Overview
The Seagate Exos X24 ST12000NM002H is a 12TB internal enterprise hard drive designed for data centers, enterprise storage arrays, and high-capacity server infrastructure. Its 3.5-inch form factor and SATA 6Gb/s interface support integration into compatible storage systems.
This standard Exos X24 model incorporates Seagate Instant Secure Erase (ISE), which is designed to simplify secure drive retirement by enabling supported data-erasure operations.
Performance and Technical Information
The drive operates at 7200RPM and uses conventional magnetic recording (CMR). Its 512MB multisegmented cache supports drive operations, while the manufacturer specifies a maximum sustained transfer rate of up to 285MB/s under stated test conditions.
The helium-sealed design reduces internal air resistance. Seagate PowerChoice technology provides idle power-management capabilities, and PowerBalance addresses power consumption relative to performance. SuperParity supports the drive's data-integrity design.
Interface and Compatibility
The ST12000NM002H uses a SATA 6Gb/s interface and supports 512e and 4Kn sector formats through the manufacturer's FastFormat technology. Drives ship in 512e format by default.
Before installation, verify that the server, storage controller, and enclosure support 12TB SATA drives and the intended sector format. SATA and SAS interfaces are different, and systems designed exclusively for SAS drives may not support this model.
Key Features
- 12TB storage capacity: Provides high-capacity storage for enterprise data repositories.
- CMR recording: Uses conventional magnetic recording technology.
- Instant Secure Erase: Supports Seagate's ISE functionality for drive retirement and data sanitization workflows.
- Helium-sealed construction: Uses a sealed helium-filled internal environment.
- Power management technologies: Includes PowerChoice and PowerBalance features.
Applications
- Enterprise servers and compatible SATA storage arrays.
- Data-center storage and hyperscale infrastructure.
- Enterprise backup and restore repositories.
- Distributed file systems and large-scale data storage.
- Centralized surveillance storage systems that support this drive model.
DC Supplies Product Note
Plan sector formatting before deploying the drive in an existing storage environment. Seagate FastFormat can switch a supported drive from 512e to 4Kn, but performing this conversion erases the data on the drive. Confirm controller and operating-system compatibility, and back up any required data before changing the format.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|
| Brand | Seagate |
| Manufacturer | Seagate Technology |
| Product Family | Exos |
| Series | Exos X24 |
| Part Number / MPN | ST12000NM002H |
| Product Type | Enterprise Internal Hard Drive |
| Storage Capacity | 12TB |
| Form Factor | 3.5-inch |
| Interface | SATA 6Gb/s |
| Interface Ports | Single |
| Spindle Speed | 7200RPM |
| Cache Buffer | 512MB multisegmented |
| 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 285MB/s |
| Random Read/Write Performance | 168/550 IOPS, 4K QD16 WCD |
| Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) | 2,500,000 hours |
| Annualized Failure Rate (AFR) | 0.35% |
| Nonrecoverable Read Errors | Less than 1 per 1015 bits read |
| Idle Power Consumption | 6.3W average |
| Operating Temperature | 5°C ambient / 60°C drive-reported temperature |
| Operating Shock | 40G, 2ms read/write |
| Nonoperating Shock | 200G, 2ms |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 26.1 × 101.85 × 147mm maximum |
| Weight | 685g |
| Limited Warranty | 5 years, subject to applicable terms and eligibility |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the ST12000NM002H a SATA or SAS drive?
This exact model is the SATA 6Gb/s version of the Seagate Exos X24 12TB hard drive. The SAS version uses a different model number.
2. What does Instant Secure Erase mean?
Instant Secure Erase is Seagate's technology for supporting secure data-erasure workflows when retiring or repurposing compatible drives. Actual operation depends on the supported management commands and host environment.
3. Does the drive support 4Kn sector formatting?
Yes. FastFormat supports conversion between 512e and 4Kn. The conversion erases existing data, so confirm compatibility and back up required files first.
4. Can this drive be used in an enterprise RAID array?
It can be used in compatible SATA enterprise storage systems. Verify drive support, sector format, controller compatibility, and RAID requirements with the storage-system manufacturer.
5. Does this model support hot-plug operation?
Seagate specifies hot-plug support under the SATA Revision 3.5 specification. Safe hot-plug operation also requires a compatible enclosure, backplane, controller, and host system.
6. What warranty applies to the ST12000NM002H?
Seagate's Exos X24 datasheet lists a five-year limited warranty. Actual coverage depends on the drive's eligibility, serial number, purchase region, and applicable warranty terms.
