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Overview
The Seagate ST500LT012 is a 500GB internal laptop hard disk drive from the Seagate Momentus Thin family, later marketed under the Laptop Thin HDD name. It is designed for compatible laptops and compact computers that require a slim 2.5-inch SATA storage drive.
The drive uses conventional magnetic storage with a 5400 RPM spindle speed and a 16MB cache buffer. Its 7mm profile makes it suitable for compatible thin laptop designs that cannot accommodate thicker 2.5-inch drives.
Storage Performance and Connectivity
The ST500LT012 uses a SATA 3Gb/s interface and supports Native Command Queuing (NCQ). Its maximum specified sustained data transfer rate is up to 100 MB/s, depending on workload and operating conditions.
The drive uses 4096-byte physical sectors and supports Advanced Format technology. Seagate's SmartAlign technology helps simplify the transition to Advanced Format drives in compatible systems.
Compatibility and Installation
This drive is designed for computers that support a 2.5-inch SATA hard disk with a 7mm height profile. Check the system's storage specifications before purchasing it as a replacement drive.
- Physical fit: Requires a compatible 2.5-inch drive bay with sufficient clearance for a 7mm-high drive.
- Interface: Uses SATA connectivity with a maximum interface transfer rate of 3Gb/s.
- Power: Uses a 5V DC supply.
- Operating system: Requires an operating system and storage controller compatible with the drive and its sector format.
- Data migration: Existing data and operating systems may require cloning or reinstallation when replacing a drive.
Although SATA is a widely used storage interface, compatibility with a particular laptop depends on its drive bay, controller, firmware, and supported storage capacity.
Key Features
- 500GB storage capacity: Provides space for operating system files, applications, documents, and personal data.
- 5400 RPM spindle speed: Supports conventional laptop hard-drive operation.
- 16MB cache buffer: Provides onboard buffering for storage operations.
- Slim 7mm profile: Fits compatible thin laptop drive bays.
- Advanced Format support: Uses 4096-byte physical sectors and supports Seagate SmartAlign technology.
Applications
- Laptop drive replacement: Replace a compatible internal hard drive in supported notebook computers.
- Compact computer storage: Provide internal storage in systems designed for slim 2.5-inch SATA drives.
- Everyday file storage: Store documents, photographs, music, and other personal or business files.
- Legacy system maintenance: Maintain older computers that require a compatible SATA mechanical hard drive.
DC Supplies Product Note
The ST500LT012 uses a SATA 3Gb/s interface, not SATA 6Gb/s. Although many newer SATA controllers support backward-compatible connections, the negotiated interface speed and system compatibility should be confirmed before installation. Also verify the 7mm drive height, especially when replacing a drive in a thin laptop.
Specifications
| Brand | Seagate |
|---|---|
| Part Number / MPN | ST500LT012 |
| Product Type | Internal Laptop Hard Disk Drive |
| Product Family | Momentus Thin / Laptop Thin HDD |
| Storage Capacity | 500GB |
| Storage Technology | Mechanical magnetic storage |
| Form Factor | 2.5-inch |
| Drive Height | 7mm |
| Interface | Serial ATA (SATA) |
| Maximum Interface Transfer Rate | 3Gb/s |
| Spindle Speed | 5400 RPM |
| Cache Buffer | 16MB |
| Maximum Sustained Data Transfer Rate | Up to 100 MB/s |
| Average Seek Time | 12 ms |
| Average Latency | 5.6 ms |
| Command Queuing | Native Command Queuing (NCQ) |
| Sector Format | 512-byte logical sectors and 4096-byte physical sectors |
| Recording Technology | Perpendicular magnetic recording |
| Power Supply | 5V DC |
| Typical Seek Power | 1.2W |
| Typical Idle Power | 0.45W |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 60°C |
| Non-Operating Temperature | -40°C to 70°C |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 100.55 × 70.1 × 7.0 mm |
| Typical Weight | 95g |
| Load/Unload Cycles | More than 600,000 |
| Annualized Failure Rate | 0.48% under specified operating assumptions |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Seagate ST500LT012 an SSD or a traditional hard drive?
The ST500LT012 is a conventional mechanical hard disk drive. It stores data magnetically on rotating platters and is not a solid-state drive.
2. Will this drive fit my laptop?
It fits laptops designed for a 2.5-inch SATA drive with a 7mm height profile. Check the laptop manufacturer's specifications to confirm physical and electrical compatibility before purchasing.
3. Does the ST500LT012 use SATA 3Gb/s or SATA 6Gb/s?
This exact model uses SATA 3Gb/s connectivity. It should not be confused with other Seagate laptop drive models that support SATA 6Gb/s.
4. Can I use this drive to replace a laptop's existing hard drive?
Yes, provided the laptop supports the drive's form factor, interface, and capacity. If you want to preserve your existing files and operating system, arrange a suitable backup and data migration before replacing the original drive.
5. Is this model self-encrypting?
ST500LT012 is the standard non-self-encrypting model. Seagate offered separately identified self-encrypting variants, including ST500LT025 and ST500LT015.
6. Does the drive include mounting hardware or a SATA cable?
Included accessories depend on the specific product package. Confirm the supplied contents with the seller if you require mounting brackets, screws, or additional cables.