Seagate HDDs

Momentus ST94811A

Seagate trumpeted its return into the market of 2.5” hard disk drives after a long absence with its Momentus family we have reviewed some time ago (see our Seagate Momentus HDD Review). The drives were a success from any point of view, but now they have to bear comparisons to the most advanced models from Hitachi and Toshiba.

Momentus drives come in two capacities: 20GB and 40GB (we’ve got a 40GB model for our tests). It means that the drive uses one 40GB platter and one or two heads. The spindle rotation speed is 5,400rpm, which is a standard de facto for 2.5” form-factor models. Momentus is usually equipped with a 2MB cache buffer, but 8MB is an option (this is the drive we’ve got). Naturally, the larger buffer brings in some performance gains. The drives support Ultra ATA/100 interface.

For detailed information about the Momentus, refer to our previous reviews. I will just list briefly its basic technical characteristics.

The exclusive SoftSonic electromotor on fluid dynamic bearings and the special QuietStep ramp load technology join together to make the device as noiseless as possible. The latter technology also increases the device reliability.

The special design helps the device withstand an operational shock of 225g and a non-operational shock of 800g.

Special tricks used in the Momentus drive make it require less power, so that its power consumption is closer to that of 4,200rpm models.

Now, there is also the exclusive 3D Defence technology you can see in any HDD from Seagate. It is a complex of hardware and software means increasing the drive’s reliability.

The drive is priced at $150.