Seagate BarraCuda Compute ST2000DM008 2 TB

256/7200

Long awaited progress

The Seagate Barracuda ST2000DM008 is the most breakthrough hard drive in recent years among inexpensive 3.5-inch models. Compared to the previous revision of the 2 terabyte Barracuda, as well as HDDs from other brands equipped with a small 64 MB RAM cache, the new product received a downright gigantic 256 MB cache. Previously, only solid-state drives could boast such a large buffer.

Faster than SSD

Used by the hard drive's cache RAM to process small files at lightning speed, although 256MB isn't that small. The speed of linear reading and writing of large files, thanks to high-density magnetic plates, the new Barracuda is 220 MB / s. On the one hand, this is twice as slow as reading SATA TLC SSD drives, on the other hand, three times as much as they write (taking into account the speed reduction when the SLC cache is full). If desired, this HDD can even be used as the only system drive in a PC.

With no restrictions

In addition, a hard drive is not limited by the number of write cycles like an SSD. This makes the Barracuda better suited for professional use that requires writing, erasing and then rewriting large amounts of data. Well, for games that now weigh 100+ GB each, HDD is also more profitable. The manufacturer claims a recommended load of up to 2400 hours per year or 55 TB of overwritten data per year. Simply put, typical work is allowed for eight hours a day, five days a week, but not around the clock — this is already a privilege of the older series of Seagate HDDs.

Universal Soldier

All in all, the Barracuda ST2000DM008 is fast, inexpensive per gigabyte, and perhaps the most versatile hard drive in Seagate's range, except for being a little noisy due to the high spindle speed (7200 rpm). If you're looking for an extremely quiet solution, look no further than the IronWolf series for NAS and SkyHawk for video surveillance systems, both with 5400 rpm.