Western Digital raised the bar for external storage with their 6 TB MyPassport Ultra (WDBEJA0060BBL) release.
External hard drives play a crucial role in data storage. These hard disk drives (HDDs) allow users to transfer files to other devices, transport data between two places, or store backups. In the process, manufacturers have pushed boundaries, making external HDDs more portable and spacious than ever.
Western Digital introduced the newest models to their MyPassport product line earlier this month. The 6-terabyte (TB) device became the world’s highest-capacity external hard drive with 2.5-inch platters.
Our experts decided to take the disk for a spin and tell you what you need to know.
WD MyPassport Ultra 6 TB (WDBEJA0060BBL)
Device Overview
- Portable HDD with the largest storage capacity in the world for its form factor.
- The drive transfers data using a USB-C™ and USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface. It also has a USB adapter for older devices.
- Compatible with recent versions of Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS.
- It registered read/write speeds around 120 MB/s in our synthetic performance tests.
- Additional features include robust encryption and software to manage or back up the disk.
- The product starts at $199.99 ($0.03 per gigabyte) and comes with a limited 3-year warranty.
| Quick Facts: 6 TB WD MyPassport Ultra | |
|---|---|
| Part Number | WDBEJA0060BBL |
| Connector | USB-C™ |
| Interface | USB 3.2 Gen 1 |
| Compatibility | Windows 10 or later, macOS Big Sur or later, ChromeOS |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 4.22” x 2.95” x 0.81” |
| Weight | 0.52 lbs. |
| Warranty | 3-Year Limited Warranty |
Performance
The industry evaluates hard drive performance through several metrics. Sequential read/write speeds measure how fast the device records or retrieves data in a large, contiguous block. Random read/write speeds refer to how the device performs when accessing small blocks of data scattered across the disk. It is typically measured in megabytes (MB) per second.
Transfer rate is another important aspect of external drives. This metric reflects the speed at which the device transfers data. Rates are impacted by read and write performance, interface, and system overhead.
We tested the performance of Western Digital’s 6 TB MyPassport Ultra, so you don’t have to.
Test Method: To start, our experts measured the model’s sequential and random read/write speeds using an advanced tool. The synthetic test ran the MyPassport Ultra through several scenarios to estimate performance across different workloads. Then, we transferred 1 TB of data in various increments to determine the portable hard drive's throughput. For small files, we used an assortment of documents and photos. The medium-sized files consisted of movies. Our large file transfer involved copying a virtual machine to the external disk.
Here are the results.
| By the Numbers: 6 TB WD MyPassport Ultra | |
|---|---|
| Sequential Read Speed | ~ 125 MB/s |
| Sequential Write Speed | ~ 120 MB/s |
| Random Read Speed | ~ 0.5 MB/s |
| Random Write Speed | ~ 13 MB/s |
| Transfer Rate (Small Files) | 67 MB/s |
| Transfer Rate (Medium Files) | 103 MB/s |
| Transfer Rate (Large Files) | 100 MB/s |
| Real-Life Write Performance | 80.33 MB/s |
The MyPassport Ultra clocked sequential and random read speeds of about 125 MB/s and 0.5 MB/s. The drive’s sequential and random write speeds measured around 120 MB/s and 13 MB/s on the benchmark.
Our tests revealed a 67 MB/s transfer rate for small files. It was 103 MB/s for medium-sized files and 100 MB/s for large files.
Lastly, our team assessed the external drives’ write performance over the entire disk. During the test, we saved almost 5.5 TB of random data to the MyPassport Ultra. The external hard drive filled its platters in 19 hours, 47 minutes, and 29 seconds. That mark gave it an average write speed of 80.33 MB/s.
Features
The MyPassport Ultra has a few other features that consumers might find useful.
Though convenient, the portable design of external hard drives poses some risks. MyPassport guards against data breaches due to loss or theft with 256-bit hardware encryption and password protection.
In addition, WD’s MyPassport contains software to manage and back up the disk, giving users more control over their data.
Cost
Western Digital’s 6 TB MyPassport Ultra retails for $199.99. Its $0.03 cost per gigabyte is within line of other high-capacity storage.
The entry-level 6 TB MyPassport with Micro-B connectors is listed at $179.99. You can also purchase a 6 TB MyPassport external HDD with USB-C™ connectors for $184.99.
Future of Hard Drives
The 6 TB MyPassport Ultra is the latest engineering feat in external storage, but it is far from the last. Alongside the MyPassport line, Western Digital announced 6 TB models of the WD_Black P10 Game Drive and G-DRIVE ArmorATD for content creators. These capacities will continue to increase as demand for storage grows.
We monitor the storage industry closely at Secure Data Recovery, the leader in data recovery services. While the future of hard drives is exciting, digital disasters can still occur. We’re prepared to resolve them when they do with our 96% success rate and No Data, No Recovery Fee guarantee.
Call us at 800-388-1266 or request help to start a case.
