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G-Technology G-DRIVE 4TB Silver — Review & Specs | Pricepect | Pricepect

Home External Hard DrivesG-Technology G-DRIVE 4TB Silver

G-Technology G-DRIVE 4TB Silver — image 1

G-Technology

G-Technology G-DRIVE 4TB Silver

Expert Review Analysis

The G‑Technology 4 TB G‑DRIVE USB 3.0 desktop external hard drive offers a high‑capacity, all‑aluminum enclosure with 7200 RPM performance and native macOS formatting, targeting creative professionals who need fast, reliable bulk storage for multimedia projects.

✓ Best for: Creative professionals and multimedia enthusiasts using macOS who need a high‑capacity, fast‑transfer desktop drive for video editing, photo archives, audio collections, and Time Machine backups.✗ Not ideal for: Users who require portable storage, Windows‑only environments without reformatting, or the highest possible throughput such as SSD or Thunderbolt RAID solutions.

Pros

✓Sequential transfer speeds of around 163 MB/s read and 162.8 MB/s write enable fast bulk file moves.
✓Durable all‑aluminum enclosure with integrated heat sink provides robust build quality and heat dissipation.
✓Includes multiple accessories such as a USB‑A to Type‑B cable and, in older models, dual FireWire 800 cables.

Price History

Current

$319.99

Average

$326.72

Lowest

$319.99

Highest

$397.99

Good Deal — 2% below average

Price trend (90d):+91.5%

Best Seller Rank History

Now#354Best#354Worst#427 +73

Lower = better sales rank

Rating Trend

Rating4.4/ 5Reviews1,634

Specifications

Accessories

Included Cables1 x USB 3.0 (USB‑A to Type‑B) cable; 2 x FireWire 800 cables (optional)

Connectivity

InterfaceUSB 3.0 Type-B (backward compatible USB 2.0)

FireWire 800 Ports2

Operating System CompatibilitymacOS 10.9+, Windows 7/8.1/10

Design

Length235 mm mm

Width130 mm mm

Height46 mm mm

Weight1350 g g

Enclosure MaterialAll-aluminum with integrated heat sink, fanless

Features

Time Machine ReadyYes

Fanless CoolingYes

High Speed USB 3.0Up to 165 MB/s

General

BrandG-Technology

Model0G03594

Release Date2018-06-17

Warranty3-year limited

Performance

Drive Type3.5-inch HDD, SATA III

Rotational Speed7200 RPM RPM

Cache64 MB MB

Data Transfer Rate165 MB/s MB/s

Power

Power SupplyAC adapter (external)

Software

File System (Pre‑formatted)HFS+ (macOS)

Reformat OptionsNTFS, FAT32

Storage

Capacity4 TB TB

File System

Default FormattingPre‑formatted HFS+ for macOS, supports Time Machine

Compatibility

Reformat OptionsCan be reformatted to NTFS or FAT32 for Windows

Warranty

Limited Warranty3‑year limited

Dimensions & Weight

Height1.39370078740157 inches

Width5.05511811023622 inches

Depth7.71653543307087 Inches

Weight2.4404922 Pounds

Research Sources

storagereview.com

bhphotovideo.com

documents.westerndigital.com

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User Reviews

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4.4

(1,634 reviews)

Out of Stock

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0G03594Silver4TB 3-Year limited warranty

External Hard Drives

✓Pre‑formatted HFS+ out‑of‑the‑box offers seamless Time Machine backups for macOS users.

✓Large 4 TB capacity suitable for high‑resolution video, photo libraries, and audio archives.

✓Fanless cooling design ensures quiet operation even during extended data transfers.

✓Broad OS compatibility – works natively on macOS and can be reformatted for Windows environments.

Cons

✗Requires reformatting to NTFS or FAT32 for full read/write access on Windows, adding setup steps.
✗Heavy and bulky desktop form factor (2.98 lb, 9.25 in length) limits portability and desk space.
✗Mechanical HDD architecture is slower than SSD or RAID solutions for demanding professional workflows.
✗Older models rely on FireWire 800, which is less common on modern computers.
✗Occasional noise and heat buildup under sustained heavy load despite fanless design.

From Expert Reviews

Praised by Experts

✓Measured sequential read/write speeds of 163 MB/s and 162.8 MB/s demonstrate strong bulk‑storage performance.
✓Aluminum chassis with integrated heat sink highlighted as a premium, durable build for creative professionals.
✓Inclusion of dual FireWire 800 cables praised as a valuable accessory for legacy Mac workflows.
✓7200 RPM drive noted as superior to cheaper 5400 RPM alternatives, delivering faster data access.

Criticized by Experts

✗Reviewers suggest RAID solutions for users needing higher throughput than the 165 MB/s USB 3.0 limit.
✗HDD‑based architecture noted as slower compared to SSD or Thunderbolt RAID options for intensive editing.
✗Older models lacking newer USB‑C/Thunderbolt interfaces may limit future compatibility.

From User Reviews

Users Love

✓Users report transferring 70‑80 GB of data in 5‑6 minutes via USB 3.0, highlighting rapid large‑file moves.
✓Mac owners appreciate plug‑and‑play setup without needing to reformat, making backups straightforward.
✓Consistent reliability for storing 4‑6 TB of media files praised by photographers and videographers.

Users Complain About

✗Customers note the necessity to reformat the drive for Windows read/write access, adding an extra setup step.
✗Some users experience noticeable noise and increased heat during prolonged heavy transfers despite fanless design.
✗The desktop size and weight make the unit less convenient for on‑the‑go or travel scenarios.

Expert Opinion

Professional reviewers commend the G‑DRIVE for its solid sequential speeds, premium aluminum build and useful legacy FireWire accessories, positioning it as a reliable desktop solution for creatives. However, they caution that power users seeking peak performance should consider RAID or SSD alternatives, as the HDD’s 165 MB/s ceiling lags behind faster storage technologies.

What Users Say

Everyday users praise the drive’s fast large‑file transfers and seamless macOS integration, noting its reliability for media libraries. Recurring complaints focus on the need to reformat for Windows use and occasional noise/heat under heavy load, while the bulky desktop design is seen as a portability drawback.

Common Complaints

Need to reformat for Windows, occasional noise/heat during sustained transfers, heavy and bulky form factor, older FireWire connectivity on legacy models.

What People Are Saying

“70-80 GB in 5-6 minutes”
User review

How It Compares

vs. WD My Book 4TB

Advantages

✓G‑DRIVE provides faster 165 MB/s transfer versus My Book’s 150 MB/s and features a sturdier aluminum enclosure.

Disadvantages

✗My Book is lighter and cheaper, making it more portable for budget‑conscious users.

Choose G‑DRIVE for speed and premium build; choose My Book for lower cost and lighter weight.

vs. Seagate Backup Plus Desktop 4TB

Advantages

✓G‑DRIVE’s 7200 RPM drive and aluminum chassis outperform Seagate’s 5400 RPM plastic design in speed and durability.

Disadvantages

✗Seagate includes bundled backup software, which G‑DRIVE lacks out‑of‑the‑box.

Select G‑DRIVE for superior performance and build; select Seagate if bundled software and lower price are priorities.

vs. LaCie Rugged 4TB (USB 3.0)

Advantages

✓G‑DRIVE offers higher sequential speeds (165 MB/s vs. Rugged’s 130 MB/s) and a larger 64 MB cache.

Disadvantages

✗LaCie Rugged provides shock‑resistant, rubberized protection for field use, which G‑DRIVE’s desktop‑only design lacks.

Opt for G‑DRIVE for studio‑based high‑speed storage; opt for LaCie Rugged when durability in mobile or on‑site environments is essential.