Product Overview
The Seagate ST20000NM002D is a 20TB enterprise hard drive from the Exos X20 family, designed for high-capacity storage in data centres, enterprise servers, and compatible SAS storage systems. It combines a 3.5-inch form factor, 12Gb/s SAS interface, 7200RPM rotational speed, and 256MB cache for demanding business storage environments.
Using conventional magnetic recording (CMR) and a helium-sealed design, this drive offers high-density storage for large datasets, enterprise applications, and centralised storage infrastructure. This specific model is the standard SAS variant with FastFormat support for compatible 512e and 4Kn configurations.
Key Features
- 20TB storage capacity: Provides substantial storage for enterprise data, business applications, and large-scale repositories.
- 12Gb/s SAS interface: Designed for compatible enterprise SAS controllers, servers, and storage enclosures.
- 7200RPM rotational speed: Supports enterprise workloads that require consistent access to stored information.
- 256MB cache: Helps manage data transfers during read and write operations.
- CMR recording technology: Uses conventional magnetic recording for enterprise storage workloads.
- FastFormat support: Allows compatible systems to configure supported sector formats.
- Helium-sealed construction: Supports the internal design of this high-capacity hard drive.
- Dual-port SAS connectivity: Supports compatible enterprise storage architectures.
- Enterprise management features: Includes PowerChoice, PowerBalance, SuperParity, and hot-plug support in compatible systems.
Recommended Applications
- Enterprise servers and data centre infrastructure
- Compatible SAS storage arrays and disk enclosures
- High-capacity business data repositories
- Enterprise backup and archival systems
- Virtualisation infrastructure and centralised storage pools
- Large-scale data storage and business applications
Performance and Recording Technology
The Exos X20 family is designed for enterprise environments requiring high storage density and dependable operation. The 7200RPM spindle speed, 256MB cache, and 12Gb/s SAS interface support data-intensive storage applications. Actual performance depends on workload, access patterns, controller configuration, and the wider storage system.
The drive uses CMR recording and supports 512e and 4Kn sector formats through Seagate FastFormat. The default configuration is 512e. Confirm host-controller and operating-system compatibility before changing the sector format, and back up important data because reformatting can erase existing contents.
Compatibility Information
The ST20000NM002D is a 3.5-inch SAS hard drive, not a SATA model. It requires a compatible SAS host controller, backplane, or enterprise storage enclosure. Before installation, verify support for 20TB drives, the required sector format, physical mounting, and any firmware requirements.
For RAID systems, confirm drive compatibility with the storage-controller manufacturer and follow the system's drive-replacement procedures. SAS and SATA interfaces are not directly interchangeable in every system, even when the drive dimensions are identical.
Reliability and Enterprise Features
Seagate specifies an MTBF rating of 2.5 million hours and an annualized failure rate (AFR) of 0.35% for the Exos X20 family under stated operating conditions. These are manufacturer reliability ratings, not guarantees of an individual drive's lifespan or failure rate.
PowerChoice provides power-management options, while PowerBalance is designed to balance power consumption and performance. SuperParity and firmware verification features support the drive's intended enterprise environment. Actual feature operation depends on the compatible host system and configuration.
DC Supplies Product Note
The Seagate ST20000NM002D is intended for customers who need 20TB of enterprise storage using a 12Gb/s SAS interface. Verify the complete MPN before purchase, particularly when replacing an existing drive. This is the standard model; ST20000NM003D is the SED variant, while ST20000NM005D is the SED-FIPS variant.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|
| Brand | Seagate |
| Part Number MPN | ST20000NM002D |
| Product Type | Internal enterprise hard disk drive |
| Product Family | Exos X20 |
| Storage Capacity | 20TB |
| Form Factor | 3.5-inch |
| Interface | 12Gb/s SAS |
| Rotational Speed | 7200RPM |
| Cache | 256MB |
| Recording Technology | Conventional Magnetic Recording (CMR) |
| Default Sector Format | 512e |
| Supported Sector Formats | 512e and 4Kn through FastFormat |
| Drive Construction | Helium-sealed |
| Security Variant | Standard model; not SED or SED-FIPS |
| SAS Connectivity | Dual-port SAS |
| Maximum Sustained Transfer Rate | Up to 285MB/s |
| Average Latency | 4.16ms |
| Interface Access Speeds | 12.0, 6.0, and 3.0Gb/s |
| Power Management | PowerChoice |
| Power/Performance Technology | PowerBalance |
| Data Protection Feature | SuperParity |
| Hot-Plug Support | Supported in compatible systems |
| Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) | 2.5 million hours |
| Annualized Failure Rate | 0.35%, manufacturer-rated |
| Nonrecoverable Read Errors | 1 sector per 1015 bits read, manufacturer-rated |
| Rated Operating Hours | 8,760 hours per year under 24/7 operation |
| Operating Temperature | 5°C to 60°C |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 26.1 × 101.85 × 147mm maximum |
| Weight | Approximately 670g |
| Limited Warranty | 5 years, subject to manufacturer terms and eligibility |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the storage capacity of the Seagate ST20000NM002D?
This drive offers 20TB of nominal storage capacity for enterprise and high-capacity storage applications.
2. Is the ST20000NM002D a SAS or SATA drive?
It is a 12Gb/s SAS drive and requires compatible SAS host hardware. It is not a SATA model.
3. Is this model self-encrypting?
No. The ST20000NM002D is the standard model. ST20000NM003D is the self-encrypting variant, while ST20000NM005D is the SED-FIPS variant.
4. Does the drive support 4Kn sector formatting?
Yes. The drive supports 512e and 4Kn configurations through FastFormat. Check host compatibility and back up data before changing formats, as reconfiguration can erase existing data.
5. Can I install this drive in a regular desktop computer?
Only if the system has compatible SAS hardware, suitable mounting and power connections, and support for 20TB drives. Most standard desktop motherboards provide SATA rather than SAS connectivity.
6. Is the ST20000NM002D suitable for enterprise servers and RAID systems?
It is designed for enterprise storage environments. Confirm that the server, SAS controller, and RAID system support the drive's capacity, interface, sector format, and firmware requirements.
