If you’ve ever found yourself in need of large storage space, you’ve probably come across external hard drives that offer a ton of storage at a fraction of the cost of internal drives. But what if I told you there’s a way to get even more bang for your buck? That’s where the term “shucking hard drives” comes into play.
So, what does “shucking” a hard drive mean? It’s the process of taking apart an external hard drive and removing the internal drive to use it directly inside your PC, NAS (Network Attached Storage), or even as a replacement in your laptop. Shucking can save you a significant amount of money, as external drives are often cheaper than their internal counterparts, even though they house the same or similar hardware.
In this in-depth guide, I’ll walk you through the entire process of shucking a hard drive, from choosing the right drive to the actual dismantling and installation process. We’ll also look at why this practice has become so popular, what to look out for, and I’ll share some product numbers from popular brands like Western Digital and Seagate that are known for being “shuckable.”

Why Shuck Hard Drives?
1. Cost Savings: One of the primary reasons people opt to shuck hard drives is cost savings. For instance, a 12TB external hard drive might cost significantly less than a 12TB internal hard drive, even though they contain the same hardware inside. This price difference can sometimes be as high as 30-40%.
2. Availability: Sometimes, internal drives with high capacity aren’t readily available or are marked up in price due to demand. External drives, however, are often more accessible and frequently go on sale, making them a great option for those who don’t mind a little DIY.
3. Compatibility with NAS Systems: Many people shuck drives to use them in NAS systems. NAS drives can be expensive, but by shucking an external drive, you can often get the same or similar performance at a fraction of the cost.
What You Need to Know Before Shucking
1. Warranty Voids: The first thing to note is that shucking a hard drive will almost always void the manufacturer’s warranty. If something goes wrong with the drive after you’ve shucked it, you won’t be able to return it or get a replacement.
2. White Label Drives: Another consideration is that some shucked drives, especially from Western Digital, are white-label drives. These are essentially internal drives without any branding or with some features disabled, like the inability to monitor temperature or power management through certain software.
3. Drive Support and Compatibility: Not all drives are created equal. Some might not work well with your system or might require additional tweaking to get them to function properly. For instance, certain drives may need a 3.3V power modification to work in standard desktop PCs.
How to Shuck a Hard Drive: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Gather Your Tools: Before starting, make sure you have the right tools. You’ll typically need:
- A small Phillips screwdriver
- A plastic pry tool (like those used in phone repair)
- Anti-static wrist strap (optional but recommended)
2. Choose the Right Hard Drive: Not all external hard drives are good candidates for shucking. Some of the best options include:
- Western Digital Elements: These are known for housing WD Red or White Label drives, which are great for NAS systems.
- WD Elements 12TB External Hard Drive (WDBWLG0120HBK-NESN)
- WD My Book 14TB External Hard Drive (WDBBGB0140HBK-NESN)
- Seagate Expansion: Seagate drives are often cheaper and easier to shuck, but they usually contain standard Barracuda drives.
- Seagate Expansion 10TB Desktop External Hard Drive (STEB10000400)
- Seagate Backup Plus Hub 14TB External Hard Drive (STEL14000400)
3. Disassembly Process:
- Step 1: Start by disconnecting the external drive from all cables.
- Step 2: Use your plastic pry tool to carefully separate the plastic casing of the external drive. This is often the trickiest part, as manufacturers don’t make it easy to open these cases without leaving marks.
- Step 3: Once the case is open, you’ll typically find the hard drive secured by screws or clips. Carefully remove these screws.
- Step 4: After removing the screws, gently pull the drive out, making sure not to damage any of the connections.
4. Preparing the Drive for Use: Once you’ve got the drive out, you can now use it as a regular internal hard drive. If you plan to install it into a NAS, you can proceed directly. If you’re installing it into a desktop PC, check whether the drive requires any additional modifications, such as covering the 3.3V pin for older systems.
Shucking Hard Drive List: Best Options in 2024
Here’s a detailed list of shuckable hard drives for 2024:
1. Western Digital Elements Series:
- 12TB WD Elements Desktop (WDBWLG0120HBK-NESN): Typically contains a WD White Label or Red drive.
- 14TB WD My Book Desktop (WDBBGB0140HBK-NESN): Great for NAS with potential Red or White Label drive inside.

2. Seagate Expansion Series:
- 10TB Seagate Expansion Desktop (STEB10000400): Usually houses a Seagate Barracuda drive.
- 14TB Seagate Backup Plus Hub (STEL14000400): Another reliable option for shucking, often contains a Barracuda Pro drive.
3. Western Digital Easystore Series:
- 12TB WD Easystore Desktop (WDBCKA0120HBK-NESN): This one is a Best Buy exclusive, often shuckable with a White Label drive inside.
- 16TB WD Easystore Desktop (WDBAMA0160HBK-NESN): Ideal for users needing massive storage at a lower price point.
Potential Risks and How to Mitigate Them
1. 3.3V Pin Issue: Some drives, especially those meant for external enclosures, might have a 3.3V power requirement that standard SATA connectors in desktops don’t supply. This can cause the drive not to spin up when installed in a desktop. You can fix this by either using a Molex to SATA power adapter or placing a piece of Kapton tape over the 3.3V pin on the SATA connector.
2. Potential Data Loss: When shucking a drive, there’s a risk of damaging it during the disassembly process. Make sure you back up any data on the drive before starting the shucking process. Additionally, handle the drive carefully and avoid touching the exposed circuit board.
3. Warranty Voiding: As mentioned earlier, shucking voids the warranty. If you’re okay with this, go ahead, but if you’re the type who prefers to keep warranties intact, you might want to reconsider or buy a drive specifically meant for internal use.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between a shucked drive and a regular internal drive? A shucked drive is essentially the same as a regular internal drive, but it’s been removed from an external enclosure. The main difference might be the branding or firmware tweaks, but the hardware is usually identical.
2. Are all external drives shuckable? Not all external drives are shuckable. Some manufacturers use proprietary connectors or glue parts together, making it difficult or impossible to shuck without damaging the drive.
3. Is shucking hard drives still worth it in 2024? Yes, shucking drives is still a cost-effective way to get large-capacity drives for less money, especially if you’re building a NAS or need extra storage for your desktop PC.
In Conclusion…
Shucking hard drives has been a popular method for tech enthusiasts to save money and repurpose external drives for internal use. While it comes with its risks, such as voiding warranties and the potential for damaging the drive during disassembly, the benefits often outweigh the drawbacks, particularly when it comes to cost savings.
If you’re considering shucking a drive in 2024, be sure to choose a model that’s known for containing a reliable internal drive, like those from Western Digital or Seagate. With the right tools and a bit of patience, you can add high-capacity storage to your system without breaking the bank.
Remember, while the process might seem intimidating at first, it’s relatively straightforward with the right guidance. So whether you’re looking to upgrade your NAS or just need more storage for your ever-growing collection of photos, videos, or games, shucking a hard drive might just be the budget-friendly solution you’re looking for.
List of Western Digital and Seagate Shucking Hard Drives
Seagate Shuckable Hard Drives
- Seagate Expansion Desktop Series:
- 8TB Seagate Expansion (STKP8000400): This model typically houses the Seagate Barracuda Compute drive, which is suitable for general desktop use.
- 10TB Seagate Expansion (STKP10000400): Often contains the Seagate IronWolf drive, which is designed for NAS environments.
- 12TB Seagate Expansion (STKP12000400): Known to have the Seagate Exos drive, a robust option for both desktop and server use.
- 14TB Seagate Expansion (STKP14000400): Also contains the Seagate Exos drive, providing high endurance and performance.
- Seagate Backup Plus Hub Series:
- 8TB Seagate Backup Plus Hub (STEL8000400): Typically comes with a Seagate Barracuda Compute drive.
- 10TB Seagate Backup Plus Hub (STEL10000400): Usually houses a Seagate IronWolf drive, making it a good choice for NAS systems.
- Seagate One Touch Hub Series:
- 14TB Seagate One Touch Hub (STLC14000400): Often features the Seagate Exos or IronWolf drive, known for high reliability.
- 16TB Seagate One Touch Hub (STLC16000400): Contains Seagate Exos drives, excellent for server or NAS applications.
Western Digital Shuckable Hard Drives
- Western Digital Elements Desktop Series:
- 8TB WD Elements Desktop (WDBWLG0080HBK): Known to house a WD White or Red drive, making it a great option for NAS setups.
- 10TB WD Elements Desktop (WDBWLG0100HBK): Typically contains a WD White or Red drive, which is CMR (Conventional Magnetic Recording) based, ideal for long-term use.
- 12TB WD Elements Desktop (WDBWLG0120HBK): This model usually comes with a WD Red drive, designed for NAS environments.
- Western Digital My Book Series:
- 8TB WD My Book (WDBBGB0080HBK): Contains a WD White Label drive, which is similar to the Red drives used in NAS systems.
- 10TB WD My Book (WDBBGB0100HBK): Often features a WD Red drive, providing reliable storage for both desktop and NAS use.
- 14TB WD My Book (WDBBGB0140HBK): Typically has a WD Red or White Label drive, offering high reliability for larger storage needs.
- Western Digital Easystore Series:
- 8TB WD Easystore (WDBCKA0080HBK-NESN): Known for housing a WD Red drive, excellent for NAS and desktop use.
- 12TB WD Easystore (WDBCKA0120HBK-NESN): Usually comes with a WD Red or White Label drive, making it a versatile option for various storage solutions.