Seagate Exos 24TB HDD: Review & Should You Buy?

by Viktoria Ivanova 48 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Seagate Exos ST24000NM000C 24TB 7.2K RPM SATA 6Gb/s 512e 3.5in Enterprise Hard Drive (Renewed). That's a mouthful, right? But trust me, this drive packs a punch, especially if you're dealing with massive amounts of data. We're going to break down everything you need to know about this beast of a hard drive, from its performance and features to its value proposition as a renewed product. So, let's get started!

What is the Seagate Exos ST24000NM000C?

First off, let's clarify exactly what we're talking about. The Seagate Exos ST24000NM000C is a high-capacity enterprise-class hard drive designed for demanding workloads. Think data centers, cloud storage, and businesses that need reliable, high-performance storage. This isn't your average desktop drive; it's built for 24/7 operation and is engineered to handle the rigors of constant read/write cycles. The key specs you need to remember are its massive 24TB capacity, its 7.2K RPM spindle speed, and its SATA 6Gb/s interface. The 512e format refers to its sector size, which is important for compatibility with certain systems. Now, the version we're reviewing today is a renewed model. This means it's been previously used but has undergone testing and refurbishment to ensure it meets Seagate's standards. Buying renewed can be a great way to save some cash, but it's essential to understand what you're getting into, which we will cover later on.

This drive falls under Seagate's Exos X24 series, which is known for its high capacity and reliability. The Exos line is specifically targeted at enterprise environments where downtime is not an option and data integrity is paramount. These drives are built with features like advanced caching algorithms and vibration tolerance to ensure consistent performance even under heavy load. The 24TB capacity makes it ideal for applications like large-scale video storage, data archiving, and cloud infrastructure. For businesses that are dealing with exponential data growth, having drives like the ST24000NM000C can be a game-changer. It allows them to store more data in the same physical space, reducing the need for constant infrastructure upgrades. Plus, the 7.2K RPM spindle speed provides a good balance between performance and power consumption, which is crucial in data center environments. The SATA 6Gb/s interface ensures fast data transfer rates, allowing for quick access to stored information. All of these features combined make this drive a compelling option for businesses that need reliable, high-capacity storage solutions. Whether it's backing up critical data, hosting virtual machines, or handling large media files, the Seagate Exos ST24000NM000C is designed to deliver consistent performance day in and day out.

Key Features and Specifications

Let's break down the key features and specifications that make this drive stand out:

  • Capacity: 24TB - This is the big one! 24 terabytes of storage is massive, allowing you to store huge amounts of data, from high-resolution videos to large databases.
  • Spindle Speed: 7.2K RPM - The 7,200 revolutions per minute spindle speed provides a good balance between performance and power consumption. It's fast enough for most enterprise applications without being overly power-hungry.
  • Interface: SATA 6Gb/s - The SATA 6Gb/s interface ensures fast data transfer speeds, allowing for quick read and write operations.
  • Form Factor: 3.5 inch - This is the standard size for desktop and server hard drives, making it compatible with a wide range of systems.
  • Sector Size: 512e - The 512e sector size is an emulated 512-byte sector, which provides compatibility with older systems while still offering the benefits of larger physical sectors.
  • Enterprise-Class Reliability: Designed for 24/7 operation and high workloads, this drive is built to last in demanding environments.
  • Renewed: This particular model is a renewed drive, meaning it has been professionally refurbished and tested to ensure it meets performance standards.

These specifications highlight the drive's focus on capacity, performance, and reliability. The 24TB capacity is obviously the headline feature, but the other specs contribute to its overall value proposition. The 7.2K RPM spindle speed ensures that data access is reasonably quick, while the SATA 6Gb/s interface provides ample bandwidth for data transfer. The 3.5-inch form factor makes it easy to integrate into existing systems, and the 512e sector size ensures compatibility with a wide range of operating systems and applications. The enterprise-class reliability is a crucial aspect, as it means the drive is designed to withstand the stresses of continuous operation. This is especially important in data center environments where downtime can be costly. The fact that this is a renewed drive also has implications for its price and warranty, which we'll discuss later on. Understanding these key features and specifications is essential for determining whether the Seagate Exos ST24000NM000C is the right choice for your needs. Whether you're looking to expand your storage capacity, improve your system's performance, or simply need a reliable drive for your data-intensive applications, this drive has a lot to offer.

Performance and Benchmarks

Now, let's talk about performance and benchmarks. While we haven't run our own specific benchmarks on this exact renewed unit, we can look at the general performance characteristics of the Seagate Exos X24 series to get a good idea of what to expect. In general, 7.2K RPM drives offer a good balance between speed and capacity. They're not as fast as solid-state drives (SSDs), but they provide much more storage at a lower cost per terabyte. The SATA 6Gb/s interface ensures that the drive can transfer data quickly, and the large cache (typically 256MB in Exos drives) helps to improve performance by storing frequently accessed data. You can expect sustained transfer rates of around 200-250 MB/s, which is quite respectable for a mechanical hard drive. This means that reading and writing large files, such as videos or database backups, should be relatively quick. Random access times will be slower than an SSD, but this is a trade-off you make for the higher capacity and lower cost. In real-world scenarios, the Seagate Exos ST24000NM000C should perform well in tasks like file serving, data archiving, and media streaming. It's not the ideal choice for applications that require very low latency, such as running an operating system or frequently accessed databases. For those workloads, an SSD would be a better fit. However, for bulk storage and applications that prioritize capacity over speed, this drive is a solid performer.

When comparing it to other drives in its class, the Exos X24 series generally holds its own against competitors like the Western Digital Ultrastar and Toshiba Enterprise Capacity drives. All of these drives offer similar specifications and performance, so the choice often comes down to price, warranty, and specific features. Some users may prefer the Seagate Exos for its reputation for reliability, while others may opt for a different brand based on their own experiences. Ultimately, the best way to gauge performance is to look at independent reviews and benchmarks from reputable sources. These reviews will often provide detailed performance metrics, such as read and write speeds, access times, and IOPS (Input/Output Operations Per Second). Keep in mind that the performance of a renewed drive may vary slightly compared to a brand-new unit, but if the drive has been properly refurbished and tested, the difference should be minimal. It's also worth noting that the performance of a hard drive can be affected by other factors, such as the system's hardware configuration, the operating system, and the workload. So, while benchmarks can provide a good indication of a drive's potential, real-world performance may vary depending on your specific setup.

Renewed vs. New: What's the Difference?

Okay, let's tackle the elephant in the room: renewed vs. new. What's the real difference, and why should you consider a renewed drive? A renewed hard drive, like this Seagate Exos ST24000NM000C, is a drive that has been previously used but has been returned to the manufacturer or a certified reseller for refurbishment. This could be for various reasons, such as a customer return, a cancelled order, or a drive that failed initial quality control. The key thing is that these drives are not simply resold as-is. They undergo a rigorous testing and refurbishment process to ensure they meet certain standards. This typically involves wiping the drive, inspecting it for physical damage, testing its performance, and replacing any faulty components. In some cases, the drive may even be recertified by the manufacturer. The main advantage of buying a renewed drive is the cost savings. Renewed drives are typically significantly cheaper than new ones, which can make them an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. However, there are also some potential downsides to consider. The most obvious is that a renewed drive has been used before, so it may have a shorter lifespan than a brand-new drive. The warranty period for renewed drives is also often shorter than for new drives. This means that you may have less time to return the drive if it fails. It's crucial to check the warranty terms carefully before buying a renewed drive. Another potential concern is the condition of the drive. While renewed drives are supposed to be thoroughly tested and refurbished, there's always a small chance that a problem could slip through. This is why it's important to buy from a reputable seller who offers a good return policy.

When deciding whether to buy a renewed drive, you need to weigh the cost savings against the potential risks. If you're on a tight budget and you're willing to accept a slightly higher risk of failure, a renewed drive can be a good option. However, if you need absolute reliability and you're not comfortable with the idea of using a previously owned drive, you may be better off buying a new one. It's also important to consider the specific application for the drive. If you're using it for critical data storage, where downtime is not an option, a new drive may be a safer bet. On the other hand, if you're using it for less critical applications, such as media storage or backups, a renewed drive could be a cost-effective solution. Ultimately, the decision of whether to buy a renewed drive is a personal one. There's no right or wrong answer, and it depends on your individual needs and circumstances. Just make sure you do your research, understand the risks and benefits, and buy from a reputable seller.

Pros and Cons

Let's summarize the pros and cons of the Seagate Exos ST24000NM000C 24TB (Renewed) to give you a clear overview:

Pros:

  • Massive Capacity: 24TB is a huge amount of storage, ideal for large-scale data storage needs.
  • Cost-Effective: Renewed drives offer significant savings compared to new ones.
  • Enterprise-Class Reliability: Designed for 24/7 operation and high workloads.
  • Good Performance: 7.2K RPM and SATA 6Gb/s provide a good balance of speed and capacity.
  • Professionally Refurbished: Renewed drives are tested and refurbished to ensure they meet performance standards.

Cons:

  • Renewed Status: May have a shorter lifespan than a new drive.
  • Shorter Warranty: Typically comes with a shorter warranty period than new drives.
  • Potential for Issues: There's a slightly higher risk of issues compared to a new drive.
  • Not as Fast as SSDs: Mechanical hard drives are slower than solid-state drives for certain applications.

These pros and cons should help you weigh the advantages and disadvantages of this particular drive. The massive capacity and cost savings are definitely attractive, especially for budget-conscious users who need a lot of storage. The enterprise-class reliability and good performance also make it a solid choice for demanding applications. However, the renewed status and shorter warranty are important considerations. You need to be comfortable with the fact that this drive has been used before and that it may not last as long as a new one. The potential for issues, while small, is also something to keep in mind. And finally, if you need the absolute fastest performance, an SSD may be a better option. But for bulk storage and applications that prioritize capacity over speed, the Seagate Exos ST24000NM000C is a strong contender. It really comes down to your specific needs and priorities. If you're willing to trade a bit of risk for a significant cost savings, this drive could be an excellent choice. Just make sure you buy from a reputable seller and check the warranty terms carefully.

Who is This Drive For?

So, who is this drive for? The Seagate Exos ST24000NM000C 24TB (Renewed) is ideal for a few key groups:

  • Businesses with Large Data Storage Needs: Data centers, cloud storage providers, and businesses that handle large amounts of data (like video production companies) will benefit from the massive capacity.
  • Budget-Conscious Users: The renewed status makes this drive a more affordable option for those who need high capacity but don't want to pay the premium for a new drive.
  • Users Who Need Reliable Storage: The Exos line is known for its enterprise-class reliability, making it suitable for 24/7 operation.
  • Those Building or Upgrading Storage Systems: If you're building a new NAS (Network Attached Storage) system or upgrading an existing one, this drive can provide a significant boost in capacity.

This drive is particularly well-suited for scenarios where large amounts of data need to be stored reliably and cost-effectively. For example, a video production company could use this drive to store raw footage and project files. A cloud storage provider could use it to expand their storage capacity. Or a small business could use it as part of a backup and disaster recovery solution. The renewed status makes it an attractive option for organizations that are looking to save money without sacrificing too much performance or reliability. However, it's important to note that this drive may not be the best choice for every situation. If you need the absolute fastest performance, such as for running an operating system or frequently accessed databases, an SSD would be a better option. And if you're concerned about the potential risks of buying a renewed drive, a new drive may be a safer bet. But for many users, the Seagate Exos ST24000NM000C offers a compelling combination of capacity, performance, reliability, and value. It's a workhorse drive that can handle the demands of data-intensive applications.

Final Verdict

In final verdict, the Seagate Exos ST24000NM000C 24TB 7.2K RPM SATA 6Gb/s 512e 3.5in Enterprise Hard Drive (Renewed) is a solid choice for those needing massive storage capacity at a reasonable price. The renewed status offers significant cost savings, and the enterprise-class reliability makes it suitable for demanding environments. While it's not as fast as an SSD, it provides a good balance of performance and capacity for bulk storage applications. If you're comfortable with the potential risks of buying a renewed drive and you need a lot of storage, this drive is definitely worth considering. Just be sure to buy from a reputable seller and check the warranty terms carefully. Overall, it's a great option for businesses, data centers, and anyone else who needs to store large amounts of data without breaking the bank. So, if you're in the market for a high-capacity hard drive and you're open to the idea of buying renewed, the Seagate Exos ST24000NM000C is a strong contender. It's a workhorse drive that can handle the demands of data-intensive applications, and the cost savings make it an even more attractive option.