Overview
The Seagate Exos X16 ST12000NM001G is a 12TB internal enterprise hard drive designed for data centers, server infrastructure, and high-capacity storage systems. Its 3.5-inch form factor and SATA 6Gb/s interface support integration into compatible enterprise servers and storage enclosures.
The Exos X16 family uses helium-sealed drive construction and conventional magnetic recording (CMR). This model is designed for enterprise storage applications that require high capacity and continuous operation.
Performance and Technical Information
The drive operates at 7200RPM and includes a 256MB cache buffer. Seagate specifies a maximum sustained data transfer rate of up to 261MB/s for the 12TB Exos X16 SATA model.
PowerChoice technology provides configurable power-management options, while PowerBalance technology addresses the relationship between power consumption and performance. The drive also supports Native Command Queuing and S.M.A.R.T. monitoring through compatible host systems.
Interface and Compatibility
The ST12000NM001G uses a SATA 6Gb/s interface and a 512e sector format. Seagate FastFormat supports conversion between compatible 512e and 4Kn formats.
Before installation, verify that the host controller, server, and storage enclosure support 12TB SATA hard drives. Systems that require SAS drives are not automatically compatible with this SATA model. Controller and operating-system support for the selected sector format should also be confirmed.
Key Features
- 12TB storage capacity: Provides high-capacity storage for enterprise data and large repositories.
- 7200RPM operation: Supports mechanical storage workloads in compatible enterprise systems.
- Helium-sealed design: Uses a helium-filled internal environment to reduce air resistance.
- CMR recording: Uses conventional magnetic recording technology.
- Power management: Includes Seagate PowerChoice and PowerBalance technologies.
Applications
- Enterprise servers and compatible SATA storage arrays.
- Data-center storage infrastructure.
- High-capacity backup and restore repositories.
- Distributed file systems and large-scale data repositories.
- Enterprise storage pools requiring compatible 3.5-inch SATA drives.
DC Supplies Product Note
Confirm the storage controller's supported drive capacity and sector format before installing this drive in an existing array. Although the model supports FastFormat conversion between 512e and 4Kn, the target system must support the selected format. Validate compatibility before initializing the drive or expanding an existing storage pool.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|
| Brand | Seagate |
| Manufacturer | Seagate Technology |
| Product Family | Exos |
| Series | Exos X16 |
| Part Number / MPN | ST12000NM001G |
| Product Type | Enterprise Internal Hard Drive |
| Storage Capacity | 12TB |
| Form Factor | 3.5-inch |
| Interface | SATA 6Gb/s |
| Spindle Speed | 7200RPM |
| Cache Buffer | 256MB |
| Recording Technology | Conventional Magnetic Recording (CMR) |
| Drive Construction | Helium-sealed |
| Default Sector Format | 512e |
| Supported Sector Formats | 512e and 4Kn through FastFormat |
| Maximum Sustained Transfer Rate | Up to 261MB/s |
| Maximum Interface Transfer Rate | 600MB/s |
| Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) | 2,500,000 hours |
| Annualized Failure Rate (AFR) | 0.35% |
| Nonrecoverable Read Errors | 1 sector per 1015 bits read |
| Power Management | PowerChoice and PowerBalance |
| Operating Temperature | 5°C to 60°C |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 26.11 × 101.85 × 147mm maximum |
| Weight | Up to approximately 705g, according to manufacturer specifications |
| Limited Warranty | 5 years, subject to applicable terms and eligibility |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the ST12000NM001G a SATA or SAS hard drive?
This exact model is the SATA 6Gb/s version of the Seagate Exos X16 12TB drive. SAS versions use different part numbers and require compatible SAS controllers.
2. Does this drive support 4Kn sector formatting?
Seagate FastFormat supports conversion between 512e and 4Kn formats. Confirm that the host controller and operating environment support the intended format before conversion.
3. Can this drive be installed in an enterprise server?
Yes, provided the server supports 3.5-inch SATA hard drives, the required capacity, and the selected sector format. Check the server manufacturer's compatibility documentation before installation.
4. Is the drive suitable for RAID storage?
It can be deployed in compatible enterprise storage configurations. Verify controller support, sector-format requirements, and the intended RAID configuration before adding the drive to an array.
5. Does this model use conventional magnetic recording?
Yes. The ST12000NM001G uses conventional magnetic recording (CMR).
6. What warranty applies to this drive?
The Exos X16 specification lists a five-year limited warranty. Actual coverage depends on the individual drive's eligibility, serial number, region, and applicable manufacturer terms.
