A simple search : temperature external HDD
shows many different views.
Some say 35 degr. C
Some say 45 degr. C
but also 60 degr.C is being mentioned.
Contrary to built in HDD (benefitting from the airflow of fans) the external HDD do not having cooling. I ran some tool and it showed me built in temperatures of around 40-45 degr.C (45 degr.C = 113 °Fahrenheit), the USB drives are 50-51degr C (51 degr.c. = 124 degr F) and the temperature is displayed in red.
This prompted me to check around about the temperature.
Is there some sort of official statement from WD ?
Have you opened a Support Case? If not opened, for more information, please contact the WD Technical Support team for the best assistance and troubleshooting:
As per my knowledge and study WD recommends that their external drives operate safely between 5°C and 35°C, though keeping them between 35°C and 40°C (95°F to 104°F) is ideal for performance and lifespan. Temperatures above 50°C (122°F) can be problematic and may reduce the drive’s life. To keep your external HDD cool, ensure good ventilation, use cooling pads or fans, and regularly monitor temperatures. Your room temperature of 26.5°C is fine, but keeping the environment cooler can help. For specific guidelines, check WD’s website or contact their support.
I’ll need to keep a close watch on that drive (External 8TB).
I have 2 SSD’s and quite a number of WD Drives, both internal and external.
The SSD’s (internal) are around 32 degr.c., obviously.
The HDD’s internal are 45-48 (1x 37) degr.c.
Just one is 50 degr.c.
It may still take some years, but hopefully one day… affordable high capacity external SSD will be available. Say 8, 10, 12TB, using old SATA 500MB/s SSD. Fast enough for large backups, but more reliable. Right now, the gap is still too big.
WD Elements Desktop Storage 8TB around Euro 200
Samsung 870 QVO SATA III 2.5" SSD 8TB around Euro 635
Stable, as there is hardly any competition right now.