Seagate Constellation.2 500GB 7200RPM SATA 6 Gb/s 64MB Cache 2.5-Inch Internal Bare Drive ST9500620NS
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AI Verdict
This is a 500GB, 7200RPM, 2.5-inch SATA 6Gb/s mechanical hard drive built for 24x7 enterprise use, not a consumer desktop drive.
This 2.5-inch, 7200RPM mechanical drive is specifically engineered for 24x7 enterprise workloads, offering high reliability (1.4M hours MTBF) and low power consumption (under 6.4W). Its 500GB capacity and HDD speeds make it a poor choice for general consumer use or as a primary drive in modern systems, but it fits niche enterprise applications requiring durability in a compact form factor.
If you need more capacity or faster speeds for a consumer setup, look for a larger capacity 3.5-inch HDD or a Solid State Drive (SSD).
Regret Score™
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Pros
- Designed for 24x7 operation with a Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) of 1.4 million hours.
- Features an Annualized Failure Rate (AFR) of 0.62%, indicating high durability for continuous use.
- Offers 7200 RPM rotational speed and a SATA 6Gb/s interface for faster mechanical drive performance.
- Includes 64MB cache to improve data flow and responsiveness.
- Consumes under 6.4W during operation and 2.67W when idle, making it energy efficient for its class.
- Enterprise-class firmware and rotational vibration tolerance maximize system availability and performance in demanding environments.
Cons
- 500GB capacity is limited for modern storage needs, especially for media or large applications.
- Sold as a bare drive, meaning no mounting screws or SATA cables are included.
- Some users report noticeable noise levels during operation, which can be distracting in quiet environments.
- Compatibility issues have been reported by some users when integrating it into certain RAID setups.
Dimension Scores
The 7200 RPM rotational speed and SATA 6Gb/s interface provide above-average performance for a mechanical hard drive, but it's inherently slower than any SSD.
With an MTBF of 1.4 million hours and an AFR of 0.62%, designed for 24x7 enterprise operation, this drive offers best-in-class reliability for a mechanical drive.
A 500GB capacity is below average for current storage needs, especially for consumer desktops or laptops, limiting its utility for large files or numerous applications.
The 2.5-inch form factor and SATA interface are widely compatible, but some users have reported specific issues with RAID setups, preventing a higher score.
Best For
- Storage-hungry business applications requiring high reliability.
- Storage Area Networks (SAN) and Network Attached Storage (NAS) in a 2.5-inch form factor.
- Maximum-capacity servers and blade servers where space is constrained.
- Enterprise backup and restore operations (D2D, virtual tape).
Not Recommended For
- Primary boot drive in a consumer desktop or laptop due to mechanical drive speed limitations compared to SSDs.
- Gaming PCs where fast loading times and silent operation are priorities.
- Users needing large storage capacities (e.g., 2TB or more) for personal media libraries.
- Environments where absolute silence is required, as it can produce audible operational noise.
Watch Out For
- The drive comes bare, so you'll need to source your own SATA data cable and mounting screws, which adds to setup time and cost.
- Some users have experienced compatibility challenges when attempting to integrate this drive into specific RAID configurations.
- Noise levels can be noticeable during active use, with some users reporting it's not a silent workhorse.
- Purchasing from third-party sellers carries a risk of receiving used or refurbished drives, which may have accumulated significant hours of operation.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B005PWVEJ4 |
| Brand | Seagate |
| Series | ST9500620NS |
| Language | English |
| Hard Drive | 500 GB Mechanical Hard Disk |
| Item Weight | 6.4 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Seagate |
| Hard Disk Size | 500 GB |
| Special Feature | This is a SERVER hard drive. NOT for laptop. |
| Flash Memory Size | 500 |
| Hardware Platform | PC |
| Installation Type | Internal Hard Drive |
| Item model number | ST9500620NS |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 2.76 x 3.96 x 0.59 inches |
| Hard Disk Interface | Serial ATA-600 |
| Hard Drive Interface | Serial ATA-600 |
| Hard Disk Description | Mechanical Hard Disk |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 2.5 Inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 2.76 x 3.96 x 0.59 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | SATA |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 500 GB |
| Hard Drive Rotational Speed | 7200 RPM |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
What Buyers Say
This Seagate Constellation.2 drive is built like a tank for enterprise use, boasting a 1.4 million hour MTBF and a low 0.62% AFR, which is way more robust than your average consumer drive. However, don't expect it to be a silent operator, as some users mention noticeable noise during activity. It's also a bare drive, so you're on your own for cables and screws, which can be a minor annoyance during installation. The 500GB capacity feels pretty small these days, making it less practical for general-purpose storage compared to newer, larger drives.
“Man, this thing is built like a brick for servers, but it's kinda loud and 500GB just doesn't cut it for my game library anymore, plus I had to dig for cables!”
Common Praise
- Exceptional reliability metrics, including a 1.4 million hour MTBF, for continuous operation.
- 7200 RPM speed provides faster data access than slower 5400 RPM mechanical drives.
- Compact 2.5-inch form factor is suitable for space-constrained server or blade server environments.
- Enterprise-grade features like enhanced rotational vibration tolerance are appreciated in server racks.
Common Complaints
- Noticeable operational noise that can be distracting in quiet settings.
- Lack of included accessories like SATA cables or mounting screws, requiring separate purchases.
- 500GB capacity is often considered too small for modern consumer or even some enterprise applications.
- Some users encountered unexpected compatibility problems when integrating into specific RAID arrays.
Ownership Tips
- The drive's enterprise-grade construction means it can withstand years of 24/7 operation without issues, often outlasting consumer drives.
- Its noise profile, while not extreme, becomes more apparent after prolonged use, especially if not housed in a sound-dampened enclosure.
- The 2.5-inch form factor with a 15mm z-height might not fit all standard laptop bays, which typically expect 7mm or 9.5mm drives.
- Despite its age (Date First Available: September 27, 2011), many units are still functioning, highlighting its durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this drive in a regular desktop PC or laptop?
Yes, you can use this 2.5-inch SATA drive in a desktop or laptop that supports the form factor and interface. However, it's an enterprise-grade drive and might be overkill or not as fast as an SSD for typical consumer use.
Does this drive come with any cables or mounting hardware?
No, this is a 'bare drive,' meaning it does not include SATA data cables, power cables, or mounting screws. You will need to purchase these separately.
Is this drive noisy during operation?
Some users have reported that the drive can produce noticeable noise during operation, especially in quiet environments. It might not be the best choice if silent operation is a priority for you.
What is the expected lifespan of this drive?
This drive is designed for high reliability in 24x7 enterprise environments, with a Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) of 1.4 million hours and an Annualized Failure Rate (AFR) of 0.62%. This suggests a long operational life under continuous use.
Is 500GB enough storage for today's applications?
For many modern applications, games, or large media files, 500GB is a relatively small capacity. It might be sufficient for specific enterprise tasks or as a secondary drive for less demanding data.
Buying Guide
When looking at internal drives, you need to decide if you need a traditional spinning hard disk drive (HDD) or a faster solid-state drive (SSD). HDDs like this one offer more storage for your money but are significantly slower. This specific drive is an enterprise-class HDD, meaning it's built for extreme durability and continuous operation in servers, not necessarily for speed in a home PC. Pay close attention to the form factor (2.5-inch vs. 3.5-inch) and interface (SATA) to ensure it fits your system. Also, remember 'bare drives' don't come with installation accessories.
Capacity (500 GB)
This is how much data the drive can hold, like how many books fit on a bookshelf. 500GB is on the smaller side for today's needs; a modern operating system and a few large games can quickly fill it up.
Interface (Serial ATA-600 / SATA 6 Gb/s)
This is the connection type and its maximum speed, like the size of a highway. SATA 6 Gb/s is the standard connection for most internal drives, allowing data transfer up to 6 gigabits per second, which is plenty fast for an HDD.
Drive Type (Mechanical Hard Disk)
This tells you it's a traditional drive with spinning platters, like a record player. It's slower than an SSD (Solid State Drive) but typically more affordable per gigabyte, especially at higher capacities.
Form Factor (2.5 Inches)
This is the physical size of the drive, like the dimensions of a book. A 2.5-inch drive is smaller than a 3.5-inch drive and is typically used in laptops or compact servers, but can be used in desktops with an adapter.
Alternatives
If you need more storage, look for 3.5-inch mechanical hard drives with capacities of 2TB or more. For significantly faster performance, especially for your operating system or frequently used applications, consider a SATA or NVMe Solid State Drive (SSD).
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