Description
Product Details of the Seagate ST3160215ACE
In the ever-evolving landscape of computer hardware, hard disk drives (HDDs) play a crucial role in storing and retrieving digital data. One noteworthy player in this field is the Seagate ST3160215ACE 160GB 7.2K RPM HDD, specifically belonging to the DB35 Series and utilizing the ATA-100 interface for internal connectivity. This comprehensive guide aims to delve into the various aspects of this particular hard drive, offering a detailed exploration of its specifications, features, performance, and practical applications.
Understanding Seagate ST3160215ACE 160GB 7.2K RPM HDD
Seagate Technology, a renowned name in the data storage industry, has been at the forefront of developing cutting-edge storage solutions for decades. The ST3160215ACE is a representative of their DB35 Series, tailored for specific applications that demand reliability and efficiency in handling digital content.
Capacity and RPM: Unraveling the Numbers
At the heart of the Seagate ST3160215ACE lies a storage capacity of 160GB. This signifies the amount of data the hard drive can hold, making it suitable for various purposes, including personal and professional use. The 7,200 revolutions per minute (RPM) highlight the rotational speed of the disk, a critical factor influencing data access and transfer speeds. Higher RPM generally translates to faster performance, making this hard drive suitable for tasks requiring quick data retrieval.
ATA-100 Interface
The ST3160215ACE employs the ATA-100 interface, which stands for Advanced Technology Attachment with a maximum transfer rate of 100 megabytes per second. This interface is crucial for connecting the hard drive to the motherboard of a computer. Understanding the interface is essential for compatibility and optimal performance, especially when considering the internal integration of the hard drive.
Technical SpecificationsPhysical Dimensions and Form Factor
The physical dimensions of the Seagate ST3160215ACE contribute to its form factor, determining how and where it can be installed. Measuring the dimensions and understanding the form factor is vital for ensuring compatibility with the designated space within a computer system. This hard drive adheres to industry-standard form factors, making it suitable for a wide range of computer configurations.
Data Transfer Speeds and Buffer Size
In addition to RPM and interface, the speed at which data is transferred between the hard drive and the rest of the computer system is critical. The buffer size, often referred to as cache, is an area of volatile memory used to store frequently accessed data for quicker retrieval. These specifications impact the overall performance of the hard drive and, consequently, the system it is a part of.
Reliability and Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF)
Seagate, like any reputable hard drive manufacturer, provides reliability metrics for its products. The Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) is an important indicator of a hard drive’s expected lifespan. Understanding these metrics is essential for users who prioritize system stability and data integrity, particularly in applications where continuous operation is crucial.
Quiet Drive Technology
One notable feature of the Seagate ST3160215ACE is its Quiet Drive technology. This technology is designed to minimize noise levels during operation, making the hard drive suitable for environments where low noise is a priority. Whether it’s for a home computer or a multimedia entertainment system, the quiet operation contributes to an enhanced user experience.
Enhanced G-Force Protection
Modern hard drives often incorporate features to protect data integrity during unexpected events, such as sudden movements or shocks. The Enhanced G-Force Protection in the ST3160215ACE is a technology aimed at safeguarding the drive and its stored data in situations where physical disturbances may occur. This is particularly valuable in mobile computing scenarios or environments where the system may be subjected to vibrations.
Performance and Practical Applications
Application Scenarios
Understanding the practical applications of the Seagate ST3160215ACE is essential for users looking to integrate it into their systems. With a capacity of 160GB, this hard drive is well-suited for tasks such as general file storage, operating system installations, and hosting applications that do not require extensive storage requirements. Its performance characteristics, including the 7,200 RPM speed, make it suitable for tasks that benefit from faster data access.
Multimedia and Entertainment Systems
The Quiet Drive technology and Enhanced G-Force Protection make the ST3160215ACE an attractive choice for multimedia and entertainment systems. Whether it’s a home theater PC or a media server, the emphasis on quiet operation and protection against physical shocks aligns with the demands of these applications.
Legacy System Upgrades
In some cases, users may opt to upgrade or replace hard drives in older computer systems rather than invest in an entirely new machine. The Seagate ST3160215ACE, with its ATA-100 interface, can be a viable option for such scenarios. Compatibility with legacy systems is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a replacement hard drive.
More Information
Integrated Drive Electronics, or IDE, is a standard interface used to connect storage devices to computers. It has been around for quite some time and is known for its simplicity and reliability. IDE drives are often characterized by their wide, flat ribbon cables, making them easy to identify.
IDE drives are commonly used for hard disk drives and optical drives. They are plug-and-play devices, which means they can be easily connected to a computer without complicated configurations.
The Seagate ST3160215ACE is a 160GB hard drive with a 7200 RPM rotation speed and an ATA-100 interface. The ATA-100 interface also known as Parallel ATA (PATA) is an older interface that has been replaced by SATA (Serial ATA) in most new systems. This drive is designed for use in desktop and tower PCs and it’s compatible with systems that support the PATA interface. The drive has a storage capacity of 160 GB, which would be suitable for storing basic files like documents, photos, videos, and music. However, this capacity might not be enough for more demanding tasks such as gaming or video editing.ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment)
ATA, or Advanced Technology Attachment, is a collective term that encompasses a family of interfaces. One of the most common forms of ATA is Parallel ATA (PATA), which is used for connecting hard drives, CD/DVD drives, and other storage devices.
The ATA standard has gone through several iterations, with each new version bringing improvements in terms of speed and functionality. ATA interfaces are denoted by their maximum data transfer rate, such as ATA-100, which indicates a maximum transfer rate of 100 megabytes per second.
Storage Capacity and Form Factor
Storage Capacity (160GB): The Seagate ST3160215ACE offers 160GB of storage capacity. This amount of storage is sufficient for a range of applications, from personal data storage to use in DVRs for recording television shows, movies, and other video content.
3.5-inch Form Factor: The drive comes in a 3.5-inch form factor, which is the standard size for desktop hard drives. Its low-profile design makes it compatible with a variety of computer cases and enclosures.
High-speed data transfer
The Seagate ST3160215ACE is a hard drive with a 7200 RPM rotation speed, which is considered to be a standard speed for desktop hard drives. This speed allows for faster data access and improved performance compared to slower 5400 RPM drives. However, it still might not be as fast as a Solid State Drive (SSD).
The drive has a PATA interface, also known as ATA-100, which provides a maximum data transfer rate of 100MB/s. This interface is considered to be an older and slower interface compared to the more modern SATA interface. The PATA interface is not as fast as the SATA interface, which can transfer data at speeds up to 6 Gb/s.
The 160GB capacity is also considered to be on the lower side for today’s storage standard, you may find it limiting for some high-performance tasks that require more storage space. However, it would still be suitable for basic file storage and everyday use.
Key Features of Seagate ST3160215ACE
The Seagate ST3160215ACE is a prominent member of the DB35 Series, known for its reliability and robust performance. Let’s dive into its key features:
Storage Capacity (160GB): The ST3160215ACE offers 160 gigabytes of storage capacity, which is suitable for storing a considerable amount of data, including videos, photos, documents, and more.
Rotational Speed (7200 RPM): With a rotational speed of 7200 RPM, this hard drive provides swift data access and is well-suited for tasks that require quick data retrieval.
IDE Interface: The IDE interface allows for easy connection to older computer systems that may still rely on IDE connections, making it a versatile choice for various setups.
ATA-100 Support: The ATA-100 support ensures efficient data transfer rates, offering a seamless data exchange between the drive and the connected system.
Low-Profile Design: The 3.5-inch form factor with a low-profile design makes it suitable for compact cases, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of systems.
Performance and Speed
The performance of a hard drive is a critical factor to consider, especially when it comes to tasks that involve data-intensive operations. The Seagate ST3160215ACE offers notable performance features:
7200 RPM Speed: The 7200 RPM speed of this hard drive significantly enhances its performance. It ensures that data can be read and written at a rapid pace, reducing loading times for applications and improving overall system responsiveness.
ATA-100 Compatibility: With ATA-100 support, the drive can achieve data transfer rates of up to 100MB/s. This is beneficial for tasks like video streaming, gaming, and other multimedia applications that require high-speed data access.
Reliable Data Streaming: The Seagate DB35 Series is designed to provide uninterrupted and reliable data streaming, making it ideal for DVRs and video recording applications where continuous data writing is essential.
Reliability
The Seagate ST3160215ACE is a hard drive that uses the PATA (Parallel ATA) interface, also known as ATA-100, which is an older interface that has been mostly replaced by SATA (Serial ATA) in new systems. It is compatible with systems that support the PATA interface, this includes older desktop and tower PCs that were manufactured before the widespread adoption of the SATA interface.
It is important to check the system’s documentation and technical specifications to ensure that the drive is supported and that the system has the necessary PATA ports and connectors. It is also important to check the system’s firmware version and update it if necessary, as well as check for any other specific requirements or recommendations for installing a hard drive before installing it.
It is worth noting that PATA is an older interface and it may not offer the same performance and functionality as the newer SATA interface, and also, PATA devices are less common and harder to find nowadays.
General Information about this Seagate ST3160215ACE
- Manufacturer: Seagate
- Model Number or SKU# ST3160215ACE
- Product Type: Hard Disk Drive
- Drive Interface Type: ATA IDE
Technical Information of 160GB Hard Drive
- Form Factor: 3.5-inch
- Capacity: 160GB HDD
- Cache: 2 MB
- Spindle Speed: 7200 RPM
- Average Seek Time: 11 ms
- Drive Interface Type: ATA/100
- DynaPlay Technology
- Seagate SoftSonic Motor Technology
In summary, the Seagate ST3160215ACE, part of the DB35 Series, is a versatile and reliable IDE hard disk drive that provides 160GB of storage at 7200 RPM. With its low-profile design and compatibility with older systems, it serves a niche in various applications, including DVRs, multimedia content storage, and legacy systems.
While it may not match the speed and efficiency of modern SATA or SSD drives, it offers a cost-effective storage solution for those who require a balance between capacity and performance. Proper maintenance and care can extend its lifespan, making it a valuable addition to your computing setup. Whether you’re upgrading your DVR or seeking an affordable storage solution for your legacy system, the Seagate ST3160215ACE is a solid choice in the world of hard disk drives.
