Western Digital Elements 500 GB 2.5" USB 3.0 Black external hard drive

The WD Elements 500 GB is a Western Digital external hard drive in a compact black 2.5" case. It connects via USB 3.0 (USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 2.0 compatible) and is powered from the USB port, so no power adapter is needed. Inside is a 5400 rpm class 2.5" HDD.

500 GB is a sensible minimum for everyday use: enough for several years of phone photos, work documents, music and a laptop system backup. If you are not planning a large video archive, there is no point paying for terabytes.

Who it is for

• Backing up documents and photos from a PC or laptop.
• Moving work files between computers.
• A drive for a TV or media player with a small film collection.

Do not move the drive while it is running: like any HDD, it is sensitive to shocks. In winter, let the drive sit at room temperature for a few hours after delivery before switching it on, so no condensation forms inside.

How to connect the drive to a Mac or TV and which file system to choose is explained in External hard drive: what it is and how to choose one. Other capacities are in the external hard drives section.