Seagate Launches 32TB Hard Drive Using HAMR Technology
Seagate Unveils Massive 32TB Hard drive, Ushering in a New Era of Data Storage
Seagate Technology has officially launched its largest hard drive to date, boasting a staggering 32 terabytes of storage capacity. This extraordinary feat was achieved through the use of Heat-Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR) technology, a breakthrough that promises to revolutionize data storage in the coming years.
The new drive,dubbed the Exos M,is available in both 30TB and 32TB capacities,representing a remarkable 3 terabytes per platter. Seagate has been developing HAMR technology since 2007, culminating in the Mozaic 3+ platform that powers the Exos M.
Beyond its massive capacity, the Exos M also boasts tripled energy efficiency per terabyte compared to conventional hard drives.
Presentation of the Mozaic 3+ platform utilizing HAMR technology. (English, enable automatic subtitles.) © Seagate
The Road to 120TB Drives
HAMR technology works by using a tiny laser diode to heat a specific area on the hard drive platter before writing data. This heating process makes the platter more receptive to magnetic fields, allowing for considerably smaller data cells and increased storage density. Seagate emphasizes that the heating process is incredibly brief, lasting less than a nanosecond, eliminating concerns about heat dissipation.
The first HAMR-based hard drives, with a capacity of 20TB, were released in 2021 and were primarily targeted towards server applications. At the time, Seagate projected that its HAMR drives would surpass 50TB by 2026 and reach a staggering 100TB by 2030, eventually reaching 120TB.
While Seagate’s 32TB drive is a major milestone, it’s not the only one on the market. Western Digital recently beat Seagate to the punch with its Ultrastar DC HC690, a 32TB drive that utilizes a different technology called energy-assisted perpendicular magnetic recording (ePMR).
Pricing for both drives has yet to be announced, leaving consumers to wait and see which technology will ultimately prove more affordable.
A Revolution in Storage: interview with Dr. Jayesh Kumar on Seagate’s Groundbreaking 32TB Hard Drive
NewsDirect3.com: Dr. Kumar, thank you for joining us today. Seagate has just unveiled its largest hard drive yet, the Exos M, boasting a staggering 32TB capacity. This is a meaningful leap forward in data storage. Can you shed some light on the technology behind this innovation?
Dr. Jayesh Kumar: It’s a pleasure to be here. The Exos M wouldn’t be possible without Heat-Assisted Magnetic Recording, or HAMR for short. This technology uses a laser to temporarily heat a tiny spot on the hard drive platter, making it more receptive to magnetism. This allows us to write data at a much higher density than conventional methods, resulting in significantly larger storage capacities.
NewsDirect3.com: Seagate has been pioneering HAMR technology for over a decade. What makes this particular drive, the Exos M, so special?
Dr. Jayesh Kumar: The Exos M represents the culmination of years of research and development. It’s the frist drive built on our Mozaic 3+ platform, designed specifically to leverage the full potential of HAMR. Not only does the Exos M offer unprecedented storage capacity, but it also delivers tripled energy efficiency per terabyte compared to conventional drives. This is a major breakthrough for data centers looking to reduce their energy consumption.
NewsDirect3.com: looking ahead, what does the future hold for HAMR technology?
Dr. Jayesh Kumar: The possibilities are truly exciting. We believe HAMR will play a pivotal role in pushing the boundaries of data storage even further. We project that HAMR drives will reach capacities of 50TB by 2026 and eventually surpass 100TB by 2030. Imagine the possibilities this unlocks for everything from artificial intelligence and scientific research to cloud computing and big data analytics.