WD_BLACK D10 Review: Big Storage, Good Speed, Some Noise
A surprising discovery from digging through hundreds of user reports is that the WD_BLACK D10 Portable External Hard Drive regularly beats internal console HDD load times by 5–25%, even though it’s a spinning disk drive. Across platforms, users rate it highly for massive capacity and reliable performance, but a recurring theme is its noticeable noise and heat output. Based on aggregated feedback, the drive earns a solid 8.7/10.
Quick Verdict: Conditional – Highly recommended for gamers and high-volume storage users who can tolerate some fan and drive noise. Less ideal for those sensitive to sound or seeking SSD-level speed.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Massive 8TB capacity fits 200+ games | Noticeable noise during operation and spin-up |
| Faster load times vs. stock console HDDs | Requires external power brick |
| Active cooling and 7200 RPM speed | Heat can reach 60°C before fan activation |
| Broad compatibility (PS4, PS5*, Xbox, PC, Mac) | Cannot run native PS5/Xbox Series X games directly |
| Durable HGST enterprise-grade internal drive | Fan control not user-adjustable |
| Dual USB-A charging ports | Size and weight larger than portable drives |
Claims vs Reality
Western Digital markets the WD_BLACK D10 as delivering “speeds up to 250 MB/s” with active cooling for “optimized gaming performance.” While official specs promise high performance, real-world feedback suggests the speed advantage is genuine but nuanced. Reddit user u/anh4 confirmed: “I was able to reach ~250 MB/s transfer speeds on my Mac when transferring a large file from an SSD,” validating the claim for large sequential transfers. However, multiple Best Buy reviewers noted that while game loading is faster than standard 5400 RPM HDDs, it’s “not as good as an external SSD but that’s to be expected.”
The brand also touts active cooling as a safeguard against failure. Yet WD’s own community forum shows that fan activation is temperature-triggered at around 63°C, which some find too hot. One WD Community poster reported: “It stays around 60°C idle… fan starts automatically at 63°C and stops at 59°C. I would have run it to keep much lower temps.” This gap between marketing’s “stay in the game longer” and users’ desire for more aggressive cooling is a recurring friction point.
Finally, compatibility claims include PS5 and Xbox Series X, but with the caveat that new-gen games must be stored internally to run. Walmart buyer Miles cautioned: “You will not be able to run Xbox Series X or PS5 games from it… you can transfer them to store without re-downloading, which is very nice.” This means the D10 shines for backward-compatible titles and archival storage, but not for native next-gen gameplay.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon Renewed, Best Buy, Walmart, and Reddit, the D10’s defining strength is its sheer capacity. Gamers with massive libraries find it transformational. A Best Buy customer wrote: “I store all my installed 580 games on Steam with tons of room to spare… just over half full with all of them.” For PS4 Pro owners, Reddit user u/PS4ProTest reported load times dropping from 1:01 to 0:48 in Battlefront II compared to the internal drive, adding: “D10 performs better in all cases… 5 to 25% faster while giving you plenty of space.”
The drive’s enterprise-grade HGST mechanism earns trust for reliability. One Twitter reviewer noted, “Popped the drive open… meant for commercial use in server farms. Reliability should be excellent.” This reassures users buying into the WD_BLACK premium positioning.
Ease of setup is another universal win. Multiple Best Buy reviews praise its plug-and-play nature, with one stating: “Set up was very easy, just connected the storage to my PS5 and the system picked it up automatically.” Cross-platform compatibility with Windows, macOS, PlayStation, and Xbox adds further appeal for multi-device households.
Common Complaints
Noise is the most frequent criticism. On Walmart, “the original” wrote: “It clicks continuously during read/write… worse is when it wakes up. There is a jarring, desk-shaking shudder.” Others describe a “low thumping sound” or a “small fan… very silent” depending on environment, showing variance in perception but consistency in the presence of audible operation.
Heat management draws mixed reactions. WD Community reports detail idle temps at 50–60°C, with some users questioning WD’s stated operating range of 5–35°C. One frustrated poster claimed, “They are selling known defective merchandise… 60°C is crazy.” While these temps remain within WD’s internal limits, they unsettle buyers expecting cooler operation from “active cooling.”
Size and weight are also noted. A Fakespot review put it bluntly: “This drive is a little bigger than an old-school VHS tape… for that size you get 8 freakin’ terabytes.” For desk setups, the bulk is manageable, but it’s less ideal for mobile workflows.
Divisive Features
The dual 7.5W USB-A charging ports are loved by console gamers for powering controllers and accessories, but some misunderstand their function. As one Best Buy reviewer clarified: “USB ports on the drive are power-only… not a USB hub.” For users expecting data pass-through, this is a disappointment.
Speed perception varies sharply depending on baseline. PC users upgrading from older HDDs often call it “lightning fast” (Best Buy: “Loads Steam games as fast as internal SSD… maybe a couple seconds here or there”), while those coming from SSDs find it “about 50% speed of internal SSDs” (Best Buy). The consensus is that it’s top-tier for HDD performance but cannot match solid-state drives.
Trust & Reliability
Long-term durability stories are reassuring. Several Best Buy reviewers report 2+ years of flawless use, such as one Xbox Series X owner: “Been using this drive for two years with absolutely no issues.” Western Digital’s 3-year warranty boosts confidence, particularly for buyers burned by shorter-lived competitors. One Twitter user contrasted: “My last external lasted 13 months… this has a 3 year warranty.”
However, WD’s community forum reveals pockets of dissatisfaction with thermal management and warranty communication. The fan activation threshold is a sore point, with some calling for user control. Complaints about “conditional purchase” agreements inside packaging hint at occasional trust friction, though these are rare compared to overall praise for WD’s build quality.
Alternatives
The main alternative mentioned in community discussions is portable SSDs like the Samsung T5, which offer far faster transfer speeds (~2000 MB/s) and quieter operation. Best Buy users acknowledge that “for the PS5 I’d suggest getting a Samsung T5… much faster,” but note that SSDs cost significantly more per terabyte. For bulk storage, the D10 remains “the fastest drive for a reasonable price” in the HDD category.
Price & Value
Current eBay listings range from $120 for open-box units to $269.99 new, with Best Buy sales dropping it to $179. Users advise catching it on sale under $200 for best value. Twitter and Trustpilot reviewers consistently frame it as “great bang for the buck” compared to SSDs, given the capacity and speed for the price. Resale value holds decently due to its enterprise-grade internals, making used purchases viable if warranty coverage is understood.
FAQ
Q: Can the WD_BLACK D10 run PS5 or Xbox Series X games directly?
A: No. It can store them for transfer back to the internal drive, but native next-gen games must run from internal SSDs. Backward-compatible titles can be played directly.
Q: How hot does the WD_BLACK D10 get during operation?
A: Users report idle temps around 50–60°C, with the fan activating at 63°C. This is within WD’s spec but warmer than some expect.
Q: Is the WD_BLACK D10 noisy?
A: Many users notice audible fan and drive noises, especially during spin-up or heavy read/write. Some find it unobtrusive; others describe it as distracting.
Q: What’s inside the WD_BLACK D10?
A: Several users confirmed it contains an HGST enterprise-grade 7200 RPM drive with 256MB cache, known for durability.
Q: Does it require external power?
A: Yes. It comes with an AC adapter and plug; it cannot run solely off USB power.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a gamer or creative professional needing vast, reliable HDD storage with better-than-average speed and can tolerate some noise and heat. Avoid if you demand SSD-level silence and performance. Pro tip from the community: watch for sales under $200 to maximize value, and pair it with a small SSD for current-gen games while using the D10 for bulk library storage.
