I think the 3.5" DT01ACAxxx series Toshiba HDDs are a result of the Toshiba-Hitachi "merger" coordinated by WD (back in 2012). I think Hitachi still handles the Hitachi brand Enterprise (Ultrastar 3.5") and 2.5" Travelstar. However, Hitachi's Deskstar series are now re-badged as Toshiba DT01ACAxxx series.

The Toshiba 3.5" and Hitachi Deskstar 3.5" look the same and comments on Amazon also support the similarity.

http://storage.toshiba.eu/export/sites/toshiba-sdd/media/products/product_pictures/marketing_downloads/DT01ACAxxx-4.jpg



My question is:

Did Toshiba ever have a 3.5" series before the Hitachi rebadge?

Yes, they've made at least two models

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SAN, NAS, RAID, Server, and HDD Data Recovery.

This statement does not actually apply only to DT01ACAxx - I've been struggling to recover data from a DT01ABAxx which happens to be the same thing (with the difference that this one is much more rare in market). Examining ROM you can see (in my case) it is a HDS5CxxxxDLE6xx and also references to the WD Company!

Now, about the question, it seems there are as Doomer says, but I've never seen one.

Here they are
https://storage.toshiba.eu/cms/en/hdd/e ... ductid=392
https://storage.toshiba.eu/cms/en/hdd/e ... ductid=390

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SAN, NAS, RAID, Server, and HDD Data Recovery.

These are ENTERPRISE drives. So, not quite in the same category as Hitachi Deskstar (now Toshiba DT01ACAxxx). And, in any case, Hitachi STILL makes their own Enterprise drives (Ultrastar).

Anyone have extended experience with Toshiba HDDs and can comment on reliability?

I can say that their iPod-used 1.8" drives were SUPER reliable. If you got an adapter and used them in a non-portable device, gave them clean power, they can last "forever".

Your question was

Those ARE 3.5" drives

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SAN, NAS, RAID, Server, and HDD Data Recovery.