Description
Product Overview for the Seagate ST9500325AS 500GB 5.4K RPM HDD
In the world of computer hardware, hard drives play a crucial role in storing data. They come in various shapes, sizes, and specifications, making it essential to choose the right one for your needs. In this review, we’ll delve into the Seagate ST9500325AS, a 500GB SATA-II 5.4K RPM hard drive with an 8MB cache, Serial ATA-300 interface, and 7-PIN internal connectivity. We’ll explore its features, performance, compatibility, and why it might be the right choice for your storage requirements.
Introduction to the Seagate ST9500325AS
The Seagate ST9500325AS is a hard drive designed and manufactured by Seagate Technology, a well-known name in the storage solutions industry. This hard drive is part of their Momentus 5400.5 series and is targeted towards laptop and mobile computing applications. It offers a balance between storage capacity, performance, and power efficiency, making it suitable for a variety of use cases.
Key Specifications
Before we dive deeper into the features and capabilities of the ST9500325AS, let’s take a closer look at its key specifications:
- Capacity: This hard drive boasts a storage capacity of 500GB, which is ample space for a wide range of digital files, including documents, photos, videos, and applications.
- Interface: It utilizes a Serial ATA-300 (SATA-II) interface. This interface type allows for high-speed data transfer between the hard drive and the computer’s motherboard.
- Rotational Speed: The drive operates at 5,400 revolutions per minute (RPM). This rotational speed, often referred to as spindle speed, affects the drive’s read and write performance.
- Cache: It features an 8MB cache. The cache, also known as buffer memory, plays a vital role in improving read and write speeds by storing frequently accessed data.
- Form Factor: The Seagate ST9500325AS comes in a 2.5-inch form factor, which is standard for laptop hard drives. This compact size allows it to fit easily into most laptop enclosures.
- Connectivity: It has a 7-PIN internal connectivity interface, which is commonly used for connecting hard drives within laptops.
Now that we’ve covered the essential specifications, let’s explore the features and benefits of the Seagate ST9500325AS in more detail.
Features and Benefits
- Impressive Storage Capacity: The Seagate ST9500325AS offers a generous 500GB of storage space. This capacity is perfect for users who need to store a substantial amount of data, including large files like high-definition videos, extensive photo libraries, and a wide range of applications. It provides room for your digital life to grow without constantly worrying about running out of space.
- SATA-II Interface: This hard drive uses a Serial ATA-300 (SATA-II) interface. The SATA-II interface is a standard for modern storage solutions, and it provides several advantages. It delivers faster data transfer speeds than the older Parallel ATA (PATA) interface, allowing for quicker access to your data. SATA-II is also known for its ease of use, as it uses a simple and efficient data cable and power connector.
- 5.4K RPM Rotational Speed: The rotational speed of a hard drive significantly impacts its performance. The Seagate ST9500325AS operates at 5,400 RPM, which strikes a balance between speed and power consumption. While it may not be as fast as 7,200 RPM drives, it is more power-efficient, making it suitable for laptops and mobile computing devices where battery life is a concern. It provides adequate performance for everyday tasks, such as web browsing, document editing, and media playback.
- 8MB Cache: The 8MB cache in the ST9500325AS is a crucial feature for enhancing the drive’s overall performance. This cache serves as a temporary storage location for frequently accessed data. When you request data from the drive, it’s often quicker to access it from the cache than from the physical disk platters, resulting in faster response times. This is particularly beneficial for tasks that involve reading or writing small, frequently used files.
- Compact Form Factor: The 2.5-inch form factor of the Seagate ST9500325AS makes it a perfect fit for laptops and other mobile computing devices. This compact size allows manufacturers to design thinner and lighter laptops without sacrificing storage capacity. It’s also worth noting that many desktop computers can accommodate 2.5-inch drives with the help of an adapter bracket, making this hard drive versatile for a wide range of systems.
- Low Power Consumption: Power efficiency is a critical consideration for laptop and mobile device users. The 5.4K RPM rotational speed of the ST9500325AS, along with its advanced power management features, ensures that it consumes minimal power. This results in longer battery life for laptops and less heat generation, which can be crucial for maintaining system stability and preventing overheating.
- Quiet and Reliable: The Seagate ST9500325AS is designed to operate quietly, minimizing noise levels during regular use. This is especially important for laptops and other portable devices where loud hard drive noise can be distracting. Additionally, Seagate has a reputation for producing reliable drives, and the ST9500325AS is no exception. It is built to withstand the rigors of everyday use and offers dependable data storage.
Performance and Usage Scenarios
Now that we’ve explored the features and benefits of the Seagate ST9500325AS, it’s important to discuss its performance and the scenarios where it excels.
- Everyday Computing: For everyday computing tasks, such as web browsing, document editing, and streaming media, the ST9500325AS provides ample performance. Its 500GB capacity ensures that you have plenty of space for your files, while the 5.4K RPM rotational speed and 8MB cache contribute to snappy system responsiveness. This hard drive is well-suited for users who need a reliable and efficient storage solution for their day-to-day computing needs.
- Multimedia Storage: If you’re a multimedia enthusiast who needs to store a vast collection of photos, videos, and music, the ST9500325AS has you covered. With 500GB of storage, you can save a substantial library of multimedia files without worrying about running out of space. The drive’s low power consumption and quiet operation make it an ideal choice for media center PCs or laptops used for entertainment purposes.
- Backup and Archiving: Data backup and archiving are critical for protecting your important files. The Seagate ST9500325AS can serve as a reliable backup drive for your primary storage, whether it’s in a laptop or a desktop computer. Its generous capacity ensures that you can back up your data without constantly juggling files to free up space. Additionally, the drive’s low power consumption means it can be left on for extended periods, making it an excellent choice for automated backup solutions.
- Portable Computing: For users who rely on laptops, ultrabooks, and other portable devices, the ST9500325AS offers the right combination of performance and energy efficiency. Its compact form factor and low power consumption make it a perfect fit for mobile computing. Whether you’re on the go or working from a coffee shop, this drive provides the storage space you need without compromising battery life or adding unnecessary weight to your device.
Compatibility
Before purchasing any hard drive, it’s essential to ensure it is compatible with your system. The Seagate ST9500325AS is designed to work with a wide range of laptops, desktops, and external storage enclosures. However, there are a few key compatibility factors to consider:
- SATA Interface Compatibility: The ST9500325AS uses a Serial ATA-300 (SATA-II) interface. While this interface is widely supported, you should check your system’s specifications to confirm compatibility. Most modern motherboards and storage controllers are equipped with SATA connectors, but older systems may rely on older interface types like PATA. If your system uses a different interface, you may need an adapter or a different hard drive.
- Form Factor and Mounting: The 2.5-inch form factor of the ST9500325AS is standard for laptop hard drives. If you intend to use it on a desktop computer, you may need a mounting bracket or adapter to secure it properly in a 3.5-inch drive bay. These brackets are widely available and inexpensive.
- Operating System Compatibility: The ST9500325AS is compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. However, it’s essential to be aware of the file system format when using the drive with different operating systems. For example, if you plan to use it on both Windows and macOS, you may want to format the drive with the exFAT file system for better cross-platform compatibility.
- Enclosure and External Use: If you plan to use the ST9500325AS as an external drive, you can do so by placing it in an external hard drive enclosure. These enclosures come in various designs and may support different connectivity options like USB, eSATA, or Thunderbolt. Ensure that the enclosure you choose is compatible with the ST9500325AS’s SATA interface for proper functionality.
General Information about this Seagate ST9500325AS
- Manufacturer: Seagate
- Part Number or SKU# ST9500325AS
- Product Type: Notebook Drives
- Product Name: Hard Disk Drive
Technical Specifications
- Cache: 8MB
- Capacity: 500GB
- Areal Density: 394GB/IN2
- Height: 9.5mm (0.374 inches)
- Width: 69.85mm (2.75 inches)
- Length: 100.35mm (3.957 inches)
- Weight (Typical): 98.8g (0.218 pounds)
Performance
- Spin Speed (RPM): 5400 RPM
- Average Latency: 5.6ms
- Random Read Seek Time: 14ms
- I/O Data Transfer Rate: 300MB/s
Power
- 5V Start Max Current: 1.0A
- Average Idle Power: 1.40W
- Average Operating Power: 1.78W
- Average Seek Power: 1.54W
In summary, the Seagate ST9500325AS 500GB SATA-II 5.4K RPM hard drive is a versatile storage solution suitable for a wide range of applications. Its impressive storage capacity, efficient SATA-II interface, and compact form factor make it a great choice for laptops, desktops, and external storage needs. Whether you need a reliable drive for everyday computing, multimedia storage, data backup, or portable computing, the ST9500325AS offers a well-balanced combination of features and performance.
When considering this hard drive, take the time to ensure compatibility with your system’s specifications and intended use. With the right setup, the Seagate ST9500325AS can provide reliable and efficient storage for your digital life. Whether you’re a student, professional, or multimedia enthusiast, this hard drive can be a valuable addition to your computing setup.
