The Seagate Exos X12 ST12000NM0027 is a 12TB enterprise hard drive designed for compatible servers, data centres, and large-scale storage systems. It features a 3.5-inch form factor, 12Gb/s SAS interface, 7200 RPM spindle speed, and 256MB cache.
This standard Exos X12 SAS model supports Seagate FastFormat technology, allowing supported configurations to use either 512e or 4Kn sector formats. The drive ships in 512e format by default. Changing the sector format requires appropriate system support and erases existing drive data, so plan the configuration carefully before use.
Key Features
- 12TB storage capacity: Provides high-capacity storage for enterprise applications, business data, and large-scale storage environments.
- 12Gb/s SAS interface: Supports integration with compatible enterprise SAS controllers and storage enclosures.
- 7200 RPM spindle speed: Designed for consistent performance in demanding storage workloads.
- 256MB cache: Helps manage read and write operations.
- FastFormat technology: Supports compatible 512e and 4Kn sector configurations.
Enterprise Storage Applications
The Exos X12 family is designed for high-capacity enterprise storage, including server infrastructure, data centres, and compatible storage arrays. The ST12000NM0027 includes a helium-sealed design, rotational vibration sensors, dual-port SAS connectivity, and enterprise features such as SuperParity and Seagate RAID Rebuild technology.
Actual performance and compatibility depend on the storage controller, system configuration, workload, and selected sector format.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seagate |
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| Part Number / MPN | ST12000NM0027 |
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| Product Type | Internal enterprise hard disk drive |
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| Product Family | Exos X12 |
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| Storage Capacity | 12TB |
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| Form Factor | 3.5-inch |
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| Interface | SAS 12Gb/s |
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| Spindle Speed | 7200 RPM |
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| Cache | 256MB |
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| Sector Format | 512e by default; supports FastFormat conversion to 4Kn |
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| Maximum Sustained Transfer Rate | Up to 261MB/s |
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| Average Latency | 4.16ms |
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| Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) | 2,500,000 hours |
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| Annualised Failure Rate (AFR) | 0.35% under specified operating conditions |
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| Interface Ports | Dual-port SAS |
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| Drive Design | Helium-sealed |
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| Limited Warranty | 5 years, subject to purchase terms and regional availability |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity of the Seagate ST12000NM0027?
This Exos X12 enterprise hard drive provides 12TB of nominal storage capacity.
Does this model use SATA or SAS?
The ST12000NM0027 uses a 12Gb/s SAS interface. It requires a compatible SAS controller or backplane and is not a standard SATA drive.
What is FastFormat?
FastFormat allows supported drives to change between compatible sector formats, including 512e and 4Kn. The drive ships in 512e format, and conversion to 4Kn erases existing data.
Is this drive suitable for enterprise servers?
Yes, it is designed for compatible enterprise servers and storage systems. Check the manufacturer's compatibility requirements for interface, capacity, sector format, and firmware.
Does this model support hardware encryption?
ST12000NM0027 is the standard model, not the SED variant. The corresponding SED model has a different part number, ST12000NM0037.
DC Supplies Product Note
Before ordering, confirm the exact model number ST12000NM0027, 12Gb/s SAS interface, 12TB capacity support, and required sector format. This drive is not interchangeable with the SATA model ST12000NM0007. Confirm compatibility with your server or storage enclosure before installation.
