Reolink 16 Port POE NVR Internal/External HD Recommendations?

I currently have 10 cameras recording to my new Reolink 16 port POE NVR and I get about 4 days worth of 7/24 hour recording with the pre-installed 3TB drive. I am wondering if others could provide recommendations of hard drives that have had good success; either adding internally for a 2 bay system, or externally via the eSATA port.

Also, can the 16 port, which has 2 internal bays have drives installed along with an external as long as one does not exceed the 8TB specification? Something like a 3TB (original), extra 3TB internal (second bay), and a 2TB external?

Hi, for Reolink 16 port PoE NVR, it maximum supports 3 * 4TB HDD via 2 internal bays and 1 eSATA port.

Thanks for the confirmation that the 16-port support up to three 4TB drives. Apart from an eSATA interface and size, any other requirements or suggestions on a compatible HD for the system?

Hi, you can use the Seagate Surveillance HDD.

Thanks for the advice and quick response. I will have a look at this drive.

You can also use Western Digital surveillance hard drives. Just a preference on brand or price.

Thank you for this recommendation also. I have been looking around to see and I did see these two brands. I'm assuming I can get them either internal or with external enclosure.

Can you replace the main drive with a new 4tb? Is there a tool that will format and install the OS to a brand new drive as the primary? Lets say I want to install two new internal 4TB drives?

Hi, Quella. You can just replace the HDD with a 4TB or install 2 HDDs with 4TB. The OS is in the main board of NVR, not in the HDD.
And after you installed, please enter the Menu->Device->HDD to Init the new HDD. so that it can work with your NVR.
hdd

You guys are the best! Thanks for the super support!

One last question on this topic of installing a secondary internal hard drive. I have purchased an additional 3TB Seagate drive for my 16-channel NVR's internal second drive bay. Before I schedule downtime to add the drive, do I need anything other than just the drive to make this work? Do I need to order any cables, or does the NVR have the extra cable inside the chassis? Power connectors, etc. I did not want to unplug everything and open up the unit to see that I forgot something.

If anyone has done this already, any pointers, tips, or advice?

Hi Quella

Sorry did not reply earlier.

For internal extra HDD installation in 16-channel NVR, here are some pictures to show you:

Position 1 is where you put the extra HDD inside the NVR.
We also provide 4 screws in the box for the HDD installation, please make sure screws are tightened, otherwise, HDD may cannot be initialed or work properly if it is loose.
*4 screws for internal extra HDD installation

Port 2 is the SATA connection for extra HDD.
Port 3 is the power supply connection for extra HDD.

1.png
2.jpg
3.jpg

I have a similar amount of cameras and would like more storage but would prefer an external 4TB HD just for ease. Can anyone recommend one or will any hard drive work? Thanks

@doughboy611

We tested Seagate Surveillance HDD and found it has a stable performance for your reference.