WD Purple 2TB Surveillance Hard Drive WD20PURZ: features and who it suits

The WD Purple 2TB (model WD20PURZ) is an internal 3.5-inch hard drive designed for video security recorders. Recorders write video continuously, which is a very different job from the occasional file saving of a home computer. This page explains what the drive's specifications mean and what to confirm before adding one to a system.

Built for always-on recording

Western Digital describes WD Purple drives as made for 24/7, high-definition security systems. A normal desktop drive is usually designed for shorter periods of use. A surveillance recorder, by contrast, is writing video every minute of the day, often in a case with limited airflow. A drive meant for that role is typically tuned for steady writing and for staying reliable under constant operation.

What AllFrame technology means

AllFrame is the brand's name for firmware optimisations for video recording. Western Digital says it improves video capture and helps reduce errors, pixelation and interruptions in a recorder. The general idea is that a surveillance drive limits the long pauses an ordinary drive might make while retrying a problem, since those pauses can show up as missing frames.

The 64-camera figure

The listing says the drive has an enhanced workload spec supporting systems designed for 24x7 recording with up to 64 cameras, and that it can handle up to 64 HD cameras. That figure describes the kind of system the drive is built for, not how many cameras one drive will hold. In practice, the number of cameras one 2TB drive can hold depends on resolution, bit rate, compression and how long you want to keep footage. Larger systems usually spread the load across several drives in a multi-bay recorder.

Capacity and physical details

This model offers 2TB of storage and connects through SATA 6 Gb/s, the usual interface for recorders and PCs. It has a 64 MB cache. It is a standard 3.5-inch drive, about 5.8 x 4.0 x 1.0 inches (14.7 x 10.2 x 2.5 cm) and 1.3 lb (about 0.59 kg). Western Digital gives a three-year limited manufacturer's warranty.

Compatibility

The brand says the drive is engineered for compatibility with security systems. Recorders vary in which drive sizes and models they accept, so check the recorder maker's list of supported drives.

Who it suits

It suits home and small-business security setups that need a replacement or an extra drive for an NVR or DVR, particularly systems with a modest number of cameras or a shorter retention period. It isn't designed as a general desktop or gaming drive.

What to check before you buy

• Recorder support: confirm your NVR or DVR takes 3.5-inch SATA drives and accepts 2TB.
• Storage needs: work out how many days of footage you need at your camera resolution and recording mode.
• Number of bays: see how many drives the recorder holds and whether capacities can be mixed.
• Setup: some recorders ask you to format the drive on first use, which erases it.
• Mounting: the drive is sold alone, so check that you have the screws, trays and SATA and power connections the recorder needs.

The short version

• A 2TB, 3.5-inch SATA 6 Gb/s internal drive with a 64 MB cache.
• Made for 24/7 surveillance recording, with AllFrame firmware tuning.
• Listed for systems designed for up to 64 HD cameras.
• Three-year limited manufacturer's warranty; check your recorder's compatibility list first.

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