Seagate Expansion Desktop 26TB, Externe Harde Schijf, 3.5", PC & Laptop, USB 3.0, Data Rescue Service (STKP26000400)
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AI Verdict
This 26TB USB 3.0 mechanical hard drive is for anyone needing massive, affordable storage for archival purposes, especially if you're comfortable with its 250-270 MB/s transfer speeds.
This drive is a strong fit for archival storage due to its massive 26 TB capacity and relatively low cost per terabyte, making it ideal for users accumulating large amounts of data. Its 250-270 MB/s transfer speeds are sufficient for bulk transfers but not for performance-critical tasks.
If you need faster access times and transfer speeds for active projects or applications, look for an external SSD with a USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) or Thunderbolt interface.
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Pros
- Offers 26 TB of storage, which is among the largest capacities available for external desktop drives.
- Achieves sustained read/write speeds of 250-270 MB/s, which is faster than many 2.5-inch external HDDs.
- Includes Rescue Data Recovery Services, providing a safety net for lost data.
- Operates quietly when in use, according to multiple users.
- Plug-and-play setup for Windows and Mac computers, requiring only reformatting for Apple Time Machine.
Cons
- Requires an external power adapter, making it less portable than bus-powered drives.
- Uses a USB-A to Micro-B cable, which some users find less convenient than USB-C.
- As a mechanical hard disk, its transfer speeds are significantly slower than SSDs, making it unsuitable for direct editing of high-resolution video files like 8K Red Raw footage.
- The US warranty is typically one year, which some users consider short for a storage device of this capacity.
Dimension Scores
The drive delivers 250-270 MB/s sustained read/write speeds, which is average for a 3.5-inch USB 3.0 mechanical hard drive but slower than SSDs.
While one user reported a DOA unit, many Reddit users suggest these enclosures contain enterprise-grade Exos drives, which are known for higher reliability, and it includes a data recovery service.
With 26 TB, this drive offers one of the highest capacities available for external desktop drives, making it exceptional for bulk storage needs.
It offers broad compatibility with both Windows and Mac systems, requiring only reformatting for Time Machine, but lacks USB-C connectivity out of the box.
Best For
- Archiving large media libraries (photos, movies, music) that don't require constant, high-speed access.
- Backing up NAS systems or other primary storage solutions.
- Users who need maximum storage capacity per dollar and prioritize cost over raw speed.
Not Recommended For
- Anyone needing fast, portable storage for on-the-go use due to its 3.5-inch form factor and external power requirement.
- Professionals who need to directly edit large, high-bitrate video files (e.g., 8K footage) due to its mechanical drive speeds.
- Users who require a single, primary drive for actively running games or applications where SSD speeds are beneficial.
Watch Out For
- One user reported receiving a dead drive on arrival out of six purchased, indicating a potential for initial unit failure.
- The included USB-A to Micro-B cable is considered slow by some users, who suggest replacing it with a USB-C cord for better speeds if their setup allows.
- Despite the high capacity, hard drives can fail, and users are advised to implement a backup strategy (like the 3-2-1 rule) rather than relying on a single drive for critical data.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0DW8Y2LYY |
| Brand | Seagate |
| Color | Black |
| Series | Expansion Desktop |
| Language | French |
| Hard Drive | 26 TB Mechanical Hard Disk |
| Item Weight | 2.59 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Seagate |
| Special Feature | Data Recovery Service |
| Hardware Platform | Mac, PC |
| Installation Type | External Hard Drive |
| Item model number | STKP26000400 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 5.91 x 3.94 x 4.92 inches |
| Hard Disk Interface | USB 3.0 |
| Hard Drive Interface | USB 3.0 |
| Hard Disk Description | Mechanical Hard Disk |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 3.5 Inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 5.91 x 3.94 x 4.92 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | USB |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 26 TB |
| Hard Drive Rotational Speed | 7200 RPM |
What Buyers Say
The most surprising discovery from user feedback is the strong indication that these 26TB Seagate Expansion drives often contain enterprise-grade Exos internal drives, which are typically more robust and performant than standard consumer drives. Users frequently highlight the sheer volume of storage for the price, making it a go-to for archiving large media collections. While speeds are recognized as slower than SSDs, they are considered adequate for its intended purpose of bulk storage. The included data recovery service is a recurring point of appreciation, offering peace of mind.
“I needed a ton of space for my Plex server and this 26TB monster delivered, even if it's not the fastest thing ever, the price for all that storage was just too good to pass up, and knowing it might be an Exos inside makes me feel a bit better about my movie collection's future.”
Common Praise
- Provides a massive 26 TB of storage capacity.
- Achieves sustained transfer speeds around 250-270 MB/s.
- Operates with low noise during use.
- Offers a compelling price-per-terabyte value.
- Includes the Rescue Data Recovery Service as a valuable safety net.
Common Complaints
- Requires an external power brick, limiting portability.
- Comes with a USB-A to Micro-B cable, with some users preferring USB-C.
- Slower than SSDs, making it unsuitable for high-performance tasks like direct video editing.
- One user reported a dead unit upon arrival.
Ownership Tips
- Many users report that these external drives can be 'shucked' (removed from their enclosure) to reveal internal enterprise-grade Exos drives, offering better internal drive quality than expected.
- The drive's physical size and need for a power adapter mean it's best suited for a stationary setup rather than frequent transport.
- While the USB 3.0 interface is fast enough for large file transfers, it's not suitable for running demanding applications directly from the drive.
- The included data recovery service can be a significant benefit, especially for users storing irreplaceable data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this drive require external power?
Yes, this 3.5-inch desktop hard drive needs to be plugged into a wall outlet using the included 18W power adapter.
What kind of USB cable does it come with?
It comes with an 18-inch USB 3.0 cable, which is a USB-A to Micro-B type.
Is it compatible with both Windows and Mac?
Yes, it's automatically recognized by both Windows and Mac computers. For use with Apple Time Machine, you'll need to reformat the drive.
How fast are the file transfers?
Users have reported sustained read and write speeds of around 250-270 MB/s, which is typical for a USB 3.0 mechanical hard drive.
What is the Rescue Data Recovery Service?
It's a service included with the drive that helps recover data in case of accidental data loss or drive failure, providing a safety net for your stored files.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at external hard drives, especially ones this big, you're mostly thinking about how much stuff you can cram onto it and how fast you can get that stuff on and off. This 26TB drive is all about capacity. It's a mechanical drive, so it spins, which means it's not as zippy as an SSD, but it's way cheaper per terabyte. Think of it like a giant digital attic for all your files.
capacity (26 TB)
This is how much data the drive can hold. 26 terabytes is a massive amount, enough for thousands of hours of video or hundreds of thousands of high-resolution photos. It's like having a library with millions of books, but for your digital files.
interface (USB 3.0)
This dictates how fast the drive can communicate with your computer. USB 3.0 is a common standard that allows for speeds up to 5 gigabits per second (Gbps) theoretically, translating to around 250-270 MB/s in real-world use for this drive. It's like the size of the highway for your data; a wider highway (like USB 3.0) lets more cars (data) through faster than a smaller one (like USB 2.0).
drive_type (Mechanical Hard Disk)
This refers to the internal mechanism. Mechanical drives use spinning platters and read/write heads, similar to a record player. They are slower and more susceptible to physical shock than Solid State Drives (SSDs), but they offer much larger capacities at a lower cost. Think of it as a traditional filing cabinet versus a super-fast digital scanner.
Alternatives
If this drive doesn't fit, look for external SSDs if you need significantly faster transfer speeds and durability, or consider a Network Attached Storage (NAS) system if you need shared access and advanced data redundancy features.
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