Table of Contents
If you have noticed that your PC has started underperforming or it’s getting old, there might be a simple solution. Installing an internal hard drive gives PCs additional storage while taking some off the pressure of the operating system. There are hundreds of options so we will make it a little easier.
Today we will compare the WD Green vs WD Blue. We will go over features like size, speed, technology, and value for money. Once we have finished, you will be able to find a side-by-side chart and some pros and cons before the final verdict.
There are just a couple of similarities between the WD Green and the WD Blue, so we will begin here.
WD Green vs WD Blue – Similarities
Hard Drive Type
The WD Green and the WD Blue are SATA 6.0GB/s internal hard drives. With a 3.5-inch form factor, they will fit any device with an available 3.5-inch bay. They have a range of storage capacities, but we are going to be looking at the 1TB in particular.
Cache
The cache of the WD Green and the WD Blue is rather standard at 64MB.
Side by Side Comparison
Let’s take a quick look of the features in the following comparison chart.
WD Green | WD Blue | |
| Image |  |  |
| Size | 5.79 x 4 x 1.3 inches | 5.79 x 4 x 1.03 inches |
| Weight | 1.32lbs/0.99lbs | 0.99lbs |
| Storage Capacity | 1TB | 1TB |
| Other Capacities | 320GB, 500GB, 750GB, 1.5TB, 2TB, 2.5TB, 3TB | 500GB, 2TB, 3TB, 4TB, 6TB |
| Form Factor | 3.5 inches | 3.5 inches |
| Compatibility | Windows, Mac and Linux | Windows and Mac |
| Uses | Increased capacity and performance for energy-conscious users | General added storage |
| Technology | WD GreenPower, IntelliSeek, IntelliPower, No Touch Ramp Technology | IntelliSeek, No Touch Ramp Technology, Data LifeGuard |
| Cache | 64MB | 64MB |
| Revolutions per minute | 7,200RPM | 5,400RPM/7,200RPM |
| Transfer Rate | 110MB/s or 150MB/s | Up to 150MB/s |
| SATA 6.0 GB/s | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 2-year limited warranty | 2-year limited warranty |
| Price |
It’s the differences that will help us to make the best purchasing choice. There are two different WD Green and the WD Blue 1TB hard drives, we have the specifics for both.
Differences Between WD Green and WD Blue
Appearance
Because they are 3.5-inch hard drives, the size is almost identical, but the weight isn’t.
WD Green
It measures 5.79 x 4 x 1.3 inches. One version weighs 1.32 pounds and the other 0.99 pounds.
WD Blue
The dimensions are exactly the same, however, it weighs 0.99 pounds.
The Winner Is- A Tie
Read next – WD Green vs WD Black: Which Hard Drives are Better?
Other Storage Capacities
Of all the WD hard drives, these are probably the smaller, yet they still have a good range of options.
WD Green
You can find this hard drive in 320GB, 500GB, 750GB, 1.5TB, 2TB, 2.5TB and 3TB.
WD Blue
As well as the 1TB, you have 500GB, 2TB, 3TB, 4TB, and 6TB.
The Winner Is- A Tie
Read next – WD Blue vs WD Black: Which Hard Drives are Better?
Compatibility
You should remember that this isn’t quite as simple as an external hard drive which is plug and play. They also don’t come with mounting screws or a SATA cable.
WD Green
It is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux, but it will need to be formatted.
WD Blue
You may have to format it for Windows and Mac. There is no mention of Linux in the product description.
The Winner Is- The WD Green
Read next – Toshiba P300 vs WD Blue: Which Hard Drives are Better?
Uses and Technology
The technology that comes with a hard drive can often determine the best uses for it.
WD Green
As the name suggests, this is a great solution for those who are environmentally friendly using up to 40% less power with IntelliPower. WD GreenPower runs at a lower operating temperature and lowers noise levels. This is further helped with IntelliSeek, which searches for the best speeds for lower power consumption, noise, and vibrations. For increased durability, No Touch Ramp Technology means the recording head never touches the disk media.
WD Blue
Like the WD Green, it comes with IntelliSeek and Not Touch Ramp Technology. It also has Data LifeGuard, technology which uses advanced algorithms to monitor the hard drive and ensure its running at optimal health.
The Winner Is- The WD Green
Read next – WD Green vs WD Red: Which Hard Drives Are better?
Revolutions Per Minute
The RPM indicates how fast many times the disk inside the hard drive spins each minute. Most will have 5,400 RPM or 7,200 RPM.
WD Green
Both of the 1TB hard drives have an RPM of 7,200.
WD Blue
There are two options, one has 5,400PRM and the other 7,200PRM.
The Winner Is- The WD Blue
Transfer Speeds
From buffer to host, the transfer speed is up to 6GB/s. The difference is with the host to and from the drive.
WD Green
One option has transfer speeds of up to 110MB/s and the other up to 10MB/s.
WD Blue
Both options have transfer speeds of up to 150MB/s.
The Winner Is- The WD Green
Value for Money
As they are the smaller capacity WD hard drives, you can get them for a great price.
WD Green
It is more expensive, even up to twice as much. That being said, it’s more energy efficient. It comes with a 2-year limited warranty.
WD Blue
You can still enjoy a 2-year limited warranty with the cheaper hard drive.
The Winner Is- The WD Blue
Read next – WD Red vs WD Blue: Which Hard Drives are Better?
Pros and Cons
Some pros and cons might help to get a complete overview of the WD Green and the WD Blue.
WD Green
Pros:
- Good for entertainment centers, NAS, and RAID
- It’s quiet
- It’s extremely durable
Cons:
- Maybe not the best solution as a primary drive
WD Blue
Pros:
- Great value for money
- It’s easy to install
- Good for old computers that need a boost
Cons:
- A few issues with quality control
The Final Verdict
The installation and use of the WD Green and the WD Blue are super simple. We felt that neither of them was loud but both made a significant difference in the performance of our PCs. It’s difficult to understand why WD makes two versions of the 1TB, it seems to confuse people and lead to complaints. With little cost difference between the two versions, you are going to choose the one with the higher transfer speeds or RPM. Despite being the cheaper option, we felt that the WD Green had to be the winner. It’s still excellent value for money and you are helping the environment.