Page 1: Seagate Exos X 18 in the test: 18 TB of unbridled enterprise power

With the Seagate Exos X 18, 18 TB, Seagate brings out the next size of capacity with the already known technology. When testing the Exos X 16 we actually assumed that Seagate would already use HAMR, the long-awaited, new recording method for the next size, but this is at the Exos X 18 not yet the case. How the Exos compares to the IronWolf Pro 18 TB and other hard drives in our test course beats, we clarify in our article.

Having recently launched the Seagate IronWolf Pro 18 TB ST 18000 NE 000, the next model is now with 18 TB from Seagate’s turn. The Exos X 18, the latest offshoot of the Exos-X series, comes with the variant we tested with 18 TB also as Exos X 18 16 TB. Both are of course also available with a SAS interface and / or as a self-encrypting drive. With an average storage density of 1. 100 GB / in² on the platters, Seagate has been able to optimize the conventional recording process used so far. As already mentioned, at the time of testing the predecessor, we actually assumed that the new model would use HAMR. But we have to be patient here. The Exos X 18 is the fifth generation of Helium hard drives from Seagate and comes in both versions with nine platters and 17 or. 18 Read heads. Fortunately, the Exos-X models don’t have the same number chaos as the IronWolf models.

New and old hard drives are listed there under the same Seagate number. With the Exos X 16 16 TB is a “G” for the fourth Generation and the Exos X 18 16 TB a “J” for the fifth generation on End of number. This makes it easy to distinguish the current products. The Exos X 18 comes with a five year guarantee and a TBW of 550 TB on the market, which is known to be a release for permanent load.

As usual, the Exos X is extensive 18 the data sheet. Even if the manual, in which almost all possible parameters are noted, can only be found via the support function after the last update of the Seagate website, we were able to list all the relevant data. Compared to its predecessor, both models of the X 16 interestingly almost 25% more IOs for the 4K write processes QD 16 at. With regard to the maximum transfer rate, the specification of MB / s for the 15 – TB model not increased. The 18 – TB variant is marked with 270 MB / s specified.

In addition to the already well-known PowerChoice technology to reduce consumption when not in use, the Exos X 18 also advertised with PowerBalance. This reduces the electrical power consumption depending on the required read / write power. Nevertheless, the Seagate Exos-X series are hard drives for operation in servers or HyperScale environments. The drives do not have any optimization of the starting current or the operating volume, both of which are very important for consumers. When using them, you should be clear about who these drives are suitable for.

Maximum annual workload

Manufacturer	Seagate
Series	EXOS X
Type	EXOS X 18
Capacity	18 TB
Number of slots	16 +
Non-correctable read errors per read Bit, max.	1 sector per 10 E 15
Reliability in continuous operation (AFR)	0, 35%
Hot-Plug support	Yes
KTPI / GB / In²	482 / 1146
550 TB
Cache	256 MB
RPM	7200 RPM
Transmission speed	270 MB / s
Random Read / Write – 4K, QD 16, write cache deactivated	170 IOPS / 510 IOPS
Transmission standard	SATA III 6G
Energy consumption load / idle / standby	9.4 W / 5.3 W / –
Noise (sone) idling / load
2.8 / 3.2
MTBF	2. 500. 000 H
Guarantee	5 years
Model	ST 18000 NM 000 J