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Standard 3.5 inch internal hard drive silver aluminium top cover visible label model WD181PURP 18TB

Western Digital

Western Digital WD181PURP 18TB 7200 RPM 512MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive

SKU CH-EWTX-2RK2M MPN WD181PURP

An 18 TB 7200 RPM SATA hard drive with 512 MB cache built for 24/7 AI video surveillance workloads up to 550 TB per year

  • Total capacity18 TB
  • Interface typeSATA 6.0Gb/s
  • Form factor3.5 in (8.89 cm)
  • Flash memory typeHard Drive
  • Rotational speed7,200 RPM
  • Cache memory512 MB

Capacity 18TB

  • Engineered for AI-enabled smart video recorders with AllFrame AI technology
  • Handles up to 64 single-stream HD cameras for scalable surveillance
  • Supports 32 concurrent AI streams for deep-learning analytics
  • 550TB/year workload rating built for 24/7 capture and analysis
  • 5 million hours MTBF for long-term reliability in always-on environments

Purpose-built surveillance storage

The WD Purple Pro WD181PURP is an 18TB 3.5-inch internal hard drive engineered for AI-enabled video recorders, analytics appliances and deep-learning servers. It targets installers and IT teams who need continuous, high-capacity storage for smart camera networks. The drive is not suited for general-purpose desktop or gaming workloads where sequential throughput or low latency are the primary goals.

Mechanical design and connectivity

A 7200 RPM spindle and 512MB cache sit behind a standard SATA 6.0Gb/s interface, fitting any 3.5-inch bay with 26.10mm height clearance. The conventional SATA data and power connectors mean drop-in compatibility with existing recorders, RAID enclosures and server backplanes. No proprietary mounting rails or adapter cables are required for typical surveillance chassis.

Sustained operation profile

Rated for 550TB per year and 2.5 million hours MTBF, the drive is built for 24/7 capture and analysis. AllFrame AI technology supports up to 64 single-stream HD cameras and 32 concurrent AI streams while reducing frame loss. Power draw and acoustic output remain consistent with enterprise-class 7200 RPM mechanics during continuous write-heavy duty cycles.

How it compares

Measured against everything we stock in 3.5-Inch Internal Desktop HDDs, at today’s prices. Recalculated every night.

Price $584.99
Pricier than about 90% of the 4,938 comparable items (median $107.99).
Total capacity 18 TB
Higher than about 93% of the 2,372 comparable items (median 2 TB).
Price per TB $32.50 per TB
Cheaper than about 79% of the 2,365 comparable items (median $62.21 per TB).

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Specifications

Product
Brand nameWD
Product linePurple Pro
Model nameWD181PURP
Total capacity18 TB
Recommended useFor Video Surveillance
Performance
Rotational speed7,200 RPM
Storage
Flash memory typeHard Drive
Cache memory512 MB
Ports & slots
Interface typeSATA 6.0Gb/s
Size & build
Form factor3.5 in (8.89 cm)
Max height26.1 mm
Maximum width101.6 mm
Maximum length147 mm
Shipping weight0.64 kg
Package size206 × 152 × 25 mm

Other versions of this model

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Questions about this item

What throughput does the SATA 6.0Gb/s interface actually limit this drive to?

The SATA 6.0Gb/s link sets the maximum bus speed; sustained read and write rates from the 7200 RPM platters will stay within that ceiling.

Will the 3.5-inch form factor with a 26.10mm height fit my standard drive bay?

Yes, the drive measures 147.00mm long, 101.60mm wide and 26.10mm high, matching the standard 3.5-inch internal bay dimensions.

Is there a jumper or software step required when installing this SATA drive for surveillance use?

No jumper is needed; connect the SATA data and power cables, then ensure the recorder or server firmware recognises the 18TB capacity and enables AllFrame AI for the 32 AI streams.

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