data transfer speeds, and the drive can be easily connected to any Windows OS device with a USB 3.0 port. The sleek white design adds a touch of elegance to your setup. Additionally, it comes with a 2-year warranty for added peace of mind. Overall, the Avolusion PRO-Z Series 18TB USB 3.0 External Hard Drive is a great choice for those in need of reliable and expandable storage.
Key Features
- Built-in 18TB Capacity USB 3.0 External Hard Drive
- Works for any Windows OS Desktop PC, Laptop with USB 3.0 Port
- Expand computer hard drive storage instantly!
- Perfect for hard drive expansion and backup storage for your entire Windows OS system!
- 2 Years Warranty from Reseller
Specifications
- Color: White
- Dimension: 8.00Lx5.00Wx1.60H
Pros
- High storage capacity
- Fast data transfer speeds
- Easy setup and connectivity
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
Cons
- Automatically turns off after idle time
- Not suitable for continuous server use
The Avolusion PRO-Z 18TB USB 3.0 External Hard Drive is a reliable and affordable storage solution for Windows OS users. With its large capacity, it offers ample space for expanding storage and creating backups. The fast data transfer speeds and easy connectivity make it convenient to use. However, the automatic power-off feature may not be ideal for server usage. Overall, it provides great value for the money, and the included 2-year warranty adds to its appeal.
Buyer's Guide: External Hard Drive for Desktop Computer
External hard drives are a convenient and reliable way to expand your desktop computer's storage capacity. Whether you need extra space for storing large files, backing up important data, or boosting the overall performance of your system, finding the right external hard drive is crucial. To help you make an informed decision, here is a comprehensive buyer's guide packed with useful information, tips, and considerations.
Factors to Consider When Buying an External Hard Drive:
- Storage Capacity
- Determine your storage needs and choose an external hard drive that offers ample space.
- Consider factors like file size, number of files, and future storage requirements.
- Connectivity Options
- USB 3.0 and USB-C are popular and widely compatible options for faster transfer speeds.
- Ensure your desktop computer has the necessary ports to connect the external hard drive.
- Form Factor
- Select the appropriate form factor based on your preferences and usage requirements.
- Portable external hard drives offer convenience for on-the-go use, while desktop external drives are ideal for stationary setups.
- Compatibility
- Ensure the external hard drive is compatible with your desktop computer's operating system.
- Check if it supports Windows, macOS, or other specific operating systems.
- Speed and Performance
- Look for an external hard drive with faster rotational speeds (RPM) for quicker data access.
- Consider solid-state drives (SSD) for enhanced performance, but be aware of the higher cost.
- Reliability and Durability
- Opt for external hard drives from reputable brands known for reliability and long-lasting performance.
- Consider shock resistance, rugged enclosures, and additional durability features for added protection.
- Backup and Security Features
- Some external hard drives come with built-in backup software and encryption options for data security.
- Determine if you need these features based on the sensitivity of your data and your backup requirements.
- Warranty and Customer Support
- Check the warranty length provided by the manufacturer to ensure peace of mind.
- Research the brand's customer support reputation for prompt assistance if issues arise.
Frequently Asked Questions about 8 Incredible External Hard Drive For Desktop Computer for 2023
HDD (Hard Disk Drive) external hard drives use spinning platters for data storage, offering larger storage capacity at a lower cost. SSD (Solid-State Drive) external hard drives use flash memory, providing faster data access speeds but at a higher price per storage unit.
Yes, but it depends on the file system format of the external hard drive. Most external hard drives come preformatted with either NTFS (Windows) or HFS+ (Mac) file systems. However, you can reformat the drive to make it compatible with both operating systems.
The ideal storage capacity varies based on individual requirements. For general day-to-day usage, 1TB to 2TB is usually sufficient. If you work with large files, such as video editing or graphic design, you may need 4TB or higher. Consider your current and future storage needs when deciding.
Yes, you can install and run software, programs, and games directly from an external hard drive. However, keep in mind that the speed and performance may be slightly slower compared to internal drives. Consider an SSD external hard drive for better performance in such cases.
To ensure the longevity of your external hard drive:
Yes, many external hard drives support booting, allowing you to boot your computer from the external drive. However, it depends on your computer’s BIOS and specific compatibility with the external hard drive. Make sure to check the manufacturer’s specifications and guidelines.
Depending on the connectivity options and your computer’s capabilities, it may be possible to daisy-chain multiple external hard drives. USB or Thunderbolt ports are commonly used for daisy-chaining. Ensure that all external drives and your computer support this feature before attempting to daisy-chain them.
Yes, external hard drives are compatible with gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox. The storage capacity and compatibility requirements may vary, so refer to the respective console’s specifications to ensure a smooth experience.
