Seagate Skyhawk 8TB Video Internal Hard Drive HDD – 3.5 Inch SATA 6Gb/s 256MB Cache for DVR NVR Security Camera System with Data Rescue Services (ST8000VX010)
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AI Verdict
This 8TB, 5400 RPM, 3.5-inch SATA drive is purpose-built for 24/7 video surveillance systems, handling up to 64 HD cameras simultaneously.
This 8TB 3.5-inch HDD is a strong fit for its intended use in DVR/NVR security camera systems, supporting 64 HD cameras and 180TB/year workloads. However, reports of noise, heat, and early failures make it a situational choice, requiring careful consideration of the operating environment and backup strategies.
If you need faster general-purpose performance or quieter operation, look for 7200 RPM drives or SSDs, respectively.
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Pros
- Designed for 24/7 video recording environments, supporting workloads up to 180TB/year.
- Manages up to 64 simultaneously streaming HD cameras with zero dropped frames due to ImagePerfect firmware.
- Built-in RV sensors maintain performance in multi-bay systems, allowing for system scalability.
- Includes SkyHawk Health Management for monitoring drive health.
- Comes with a three-year limited warranty and three-year in-house Rescue Data Recovery Services.
Cons
- Users report the drive can be noisy during operation.
- Some users experienced failures within a few months of use.
- Can run hot, especially during prolonged use, raising concerns about longevity.
- Actual usable space may be less than the advertised 8TB.
- Performance can struggle under high workloads, with reports of dropped frames despite surveillance optimization.
Dimension Scores
Optimized for continuous writing of video streams (up to 180TB/year) from 64 HD cameras, but slower for general read tasks due to its 5400 RPM.
Features 1M hours MTBF and ImagePerfect firmware for 24/7 surveillance workloads, but some users report failures within months.
8TB capacity is ample for extended video retention from multiple HD cameras in surveillance systems.
Purpose-built for video DVR and NVR security camera systems, ensuring seamless integration and optimized performance for its intended use.
Best For
- Dedicated DVR/NVR security camera systems requiring 24/7 recording from multiple HD cameras.
- Expanding storage in existing multi-bay surveillance setups.
- Users prioritizing data recovery services for critical surveillance footage.
Not Recommended For
- General-purpose desktop computers or gaming rigs due to slow read performance.
- Users sensitive to drive noise in quiet environments.
- Systems without adequate cooling, given reports of heat generation.
Watch Out For
- Some users reported the drive produces a noticeable amount of sound during operation, which can be distracting.
- Customers have experienced failures within just a few months of use, leading to potential data loss.
- The drive can run hot, especially during prolonged use, which may reduce its lifespan.
- Actual usable space on the drive is less than advertised, often falling short by hundreds of gigabytes.
- Some users reported the drive struggles with high workloads, leading to dropped frames in video recordings.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0BLT41GSM |
| Brand | Seagate |
| Color | multi-color |
| Series | ST8000VX010 |
| Language | English |
| Hard Drive | 8 TB Mechanical Hard Disk |
| Item Weight | 1.39 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Seagate |
| Special Feature | Portable |
| Flash Memory Size | 8 TB |
| Installation Type | Internal Hard Drive |
| Item model number | ST8000VX010 |
| Compatible Devices | Camera |
| Product Dimensions | 0.8 x 4 x 5.78 inches |
| Hard Disk Interface | Serial ATA |
| Hard Drive Interface | Serial ATA |
| Hard Disk Description | Mechanical Hard Disk |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 3.5 Inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 0.8 x 4 x 5.78 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | SATA |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 8 TB |
| Hard Drive Rotational Speed | 5400 RPM |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
What Buyers Say
Despite being marketed specifically for surveillance, some users have reported that this 8TB SkyHawk drive struggles with high workloads, leading to dropped frames in video recordings. There are recurring complaints about the drive being noisy during operation and generating significant heat, which could impact its longevity. A number of buyers also noted that the actual usable storage capacity is less than the advertised 8TB. Furthermore, some customers experienced drive failures within a few months of purchase, raising concerns about its long-term reliability.
“Man, I bought this for my NVR and it's louder than my old drive and gets pretty warm, plus I swear I lost some footage when it was recording like 4 cameras at once. Not what I expected for a 'surveillance' drive.”
Common Praise
- Handles 24/7 recording from many cameras without dropped frames.
- Includes data recovery services, which is a big plus for surveillance footage.
- Easy to install in DVR/NVR systems.
- SkyHawk Health Management provides useful monitoring features.
Common Complaints
- Makes noticeable noise during operation, especially in quiet environments.
- Runs hot, which could be an issue in enclosed spaces.
- Some drives failed prematurely, within a few months of use.
- Actual storage capacity is less than the advertised 8TB.
- Can struggle with multiple HD streams, leading to dropped frames.
Ownership Tips
- The noise level can become a constant annoyance if the NVR is in a living space.
- Monitoring drive temperature is crucial, especially in systems with limited airflow, to prevent overheating.
- Even with the data recovery service, dealing with a drive failure and potential data loss is a hassle.
- The 'less than advertised' usable space is a common HDD thing, but still frustrating when you're counting on every gigabyte.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this drive suitable for a regular desktop computer?
No, Seagate does not recommend this drive for general use or gaming rigs because its read/write prioritization is heavily skewed to writing, making it slow for reading data.
How many cameras can this 8TB drive support?
The SkyHawk 8TB drive is designed to support up to 64 HD cameras streaming simultaneously without dropping frames.
Does this drive come with data recovery services?
Yes, it includes three-year in-house Rescue Data Recovery Services, offering peace of mind for your surveillance footage.
What is the rotational speed (RPM) of this drive?
This specific model (ST8000VX010) operates at 5400 RPM.
Can this drive be used in multi-bay NVR systems?
Yes, it features built-in RV sensors that allow it to maintain performance in multi-bay systems, providing flexibility to scale your storage.
Buying Guide
When buying a hard drive for a security camera system, you're not just looking for raw storage. You need a drive that can handle constant writing of video data, often from many cameras at once, without dropping frames. Look for drives specifically designed for surveillance, as they prioritize write performance and reliability over read speeds. Also, consider features like health monitoring and data recovery services, which are super important if your footage is critical.
Capacity (e.g., 8 TB)
This is how much video footage the drive can store. More terabytes mean you can record for longer or from more cameras before old footage gets overwritten. Think of it like the size of your video library.
Workload Rate (e.g., 180TB/year)
This tells you how much data the drive is designed to write and read annually. For surveillance, a high workload rate means it can handle continuous recording from many cameras without wearing out prematurely. It's like how many miles a truck is built to drive each year.
RV Sensors (Rotational Vibration Sensors)
These sensors help the drive perform consistently in systems with multiple hard drives, like a multi-bay NVR. Without them, vibrations from other drives can cause performance issues and dropped frames. It's like shock absorbers for your hard drive.
Alternatives
If this drive doesn't fit, search for surveillance-specific HDDs with higher RPMs for potentially better performance, or consider SSDs for silent operation and faster access if your budget allows and capacity needs are lower.
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