ST4000DM004 Seagate 4TB SATA-6GBPS Hard Drive Barracuda 5.9K New

The ST4000DM004 is a hard drive produced by Seagate, a well-known name in the data storage industry. It's specifically designed for internal use in desktop computers, workstations, and NAS (Network-Attached Storage) systems. This hard drive offers a substantial storage capacity of 4 terabytes (TB) and comes with a range of features that make it a reliable and efficient choice for data storage.

Before we dive deep into the specifications, let's break down some of the key terms and concepts related to hard drives:

• Hard Drive: A hard drive is a device used to store and retrieve digital data. It consists of one or more rigid (hence the name "hard") rapidly rotating disks (platters) coated with magnetic material.
• ST4000DM004: This is the model name of the Seagate hard drive we're reviewing. Manufacturers assign unique model names to their products for identification.
• Seagate: Seagate Technology is a renowned American data storage company that designs and manufactures hard disk drives and storage solutions.
• 4TB: This refers to the storage capacity of the hard drive, which is 4 terabytes (4,000 gigabytes). It indicates how much data the drive can hold.
• SATA 6Gbps: SATA stands for Serial Advanced Technology Attachment, and 6Gbps refers to the data transfer speed. It's a standard interface for connecting hard drives to a computer.
• Barracuda: Barracuda is the product line name of Seagate's consumer-oriented hard drives. It's known for its reliability and performance.
• 5.9K RPM: RPM stands for revolutions per minute and indicates the speed at which the hard drive's platters rotate. In this case, it spins at 5,900 RPM.
• 256MB Buffer: The buffer, also known as the cache, is a small, high-speed volatile memory 256MB Buffer' used to temporarily store data that's frequently accessed. A larger buffer can enhance performance by reducing data access times.

Now that we've clarified these terms, let's delve deeper into the various aspects of the ST4000DM004 Seagate hard drive.

The primary selling point of the ST4000DM004 is its vast storage capacity. With 4TB (4,000 gigabytes) at your disposal, you can store an extensive collection of data, including documents, photos, videos, games, and more. It's an excellent choice for those who require ample storage space for their digital assets. The ST4000DM004 offers an impressive storage capacity of 4 terabytes (TB). This means you can store a vast amount of data, including documents, photos, videos, and even large files like games and software applications. For the average user, 4TB is more than sufficient to meet their storage needs.

This hard drive uses a SATA 6-Gigabit per second (SATA-6Gbps) interface. SATA is the standard interface for connecting storage devices to a computer. The 6Gbps speed ensures fast data transfer, allowing you to move data to and from the drive efficiently. It is backward compatible with older SATA interfaces, so it can be used with a wide range of devices.

The ST4000DM004 utilizes the SATA 6Gbps interface for data transfer. This interface provides a maximum data transfer speed of 6 gigabits per second (Gbps). To put it in simple terms, it allows for swift data transfer between your hard drive and your computer. This means you can copy or retrieve files more quickly, making your overall computing experience smoother.

Seagate's Barracuda series of hard drives are well-known for their reliability and longevity. The ST4000DM004 is no exception. It's designed to handle the rigors of daily use and is a dependable choice for your data storage needs. You can trust it to keep your data safe and accessible.

The ST4000DM004 features a rotational speed of 5,900 revolutions per minute (RPM). This rotational speed determines how fast the platters inside the hard drive spin. In this case, 5.9K RPM is considered a standard speed for consumer-grade hard drives. It strikes a balance between speed and energy efficiency, making it suitable for various applications. The rotational speed of a hard drive affects its data access and transfer speeds. While this isn't as fast as some high-end drives that spin at 7,200 RPM or solid-state drives (SSDs), it offers a good balance between capacity and speed.

A noteworthy feature of this hard drive is its substantial cache, or buffer, which measures 256 megabytes (MB). The cache is like a high-speed memory that stores frequently accessed data. Having a large cache can significantly improve the drive's performance, as it can quickly retrieve and deliver data to your computer. This is especially advantageous when dealing with frequently used files or running resource-intensive applications.

The ST4000DM004 comes in a 3.5-inch form factor. This form factor is typical for desktop computers and larger external storage solutions. The 3.5-inch design provides a balance between size and capacity, making it a suitable choice for most desktop systems.

Seagate's AcuTrac technology is employed in this hard drive, enhancing its tracking accuracy. This technology ensures that the read/write heads of the drive are precisely positioned, reducing the risk of data errors and enhancing the overall reliability of the drive.

The ST4000DM004 is compatible with various operating systems, including Windows and Mac. This versatility makes it a practical option for a wide range of users.

Small businesses can benefit from the ST4000DM004 as a cost-effective storage solution. It can be used for archiving documents, client data, and other business-related information.

The ST4000DM004 is designed for desktop computers and is compatible with both Windows and Mac systems. It uses the standard 3.5-inch form factor, which should fit in most desktop cases.

Before purchasing this hard drive, make sure your computer's motherboard supports the SATA interface with a 6Gbps data transfer speed. Most modern desktop systems are equipped with SATA interfaces, but it's still a good idea to double-check.

When installing the hard drive, you'll need power and data cables. Ensure that your power supply unit has the necessary connectors, and you have a spare SATA data cable for connecting the hard drive to your motherboard.

Seagate has implemented advanced power management features in this hard drive. It can optimize power consumption and extend the drive's lifespan by reducing unnecessary energy usage during periods of inactivity.

The drive includes error correction capabilities, helping to ensure that your data remains free from errors caused by environmental factors or the normal aging of the drive.

When it comes to performance, the Seagate Barracuda ST4000DM004 delivers a good balance between storage capacity and speed. Let's take a closer look at its performance in different scenarios:

The read and write speeds of the ST4000DM004 are in line with the expectations for a 5.9K RPM hard drive. It can handle routine tasks such as reading and writing documents, browsing the web, and watching videos with ease. While it may not be as fast as SSDs, it's more than sufficient for everyday use.

Thanks to the SATA-6Gbps interface, the ST4000DM004 can achieve high data transfer rates when connected to a compatible motherboard or storage controller. Large file transfers, such as backing up your entire media library or moving a substantial amount of data, will be relatively quick and efficient.

• Manufacturer: Seagate
• Part Number or SKU# ST4000DM004
• Product Type: Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
• Interface: SATA-6GBPS

• Storage Capacity: 4 TB
• Drive Interface: SATA
• Drive Interface Standard: 3GBPS SATA
• Rotational Speed: 5900 Rpm

• Buffer: 256 MB
• External Data Transfer Rate (maximum): 600 MBPS
• Max Sustainable Transfer Rate: 190 MBPS

In summary, the Seagate ST4000DM004 is a versatile and reliable hard disk drive that offers an excellent balance of storage capacity, data transfer speed, energy efficiency, and durability. Whether you're a gamer, multimedia enthusiast, professional, or require a storage solution for your home server or NAS, this hard drive is a compelling choice.

Its 4TB capacity can accommodate a vast amount of data, while the SATA 6 Gbps interface ensures fast data transfers. The 5900 RPM speed offers energy efficiency and quiet operation, and the 256MB buffer enhances data access, reducing lag and latency in various applications.

Before making your purchase, consider factors such as compatibility, your need for speed versus capacity, backup and redundancy, and noise tolerance. With careful consideration, the Seagate ST4000DM004 can be an invaluable addition to your storage arsenal, providing ample space and reliable performance for a wide range of applications.