Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC690 Data Center HDD

Ultrastar DC HC690 – Engineered for Enterprise-Scale Storage Demands

The Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC690 is a next-generation enterprise hard drive engineered for hyperscale data centers, cloud environments, AI infrastructure, and large-scale storage deployments.

As the industry’s first 11-disk SMR HDD platform, it delivers up to 32TB of capacity while maintaining the standard 3.5-inch form factor.

Built on Western Digital’s UltraSMR, ePMR, OptiNAND, and HelioSeal technologies, the HC690 enables organizations to significantly increase storage density without expanding rack space. The result is improved storage efficiency, lower power consumption per terabyte, and reduced total cost of ownership for large-scale deployments.

Designed for 24×7 operation, the HC690 combines enterprise-grade reliability, vibration protection, and workload endurance to support modern AI, cloud, and big data workloads.

Key Features

Industry-First 11-Disk Platform

Delivers up to 32TB of capacity within a standard 3.5-inch enterprise HDD form factor, maximizing storage density without increasing rack footprint.

UltraSMR and ePMR Technologies

Advanced recording technologies improve areal density and tracks-per-inch (TPI), enabling greater capacity and storage efficiency.

OptiNAND Architecture

Integrated flash-assisted technology improves drive management, enhances capacity utilization, and contributes to overall performance optimization.

HelioSeal Helium Design

Helium-filled architecture reduces power consumption, lowers operating temperatures, and improves long-term drive reliability.

Rotational Vibration Safeguard (RVS)

Dual vibration sensors help maintain consistent performance and reliability in high-density storage environments.

ArmorCache Data Protection

Supports flexible cache management modes that balance performance and data protection during unexpected power-loss events.

Performance and Reliability

WD Ultrastar DC HC690 is designed for demanding enterprise workloads that require continuous operation and predictable performance.

These specifications make the Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC690 an ideal choice for large-scale storage environments where density, efficiency, and reliability are critical.

Specification	Value
Maximum Capacity	32TB
Interface Options	SATA 6Gb/s, SAS 12Gb/s
Cache	512MB
Rotational Speed	7200 RPM
Maximum Sustained Transfer Rate	Up to 269 MB/s
Workload Rating	550TB/year
MTBF	2.5 Million Hours
Annualized Failure Rate	0.35%

Capacity Options

Capacity	Interface	Recording Technology
30TB	SATA 6Gb/s	SMR
30TB	SAS 12Gb/s	SMR
32TB	SATA 6Gb/s	SMR
32TB	SAS 12Gb/s	SMR

Ideal Use Cases for WD Ultrastar DC HC690

• Hyperscale Data Centers
• Artificial Intelligence Storage Pools
• Cloud Service Providers
• Big Data Analytics
• Cloud Repatriation Projects
• Converged Infrastructure

Why Choose Ultrastar DC HC690?

The Ultrastar DC HC690 HDD is designed for organizations seeking maximum storage density without expanding physical infrastructure.

Key benefits include:

• Up to 32TB capacity per drive
• Industry-first 11-disk enterprise platform
• Increased rack-space efficiency
• Optimized for AI and cloud workloads
• Advanced vibration and shock protection
• Helium-based low-power architecture
• Proven enterprise reliability
• Seamless integration into existing data center environments
• Backed by Western Digital enterprise support and warranty

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Family	Ultrastar DC HC690
Form Factor	3.5-inch
Recording Technology	SMR
Maximum Capacity	32TB
Interface Options	SATA 6Gb/s, SAS 12Gb/s
Cache	512MB
Rotational Speed	7200 RPM
Maximum Transfer Rate	Up to 269 MB/s
Workload Rating	550TB/year
MTBF	2.5 Million Hours
AFR	0.35%
Security Options	ISE, SED, SED-FIPS
Operating Temperature	5°C to 60°C
Warranty	5 Years

❓Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum capacity of the Ultrastar DC HC690?

The Ultrastar DC HC690 is available in capacities up to 32TB.

Which interfaces are supported?

The Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC690 is available with SATA 6Gb/s and SAS 12Gb/s interfaces.

What recording technology does the HC690 use?

The HC690 utilizes Shingled Magnetic Recording (SMR) technology combined with UltraSMR and ePMR innovations.

Is the HC690 suitable for AI and cloud environments?

Yes. The drive is specifically designed for AI training pools, cloud storage platforms, hyperscale data centers, and big data analytics workloads.

What reliability rating does the HC690 provide?

The drive is rated for 550TB/year workloads and offers a projected MTBF of 2.5 million hours.

Looking for high-density enterprise storage for AI, cloud, or hyperscale environments?

Contact Novasis to receive expert consultation, product availability, and deployment recommendations for Ultrastar DC HC690 hard drives.