12TB Lowest Index Median, 28TB Best Listing
This week's read: 12TB became the lowest-median capacity tier in the index, replacing 14TB, while the sharpest named row is Seagate Exos ST28000NM000C 28TB refurb at BestBuy for $646.99 ($23.11/TB). The tier signal moved, but the best buyable listing still comes from refurb inventory. Data through Jul 17, 2026.
Notable capacity moves
12TB is the lowest current median $/TB capacity tier in the index at $35.83/TB. 20TB posted the clearest 30-day move at -10.0%. The lowest-median index tier is not the same as the cheapest named listing; use the tier view for market shape and the listing rows for actual buy decisions.
Current best-value drives
Current rows with clear condition data: Seagate Exos ST28000NM000C 28TB refurb at BestBuy for $646.99 ($23.11/TB); Western Digital Gold WD241KRYZ 24TB new CMR at BestBuy for $554.79 ($23.12/TB); Western Digital Gold WD202KRYZ 20TB new at BestBuy for $476.14 ($23.81/TB); Toshiba N300 HDWG51JXZSTA 18TB new CMR at BestBuy for $451.55 ($25.09/TB). If recertified or refurbished drives are off the table, compare against Western Digital Gold WD241KRYZ 24TB new CMR at BestBuy for $554.79 ($23.12/TB) and Western Digital Gold WD202KRYZ 20TB new at BestBuy for $476.14 ($23.81/TB). These are not interchangeable: condition and recording tech matter before the lowest $/TB row becomes a buyable recommendation.