Latest news with #datastorage
Tahawul Tech
17-06-2025
- Tahawul Tech
Toshiba outlines how best to revitalise your hard drive for a long lifespan
Rainer W. Kaese, Senior Manager Business Development Storage Products Toshiba Electronics Europe, outlines optimal operating conditions for hard drives and the best practices to help avoid device failure. Modern enterprise hard drives are highly reliable and may generally be used beyond their warranty period without any issues and no significant increase in failure rates. However, this is dependent on the drives being well-maintained and operated under optimal conditions. If not, the likelihood of failure rises considerably. But what constitutes optimal operating conditions, and what should companies be mindful of if they wish to maximise the lifespan of their hard drives? Firstly, hard drives require a stable and consistent operation, as they contain moving parts that can be damaged by movements or shocks. Systems equipped with hard drives are therefore best housed securely in a rack. Tower-format devices, which cannot be accommodated in a rack, should be placed in a location where they are not at risk of being accidentally knocked or kicked, and certainly not on a desk, where the tabletop can act as a sounding board, transmitting any vibrations directly to the devices. Furthermore, the hard drives must be securely fastened within the device. Merely placing them inside the casing can lead to minor movements of the drive due to the rapidly spinning disks inside, which may cause damage. Particularly in more affordable systems, manufacturers often use plastic clamps or bays that allow for some 'give' in the hard drives or are themselves not completely secure within the casing. In such cases, it is advisable to properly secure the hard drives and bays, for example, with small rubber pieces or use additional screws, if possible. High Temperatures Shorten Lifespan Enterprise hard drives are designed to operate at temperatures between 5°C and 60°C. However, this only means that they will function correctly within this range – at higher temperatures, the electronic and mechanical components, such as the spindle bearings, wear out more quickly. Operating at the upper end of the specified range is not ideal either, as it can lead to a higher probability of failure. The Mean Time To Failure (MTTF) listed in the datasheets refers to an average operating temperature of no more than 40°C. For most enterprise hard drives, this is 2.5 million hours, corresponding to an Annualised Failure Rate (AFR) of 0.35%. This means that out of 1,000 drives, three to four are expected to fail over the course of a year. At temperatures above 40°C, the failure rate increases – typically by about 30% for every 5°C rise in temperature. Therefore, continuous operation of hard drives at 55°C can raise the average failure rate (AFR) to 0.76%, leading to the expected failure of seven to eight drives within a year. Overloading Increases Wear and Tear Furthermore, usage also affects the lifespan of hard drives, as they are designed for a specific operational duration and workload. In the case of desktop drives, this is typically 16 hours per day and 55 TB per year – these models are unsuitable for network-attached storage (NAS) systems and servers, where they run 24/7 and are subjected to higher workloads. On the other hand, NAS and enterprise hard drives can handle round-the-clock operation and manage 180 TB and 550 TB, respectively. It doesn't matter whether the data is being written or read. Suppose companies want to maximise the lifespan of their hard drives. In that case, they should ensure not to exceed the specified workloads, protect the drives from shocks and vibrations, and operate them consistently at no more than 40°C on average over their lifetime. Then, using them beyond the warranty period is usually not an issue – however, regular data backup becomes even more important. Image Credit: Toshiba
Khaleej Times
15-06-2025
- Khaleej Times
SanDisk Extreme PRO 512GB Dual Drive Review: Fast, versatile USB-C & USB-A flash storage
In a world where cloud computing dominates the digital landscape, you might wonder if flash drives still have a place. After all, with the ability to store, sync, and access files from virtually anywhere, the cloud seems like the obvious choice. But flash drives—those small, unassuming devices—continue to prove their worth in ways that cloud storage can't always match. Picture this: you're preparing for a presentation in a location with spotty or no internet access. Your slides, videos, and documents are all stored safely on a flash drive in your pocket. No need to worry about Wi-Fi passwords or cloud syncing delays—your files are ready the moment you plug in. Speed is another area where flash drives shine. Transferring large files like HD videos or software packages can be painfully slow over the cloud, especially on a weak connection. But with a modern USB 3.2 or USB-C flash drive, those same files can move in seconds. It's fast, efficient, and doesn't depend on bandwidth. Then there's the matter of privacy. When you store something in the cloud, you're trusting a third party with your data. But a flash drive? That's yours alone. Many even come with built-in encryption, giving you full control over who sees what. Flash drives are also incredibly portable. They're small enough to fit on a keychain, yet powerful enough to carry entire libraries of documents, media, or software. And unlike cloud services, they don't come with monthly fees. Once you buy one, it's yours to use as much as you like. They're also perfect for quick, one-time transfers. Need to hand off a project to a colleague or share a video with a friend? A flash drive is often the fastest and simplest way to do it—no logins, no uploads, no waiting. So while the cloud offers convenience and scalability, flash drives continue to thrive in the spaces where speed, security, and simplicity matter most. SanDisk's Extreme PRO 512GB Dual Drive seeks to address this market. This is a high-speed, versatile flash drive designed for users who frequently transfer files between devices. With dual USB-C and USB-A connectors, it offers seamless compatibility across modern laptops, smartphones, and older desktops. Performance Equipped with USB 3.2 Gen 2 technology, this drive delivers read speeds up to 1,000MB/s and write speeds up to 900MB/s. While real-world speeds may vary, it remains one of the fastest flash drives available, making it ideal for large file transfers, 4K video storage, and quick backups. Design and build SanDisk has crafted a durable metal enclosure that enhances longevity and heat dissipation. The compact size (3.15 x 0.72 x 0.42 inches) and lightweight build (23g) make it portable and easy to carry. However, some users may find it slightly bulkier than standard flash drives. Compatibility and features This drive supports Windows 10+, macOS v12+, and various USB Type-A and Type-C devices. It also includes 128-bit AES encryption for secure file storage and integrates with the SanDisk app for automatic backups. Additionally, SanDisk provides a lifetime limited warranty. Pros Blazing-fast speeds (up to 1,000MB/s) Dual USB-C & USB-A connectors for broad compatibility Durable metal design 128-bit AES encryption for security Lifetime limited warranty Cons Real-world speeds may be lower than advertised Slightly bulkier than standard flash drives Premium price compared to basic USB drives Final verdict The SanDisk Extreme PRO 512GB Dual Drive is a powerful, high-speed flash drive that caters to professionals and tech enthusiasts. Its dual-interface design, fast performance, and durable build make it a worthy investment for those who need reliable portable storage. While it comes at a higher price point, its speed, security, and versatility justify the cost.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Jim Cramer Calls Seagate Technology (STX) an 'AI trade'
We recently published a list of . In this article, we are going to take a look at where Seagate Technology Holdings plc (NASDAQ:STX) stands against other stocks that Jim Cramer discusses. During the episode, Cramer had a lot of positive things to say about Seagate Technology Holdings plc (NASDAQ:STX) as the company becomes an 'AI trade.' He commented: 'We've also got a couple of smaller techs acting superbly. Incredibly, Seagate is on the list. For a long time, this was just another commodity tech play, but now it's an AI trade because data centers need lots of hard drives. What a comeback. Hey, glad they could hold on for all these years.' Seagate (NASDAQ:STX) delivers data storage solutions spanning hard drives, solid state drives, and external storage devices, while also offering an edge-to-cloud platform designed to support enterprise infrastructure across both on-premise and cloud environments. In a March episode, Cramer said that he prefers another company instead of Seagate (NASDAQ:STX) as he remarked: A technician configuring a network-attached storage drive. 'Alright, Seagate. Okay, now this is a very cheap stock, but cheap for a reason. It's because the business is very cutthroat and I suggest that if you wanted to go in this business, you wanted to go into storage, I am going to send you honestly to Broadcom. I'd rather see them, they got storage too.' Overall, STX ranks 2nd on our list of stocks that Jim Cramer discusses. While we acknowledge the potential of STX as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Khaleej Times
01-06-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
SanDisk Extreme PRO USB4 SSD Review: Ultra-fast, durable, and portable storage solution
In a world increasingly dominated by cloud computing, one might assume that external hard disks and flash drives are relics of the past. But the truth is, these physical storage devices still play a vital role in our digital lives — often in ways the cloud simply can't replicate. Imagine you're working on a critical project in a remote location with no internet access. Your cloud storage is unreachable, but your trusty external hard drive is right there, ready to deliver. That's the beauty of offline storage. Then there's the matter of speed. Uploading gigabytes of 4K video or massive software builds to the cloud can be painfully slow, even with a decent connection. External drives, especially those using USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt, offer blazing-fast transfer speeds that make them indispensable for creatives, gamers, and professionals dealing with large files. Security is another key factor. While cloud providers invest heavily in cybersecurity, no system is completely immune to breaches. For those handling sensitive or confidential data, keeping a copy on an encrypted external drive offers peace of mind that no hacker can touch. And let's not forget cost. Cloud storage often comes with monthly or annual fees, especially if you need terabytes of space. In contrast, an external drive is a one-time purchase that can last for years, making it a cost-effective solution for long-term storage. So while the cloud has transformed how we store and access data, external hard disks remain relevant — quietly dependable, always accessible, and often the unsung heroes of our digital workflows. On this note, Sandisk, a leader in flash memory storage solutions and now a subsidiary of Western Digital, has recently released two products that will resonate with customers seeking offline storage. SanDisk has stepped up its game with the Extreme PRO USB4 Portable SSD, offering blazing-fast speeds and rugged durability. Designed for professionals handling large files, such as 4K/8K video editing, gaming, and real-time media access, this SSD promises top-tier performance with USB4 Gen 3×2 connectivity. Performance With read speeds up to 3,800MB/s and write speeds up to 3,700MB/s, this SSD competes with Thunderbolt 3 and 4 drives while maintaining broader compatibility. However, to achieve peak performance, users need a fully compliant USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 port—otherwise, speeds default to USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 or lower. Design and build The Extreme PRO USB4 maintains SanDisk's signature rugged design, featuring IP65-rated water and dust resistance and drop protection up to 2 metres. While it's slightly larger than previous models, its textured silicone grip ensures a secure hold. The 5.51″ x 2.70″ x 0.47″ dimensions make it portable, though not the most compact option. Compatibility This SSD works seamlessly across Windows, macOS, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5, making it a versatile choice for console gaming storage and cross-platform media use. However, some users have reported connection issues, where the drive occasionally defaults to 10Gbps or 5Gbps speeds instead of the expected 40Gbps. Pricing & Warranty The 2TB model is priced at Dh1,349. SanDisk backs this SSD with a 5-year warranty. Pros Blazing-fast speeds (when connected to USB4) Rugged, durable design Broad compatibility across devices 5-year warranty Cons Larger than previous models Premium price tag Occasional connection issues Final verdict The SanDisk Extreme PRO with USB4 is a powerful, high-speed SSD that caters to professionals and gamers alike. While its performance is impressive, users should ensure they have USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 ports to unlock its full potential. If you need fast, reliable, and rugged storage, this SSD is a solid investment—but be mindful of its size and occasional connectivity quirks.
Gizmodo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Gizmodo
Seagate 20TB External Hard Drive Just $0.01 Per GB, Amazon Rushes to Empty Its Inventory
The amount of photos, videos and files that we have on our devices makes traditional storage options obsolete. If you have a hard drive that has 2, 3, 4, or even 5TB of space, it is almost useless when a single vacation's worth of high-res photos and video can take up ample space. That's why smart people are looking for big, reliable external drives, and what better time to upgrade to an external drive? Seagate's long history of reliability and durability makes them a great brand to go with: Amazon has the Seagate expansion 20TB external hard drive at a record low (and all time low) price now of $229, over 50% off of the launch price of $499. What is even better is the 22TB and 24TB models are on sale as well for $289 and $279 respectively. See at Amazon Lifetime Storage Why take someone's word when here is a drive that could last a lifetime? The Seagate Expansion 20TB is a 'long term investment' in your digital life. If you're a creative professional or just someone who wants to keep every precious memory safe, this drive could last you years of content. Add to that Seagate's reputation for reliability means, you can rest assured that your data will be safe and secure for ages. In comparison to cloud storage, which will run a minimum of $10 a month (and often much higher for larger capacities), this one-time payment option is a bargain. The process of opening the box to setup the Seagate 20TB HDD is fantastically easy: The drive is designed to be very simple to use and you just plug in the included power adapter and USB 3.0 cable and you are all set. USB 3.0 has the added benefit of helping to move files quickly and efficiently with minimal time wasted for large files. Also, it will seamlessly work on either your Windows computer or Mac. What we really liked about this drive is the included Rescue Data Recovery Services. Accidents can happen to anyone, and when they do, having a safety net can be critical. Seagate's data recovery service takes the worry out of it by knowing if something goes wrong, experts could recover your files. Unfortunately, many external drives don't offer you any data recovery protection, so this is a real plus for Seagate. Since Seagate Expansion 20TB is a desktop-type external hard, it works perfectly in a home office, home studio space, and to help anyone centralize their digital file storage. The 3.5-inch size will also provide better performance and reliability than the small-portable external options. Plus, the shape and size of this product looks really nice and easy to manage. If you were going to upgrade your method of backup and storage options, now is the time to do so. See at Amazon
