Seagate 18TB Exos X20 ST18000NM003D Review: A Beast of a Hard Drive
Seagate 18TB Exos X20 ST18000NM003D Review: A Beast of a Hard Drive
For those seeking massive storage capacity and reliable performance, the Seagate 18TB Exos X20 ST18000NM003D is a compelling option. This enterprise-grade hard drive is engineered for demanding workloads, boasting impressive speed, advanced features, and a robust build. But is it the right fit for your specific needs? Let’s dive into our comprehensive review to find out.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Seagate 18TB Exos X20 ST18000NM003D stands out as a powerhouse in the world of hard drives. It provides an incredible amount of storage space, making it ideal for data centers, video editing, and other applications that require a large footprint. Its 7200 RPM spindle speed and 256MB cache contribute to its impressive performance, ensuring data can be accessed quickly and efficiently.
Key Features
This hard drive is packed with features that cater to demanding storage needs:
- Massive Storage: With 18TB of storage, you have ample space for large files, applications, and backups.
- Fast Performance: The 7200 RPM spindle speed and 256MB cache deliver impressive data transfer speeds and reduced access times.
- Helium-Sealed Design: This technology reduces friction and heat, contributing to better performance and enhanced reliability.
- PowerChoice Idle Power Technology: This feature reduces power consumption when the drive is idle, contributing to energy savings.
- Advanced Data Security: Features like RSA 3072 Firmware Verification and SuperParity ensure data integrity and protection.
- Robust Build: The Exos X20 is designed for 24/7 operation, ensuring continuous reliability even under demanding conditions.
Performance
We put the Seagate 18TB Exos X20 ST18000NM003D through its paces with a variety of real-world tasks, including:
- File Transfers: We tested the drive’s performance in copying large files, such as movies, music, and games, and were consistently impressed by its speed.
- Video Editing: Working with 4K footage, the drive kept up without any lag or noticeable performance hiccups.
- Gaming: While not designed for gaming, the drive loaded games relatively quickly, with minimal loading times. However, for an optimal gaming experience, an SSD is still the preferred choice.
Overall, the Exos X20 delivered consistently high performance, exceeding expectations in most scenarios. Its speed and reliability are a testament to its enterprise-grade design.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a breakdown of the key advantages and drawbacks of the Seagate 18TB Exos X20 ST18000NM003D:
Pros:
- Massive Storage Capacity
- Excellent Performance
- Advanced Features for Data Security and Reliability
- Robust Build for 24/7 Operation
- Power-Saving Technologies
Cons:
- Relatively High Price
- May Not Be Ideal for Gaming Performance Compared to SSDs
Final Verdict
The Seagate 18TB Exos X20 ST18000NM003D is an excellent choice for users who require massive storage capacity and reliable performance. Its enterprise-grade features, impressive speed, and robust build make it a solid investment for demanding workloads. If you are on a budget, you can consider other high-capacity hard drives with lower storage capacities. However, if you need the ultimate storage solution with speed, security, and reliability, the Exos X20 is highly recommended.
Specifications
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Standard Model FastFormat™ (512e/4Kn) | ST18000NM003D |
| SED-FIPS FastFormat (512e/4Kn) | — |
| Helium Sealed-Drive Design | Yes |
| Conventional Magnetic Recording (CMR) | Yes |
| Protection Information (T10 DIF) | — |
| SuperParity | Yes |
| Low Halogen | Yes |
| PowerChoice™ Idle Power Technology | Yes |
| PowerBalance™ Power/Performance Technology | Yes |
| Hot-Plug Support | Yes |
| Cache, Multi-segmented (MB) | 256 |
| Organic Solderability Preservative | Yes |
| RSA 3072 Firmware Verification (SD&D) | Yes |
| MTBF (hours) | 2,500,000 |
| Reliability Rating @ Full 24×7 Operation (AFR) | 0.35% |
| Non-recoverable Read Errors per Bits Read | 1 sector per 10E15 |
| Power-On Hours per Year (24×7) | 8,760 |
| 512e Sector Size (Bytes per Sector) | 512 |
| 4Kn Sector Size (Bytes per Sector) | 4,096 |
| Spindle Speed (RPM) | 7,200 RPM |
| Interface Access Speed (Gb/s) | 6.0, 3.0 |
| Max. Sustained Transfer Rate OD (MB/s, MiB/s) | 285/272 |
| Random Read/Write 4K QD16 WCD (IOPS) | 168/550 |
| Average Latency (ms) | 4.16 |
| Interface Ports | Single |
| Rotation Vibration @ 20-1500 Hz (rad/sec²) | 12.5 |
| Idle A (W) Average | 5.4 W |
| Max Operating, Random Read/Write 4K/16Q (W) | 9.4, 6.4 |
| Power Supply Requirements | +12 V and +5 V |
| Temperature, Operating (°C) | 5°C – 60°C |
| Vibration, Non-operating: 2 to 500 Hz (Grms) | 2.27 |
| Shock, Operating 2 ms (Read/Write) (Gs) | 40 |
| Shock, Non-operating 2 ms (GS) | 200 |
| Height (in/mm, max) | 1.028 in/26.1 mm |
| Width (in/mm, max) | 4.01 in/101.85 mm |
| Depth (in/mm, max) | 5.787 in/147 mm |
| Weight (gm/lb) | 670 g/1.477 lb |
| Carton Unit Quantity | 20 |
| Cartons per Pallet / Cartons per Layer | 40/8 |
