This is a firmware database:
https://firmware.hddsurgery.com/index.php
If you search for “HUS724030ALE640”, “7240ALE” and “WD30EFRX-68EUZN0”, you’ll see the firmware versions.
Your drive’s firmware version matches the Hitachi format. The WD drive’s firmware is in the name of the file. For example, “WD30EFRX-68EUZN0-82-00A82-WD-WCC4N3YH8X55.zip” indicates a version of 82.00A82. The other version number (eg 00010075) is the ROM version.
I note that it is labled as a Red Pro (180-200MB/s) but speed tests with CrystalDiskMark show sequential speed at 150-155MB/s a Standard Red.
I have received another from a different seller but exactly same blue PCB and labled as Red Pro.
Different serial but haven’t heard back from WD. Different firmware on this one MF80AB70. Doing a surface scan and so far is clean.
These couldn’t be new hybrid drives incorporating HGST technology?
Listen to the experts:
https://forum.hddguru.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=45160
Unscrew the PCB and show us a good, clear photo of the component side. I’ll then be able to tell you when the drive was manufactured.
Hitachi’s product manual specifies a sustained transfer rate of 150 / 161 / 171 MB/s for the 2TB / 3TB / 4TB models.
If you can show us a HD Tune read benchmark graph, I’ll be able to tell you the real RPM and transfer rate.
If you want to check your Seagates for authenticity, you can post to Tom’s Hardware:
There are a lot of slow sectors, so Victoria’s graph looks ugly. HD Tune includes an access time graph. I need that to estimate the RPM. You can also use HD Tune to determine the number of heads, as per my earlier link.
Can you tell me the part number on the PCB, ie 0Annnnn or 0Bnnnnn?
Edit:
HD Tune appears to be showing a max transfer rate which is consistent with the 3TB Hitachi. The width of the access time graph (the scattered dots) is about 8msec. That corresponds to the time for one complete revolution at 7200 RPM. A 5400 RPM drive would have a rotational latency of 11msec.
Where is the PCB number the Copper number on the right or the sticker because I cant read it even with glasses on.
The number is same as the pic.
It looks like the counterfeiter got a bunch of old Hitachi drives, relabelled them, and then hacked the firmware. It shameful that WD weren’t able to spot them.
Thanks for indulging me. Hopefully your thread will enable others to identify fakes.
BTW, even after the HGST/WD merger, HGST and WD design teams continue to produce separate products with their own firmware architecture. Occasionally WD will rebadge a HGST model, and HGST will sometimes rebadge a WD model. But that didn’t start happening until much later.
This is supposed to be WD’s email address for reporting fakes:
Thanks. Will refer them to this thread.
Did the seller provide any proof of authenticity or purchase invoice?
For which the WD or Seagate. Either is no.
It seems that fake hard disks are still floating around.
Indeed. WD have finally got back to me.
WD Wrote :-
Thank you for contacting Western Digital. Unfortunately, the drive you have purchased is an invalid Western Digital label and not a Western Digital valid product. We do honor warranty update from the purchase date, however, every proof of purchase submitted is subject for review and verified within our own records.
According to the label, the serial number doesn’t exist, the product shows as WD Red Pro, the part number listed is a WD RED plus; and model WD30EFRX-68EUZN0 has been an End of Life, Discontinued product since Mar-30-2020.
Nice to have it confirmed.
