Most of you are probably aware of the recent issues with WD RED Drives. These RED drives were built for NAS's (Network Attached Storage), they run specialized firmware and are built for reliability and resiliency. One key feature of RED drives was they used CMR or PMR technology for storing data on the platter. Well, WD decided to change from CMR/PMR to SMR without letting their users know. This can cause major problems for your NAS, especially if you use ZFS. Now, you can read more about this issue from dozens of internet sources. That's not why I am here, I am here to talk about what they are doing about it and why I do not agree.
WD has been replacing (for some who raise an issue with SMR) the SMR drives with PMR/CMR drives through a process called RMA. User are happy that WD is doing this, and it is good of them to do so. But here is where things get tricky. When you bought your drive, you purchased new, free from any defects (you would hope) and had a 1 year or longer warranty. The replacement drives they (WD) is using to replace the RMA's for the SMR issue are refurbished drives. Not NEW. So, you are replacing a reliable drive with a defective one that was "fixed" or "corrected" by WD.
Some of you may say, well they give you a warranty. Well fine, but are you prepared to replace your drive if it decides to quit right after the warranty? Do you want something used when you paid for new? This is even worse for those who bought the drive as a hot or cold spare. If you paid for a new car, new phone or new shoes, but received a refurbished one (used then reconditioned by the manufacturer), would you still be happy? I myself, would rather sell the SMR drives or re-purpose them and purchase NEW NAS drives from a different manufacturer.
