Product Overview
The Seagate ST20000NM002H is a 20TB enterprise hard drive from the Seagate Exos X24 family, designed for high-capacity storage in data centres, enterprise servers, and compatible storage systems. It features a 3.5-inch form factor, SATA 6Gb/s interface, 7200RPM rotational speed, and 512MB cache to support demanding business storage workloads.
Built with 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 supports Seagate Instant Secure Erase (ISE) and should not be confused with the self-encrypting ST20000NM001H variant.
Key Features
- 20TB storage capacity: Provides extensive storage for enterprise data, business applications, and large-scale repositories.
- SATA 6Gb/s interface: Connects to compatible SATA controllers, servers, and storage enclosures.
- 7200RPM rotational speed: Supports enterprise workloads requiring consistent access to stored information.
- 512MB cache: Helps manage data transfers during read and write operations.
- CMR recording technology: Uses conventional magnetic recording for enterprise storage workloads.
- Instant Secure Erase: Provides an erase capability for supported drive sanitisation and decommissioning workflows.
- Helium-sealed construction: Supports the internal design of this high-capacity hard drive.
- Enterprise management features: Includes PowerChoice, PowerBalance, SuperParity, and hot-plug support in compatible systems.
- Firmware verification: Supports RSA 3072 firmware verification as specified for the Exos X24 family.
Recommended Applications
- Enterprise servers and data centre infrastructure
- Compatible SATA storage arrays and disk enclosures
- Large-scale business data repositories
- Enterprise backup and archival systems
- Virtualisation infrastructure and centralised storage pools
- High-capacity file and application storage
Data Security and Drive Management
The ST20000NM002H supports Seagate Instant Secure Erase (ISE), a feature designed to simplify drive sanitisation when the drive is being repurposed or decommissioned. ISE is distinct from the self-encrypting drive (SED) configuration.
Before using an erase function, confirm the drive's configuration, the supported management commands, and your organisation's data-sanitisation requirements. Secure erase operations can permanently make stored data inaccessible, so verify backups and authorisation before proceeding.
Compatibility Information
This drive uses a 3.5-inch SATA 6Gb/s interface. Before installation, verify that your server, storage enclosure, or computer supports 20TB SATA drives and provides compatible data and power connections. For RAID configurations, check the storage-controller manufacturer's compatibility list and follow its drive-replacement procedures.
The Exos X24 SATA family supports 512e and 4Kn sector formats through Seagate FastFormat. Confirm the required format and host-system support before configuration. Changing the sector format can erase existing data, so back up important files before reformatting.
Reliability and Enterprise Features
The Exos X24 family is designed for enterprise storage environments requiring high capacity and continuous operation. Its manufacturer-specified features include PowerChoice idle power management, PowerBalance power/performance technology, SuperParity, and hot-plug support in compatible systems.
Reliability ratings and performance depend on the operating environment and workload. Proper cooling, stable power, compatible firmware, and routine storage monitoring remain important when deploying high-capacity drives.
DC Supplies Product Note
The Seagate ST20000NM002H is intended for customers who need 20TB of enterprise storage through a standard SATA interface, along with Instant Secure Erase capability. Verify the complete MPN before ordering, especially when replacing an existing drive. The ST20000NM001H is the SED variant, so confirm the security configuration required by your system.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|
| Brand | Seagate |
| Part Number MPN | ST20000NM002H |
| Product Type | Internal enterprise hard disk drive |
| Product Family | Exos X24 |
| Storage Capacity | 20TB |
| Form Factor | 3.5-inch |
| Interface | SATA 6Gb/s |
| Rotational Speed | 7200RPM |
| Cache | 512MB |
| Recording Technology | Conventional Magnetic Recording (CMR) |
| Security Feature | Seagate Instant Secure Erase (ISE) |
| Sector Formats | 512e and 4Kn through supported FastFormat configuration |
| Drive Construction | Helium-sealed |
| Maximum Sustained Transfer Rate | Up to 285MB/s |
| Maximum Interface Burst Rate | 600MB/s |
| Average Latency | 4.16ms |
| Power Management | PowerChoice |
| Power/Performance Technology | PowerBalance |
| Data Protection Feature | SuperParity |
| Firmware Verification | RSA 3072 verification support |
| Hot-Plug Support | Supported in compatible systems |
| Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) | 2.5 million hours |
| Annualized Failure Rate | 0.35%, manufacturer-rated |
| Workload Rate Limit | 550TB per year |
| Nonrecoverable Read Errors | Less than 1 per 1015 bits read |
| Operating Temperature | 5°C to 60°C, drive-reported temperature |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 26.1 × 101.85 × 147mm maximum |
| Weight | Approximately 685g maximum |
| Limited Warranty | 5 years, subject to manufacturer terms and eligibility |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the storage capacity of the Seagate ST20000NM002H?
This drive offers 20TB of nominal storage capacity for enterprise and high-capacity storage applications.
2. Is the ST20000NM002H a SATA or SAS drive?
It is a SATA 6Gb/s drive. It requires compatible SATA host hardware and is not a SAS model.
3. Does this model support Instant Secure Erase?
Yes. The ST20000NM002H is the standard Exos X24 model with Seagate Instant Secure Erase (ISE).
4. Is this the self-encrypting model?
No. The ST20000NM002H is the ISE model. The ST20000NM001H is the self-encrypting drive (SED) variant.
5. Can I install this drive in a desktop computer?
Potentially, if the computer supports 20TB SATA drives and has suitable data and power connections. Check operating-system, firmware, and enclosure support before installation.
6. Does this drive support 4Kn sector formatting?
The Exos X24 SATA family supports 512e and 4Kn formats through FastFormat. Confirm host compatibility before changing formats, and back up important data because reconfiguration can erase existing contents.
