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The WD Easystore 10TB reviewed by ServeTheHome in 2019 was a straightforward desktop USB backup drive—and its tested units contained WD100EMAZ 10TB helium SATA hard drives with 256MB cache. That finding describes the review samples, not every Easystore enclosure. Western Digital’s current documentation says the internal model and technology can vary, and its 2025 Easystore desktop overview does not list a 10TB capacity.
What drive is inside the WD Easystore 10TB?
In its February 5, 2019 review, ServeTheHome opened the Easystore 10TB and identified a WD100EMAZ white-label hard drive: a 10TB helium SATA drive with 256MB cache. The reviewer also described a small USB-to-SATA adapter board that provided the enclosure’s USB connection and drive power. These are observations from the units examined, not a guaranteed bill of materials for other Easystore drives. ServeTheHome’s review
Western Digital’s support guidance makes the distinction explicit: “The model, technology, data interface, power use, rotation speed, or cache size is not guaranteed.” WD says capacity is guaranteed, but the drive inside an external enclosure may vary in interface, helium or air fill, SMR or CMR recording technology, rotation speed, and other details. Western Digital Support: Types of Drives Inside a Western Digital External Drive Enclosure (updated April 23, 2026).
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Setup and enclosure
ServeTheHome characterized the product as a regular USB 3.0 external storage device, suitable for backup and moving data while offline. Its reviewer reported that the case could be reused if opened carefully. That describes the reviewer’s experience with the tested enclosure; it is not a guarantee that every unit can be opened or reused in the same way. ServeTheHome’s review
#1 Best Overall
- High-capacity add-on storage.Specific uses: Business, personal
- Fast data transfers
- Plug-and-play ready for Windows PCs
- WD quality inside and out
Performance observations
For a historical comparison, ServeTheHome tested a WD100EMAZ against a WD100EFAX (WD Red 10TB) on a Windows 10 Pro system using CrystalDiskMark. The results were close and described as within the margin of testing. In that setup, the WD100EMAZ produced about 8 MB/s less sequential write bandwidth and was characterized as slightly slower overall. This is one review’s result for those samples and that test method—not a controlled, current ranking or a prediction for every Easystore enclosure. ServeTheHome’s comparative test results
No current WD manufacturer-rated performance figure for the WD100EMAZ is established here. The 5Gbps USB link rate in the Easystore specifications describes the interface, not sustained hard-drive throughput. WD Easystore Desktop product overview (2025)
Rank #2
- This version of the product is designed for the UK and comes with a UK adapter. It is not designed, labeled or packaged for retail sale outside of the UK. Contact vendor for all applicable regulations and compatibility issues, if purchased outside of UK
- Fast data transfers
- High-capacity add-on storage
- Plug-and-play ready for Windows PCs
- WD quality inside and out
Is WD100EMAZ a NAS drive?
The available evidence identifies WD100EMAZ as the internal model found in ServeTheHome’s 2019 Easystore samples and compares one sample with a WD100EFAX. It does not establish that WD100EMAZ is formally equivalent to a particular WD Red product, nor that it is suitable for every NAS. Do not infer NAS suitability from the model number or the historical benchmark alone; verify the exact drive and the requirements of the intended NAS before reuse.
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Can you shuck a WD Easystore?
Shucking means opening an external-drive enclosure to remove its internal drive. ServeTheHome opened its review units and reported finding a standard SATA drive connected through a USB-to-SATA board. The reviewer said the enclosure could be reused if opened carefully, but that does not mean opening it is risk-free or warranty-neutral.
Rank #3
- High Capacity: 5TB of storage capacity provides ample space for your files and media
- Fast Data Transfer: USB 3.0 port enables speeds of up to 5Gbps for quick file sharing
- Portable Design: Compact 3.5 inch form factor is lightweight and easy to carry
- Reliable Performance: Spacious 5TB hard drive provides stable, continuous data access
- Easy Setup: Just plug in and start using your external hard drive right away
Does opening a WD Easystore void the warranty?
Yes. WD’s current support guidance says opening a single-drive external enclosure will void its warranty. Check the serial number and the terms for the country where a specific older unit was purchased; WD notes that warranty terms depend on purchase country. The 2025 overview lists a two-year worldwide warranty for the current desktop family, but that family-level statement does not establish the remaining coverage of an individual 10TB unit. WD Support: enclosure and warranty guidance · WD Easystore Desktop product overview (2025)
How the historical 10TB model compares with the current Easystore family
WD’s 2025 Easystore desktop overview specifies USB 3.2 Gen 1/USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 connectivity, Windows 10 or later compatibility, and reformatting for macOS. It lists a USB-A cable and AC adapter in the box. Compatibility can vary with hardware and operating system. The listed current capacities begin at 8TB and continue at 12TB and above; 10TB is not listed. WD Easystore Desktop product overview (2025)
Rank #4
- High-capacity add-on storage.Specific uses: Business, personal
- Fast data transfers
- Plug-and-play ready for Windows PCs
- WD quality inside and out
That gap matters if you are shopping now: the 2019 10TB configuration is a historical product, not a capacity shown in WD’s current overview. Current price, stock, and availability of a particular 10TB unit are not established here. Before buying, compare current desktop drives using the factors below rather than treating an old deal price or a past internal-drive finding as current product information.
- Capacity and availability: confirm the advertised capacity and whether the seller’s unit is new, used, or renewed.
- Connection and included items: check the interface, cable type, and whether an AC adapter is included.
- Warranty: verify the term for the exact product, region, and unit condition.
- Internal model: count it as verified only when a seller or owner has documented the actual unit; enclosure capacity alone does not identify the drive inside.
- Value: compare verified current prices per terabyte, not historical promotional prices.
Data security and recovery
WD’s hardware-encryption compatibility matrix lists Easystore Desktop as having no hardware encryption and no password protection. It also indicates that the drive can be read without its original enclosure, subject to the matrix’s qualifications around physical damage. Do not rely on the Easystore enclosure for hardware encryption. WD External Drive Hardware Encryption Compatibility Matrix
WD says it does not provide data-recovery services and disclaims responsibility for services offered by recovery partners. Keep a separate backup of important files rather than treating this drive—or any recovery provider—as the only safeguard. WD External Drive Hardware Encryption Compatibility Matrix
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
