msg7086B
Bare minimum you should look at upgrading to E5 v2. Better go v4.
At this point I’d probably just go to https://www.reddit.com/r/buildapcsales/comments/17xmwu7/hdd_best_buy_wd_easystore_18tb_external_usb_30/ .
Otherwise, refurbished Exos 16/18TB if you are not a fan of shucking or WD.
You asks if you have to increase budget, but you didn’t mention how much storage space you are looking for. New drives are at 18TB $199 price point, historical low. Unless you want to buy small drives but I don’t think you’ll get the most out of your money.
The 20TB exos is the same grade as red pro or gold.
I would no brainer go to a new exos.
Your understanding is incorrect. Only DMSMR drives are not very good because the disk is managing zones like a black box. HMSMR are great because user have full control on how to write data, thus eliminating all the shortcomings.
The “time and power” gets you the high quality.
Working at higher performance will generate more noise.