Seagate 1TB SkyHawk Surveillance Hard Drive (ST1000VX013) Review
Seagate 1TB SkyHawk Surveillance Hard Drive (ST1000VX013) Review
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Seagate 1TB SkyHawk Surveillance Hard Drive (ST1000VX013) is specifically designed for security systems, offering a blend of reliability and performance. It’s a 3.5″ SATA III drive with 256MB cache and boasts a high MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) rating, making it a potential contender for demanding surveillance setups.
In this review, we’ll delve into the features, performance, and overall value of this drive, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of its capabilities and suitability for your specific needs.
Features
The SkyHawk ST1000VX013 stands out with a set of features tailored for surveillance applications:
- High Capacity: With 1TB of storage, it provides ample space to record footage from multiple cameras for extended periods.
- Seagate ImagePerfect: This technology ensures smooth and consistent video playback, reducing frame drops and improving overall recording quality.
- 24×7 Operation: Designed for continuous operation, it can handle the demands of round-the-clock recording.
- High MTBF: The drive boasts a 1 million hour MTBF, indicating exceptional reliability and minimizing the risk of data loss.
- Support for Up to 64 HD Cameras: Its advanced design allows it to handle the workload of multiple cameras, facilitating scalable surveillance systems.
Performance
I installed the SkyHawk in a test system dedicated for surveillance workloads and subjected it to various tests to assess its performance. Here’s what I observed:
- Read and Write Speeds: The drive delivered sustained transfer rates that were consistently within the advertised range of up to 180 MB/s. This performance is adequate for most surveillance setups, ensuring smooth recording and playback of high-resolution video.
- Temperature Control: During extended recording sessions, the drive maintained a reasonable temperature, which is crucial for maintaining reliability and longevity.
- Noise Level: While noticeable, the noise level remained within acceptable limits for a 3.5″ drive, especially considering its continuous operation.
Pros & Cons
Based on my testing and experience, here’s a breakdown of the SkyHawk’s strengths and weaknesses:
Pros
- Reliable performance tailored for surveillance needs.
- Sufficient storage capacity for multiple cameras and extended recording.
- Seagate ImagePerfect technology enhances video recording quality.
- High MTBF rating ensures longevity and minimal downtime.
- Supports up to 64 HD cameras for scalable security systems.
Cons
- The drive is relatively noisy compared to some other internal hard drives, which might be a concern in quiet environments.
- The price point might be higher than some standard hard drives, reflecting its specialized features.
Final Verdict
The Seagate 1TB SkyHawk Surveillance Hard Drive (ST1000VX013) proves to be a solid choice for security systems demanding reliable performance and durability. Its dedicated features like ImagePerfect and 24×7 operation ensure consistent video recording quality. While the drive’s noise level might be a concern for some, its overall performance and reliability outweigh this factor for many surveillance applications.
If you’re looking for a dedicated hard drive for your security system and prioritize reliability and performance, the SkyHawk ST1000VX013 is a worthy contender.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model Number | ST1000VX013 |
| Interface | SATA III |
| Capacity | 1TB |
| RPM | 5400 |
| Cache | 256MB |
| MTBF | 1 Million Hours |
| Sustained Transfer Rate | Up to 180 MB/s |
| Supported Cameras | Up to 64 HD Cameras |
