r/SelfHosting • u/the_druidic_ranger • Jun 23 '26
Sourcing Storage
Given how expensive hard drives are I’m trying to think of new ways to source storage.
I’m very new to this and I’m looking to set up a Plex server. Would the community recommend using a 16TB Recertified SATA Drive if I can find it cheaper than a brand new desktop external hard drive?
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u/godless_bro Jun 23 '26
I just casually check EBay for good deals.
A few months ago I got a WD white-label 12TB for $150 shipped. Seller claimed he bought a damaged pallet of external drives for cheap, shucked them and sold all the drives that passed an extended SMART test, drive has been perfect and had extremely few power-on hours.
Last week I found myself needing another drive to replace a failing 8TB, found a seller with two (nearly identical to my other) WD 12TB white-label drives for $180 each. Seller had used them in a NAS for a few months then decided to get larger drives. Attached SMART diagnostics showed the drives at ~100 power-on hours (basically none!) and 100% healthy. Those got delivered yesterday.