Page 1: Seagate IronWolf Pro with 16 TB in the test: 2 TB per platter with CMR

We had to wait a long time compared to the last generation change. Now finally we have the first hard disk with a storage space of 18 TB reached. With the Seagate IronWolf Pro 18 TB is Seagate’s new flagship for the NAS with up to 24 inserts . How the hard drive performs in our test and whether the limit of 260 MB / s at 7. 200 rpm has fallen, we clarify in our article.

With the IronWolf Pro 18 TB brings Seagate a new capacity in the field of hard drives with helium filling for the fifth time. However, it is still a hard disk with a conventional recording method. This applies both from a performance point of view and also for the fact that no HAMR is used yet. A look at the data sheet from Seagate reveals that it is a hard drive with nine platters. This means that there are now 2 TB platters or a storage density of 1. 146 GB / in² possible, in conventional recording method. It is also noteworthy that Seagate has both the older 15 TB generation as well as this 18 – TB variant still on 256 MB cache is set. The competitor WD has already won the 12 – TB models on 512 MB upgraded. As soon as appropriate drives with capacities from WD 16 TB are available, a comparison can be made.

With the ST 18000 NE 000 we now have the fifth generation of helium – Seagate hard drives. According to the data sheet, there are some changes with this update. The variant with 16 TB will now be offered under the same Seagate number with only 8 platters, based on the fifth generation.

The same is true for the ST 14000 NE 0008. With this model with 14 TB the situation is even more unfortunate. This is on the market as a third (8 platter), fourth (9 platter glass) and fifth generation (7 platter) under the same product number. In the product manual 100870485, Rev. A from July 2020, it is at least pointed out that 14 TB and 16 TB with two different plate numbers are available. For models with 10 TB and 12 TB will though already the new storage space density of 1. GB / in² indicated, however, they are indicated with 7 or 8 plates, which corresponds to the third generation (last digit 8). It remains to be seen whether these models have been updated or are incorrectly reported with the wrong storage density value.

In the course of these new generations, the non-Pro models above 12 TB not applicable. Seagate had already taken this step with the SkyHawk series at the beginning of last year. Normal SkyHawk models are only listed there up to and including 8 TB. For larger capacities, only models of the SkyHawk AI series are available.

As before, the IronWolf Pro series has the Rescue data recovery system. Includes Seagate service to restore data to the drive in the event of Seagate failure. What is new is that drives starting from 01. 01. 2020 were shipped, now have a three-year rescue plan instead of the previous two.

Hot-Plug support

Manufacturer	Seagate
Series	IronWolf
Type	IronWolf Pro
Capacity	18 TB
Number of slots	up to 24
Non-correctable read errors per read bit, max.	1 sector per 10 E 15
Reliability in continuous operation (AFR)
0, 73%
Yes
Rescue services	Yes
Maximum annual workload	300 TB
Cache	256 MB
RPM	7200 RPM
Transmission speed	247 MB / s (256 MB / s max.)
Transmission standard	SATA III 6G
Energ Consumption load / idle / standby
8.0 W / 5.2 W / 1, 25 W
Noise (sone) Idle / load	2.8 / 3.2
MTBF
1.200. 000 H
Guarantee	5 years
Model	ST 18000 NE 000

Who carefully read the new manual for IronWolf Pro 16 TB studied, there is an innovation in the chapter on the permissible operating temperature. In contrast to the old models, the TB model with up to 64 ° C operating temperature indicated when the increase to this value not more than 20 ° C per hour. Below is the one from the SkyHawk AI 12 TB known sentence that this is permissible, but not recommended by the manufacturer. In addition, high temperature can affect the performance of the product.

We agree with Seagate’s recommendation and we have to advise against such high temperatures in general. With a hard drive in this price range, you would certainly want to enjoy it for a long time. Here, especially in continuous operation, attention should be paid to the required cooling.