Seagate FireCuda ST1000DX002 1 TB

The best of both worlds

Firecuda looks unusual compared to other models in this class. Instead of 2 TB of data, there is only 1 TB, and instead of a standard scheme, the drive uses a hybrid one: large-capacity platters from classic HDDs + small storage with fast NAND cache memory, which we are used to seeing in SSD drives. This made it possible, with some reservations, to take the best of both worlds and maintain a reasonable price tag of $70. For comparison, this money is enough for either a regular 2 TB HDD or a 480 GB SSD.

Smart SSD cache with longer lifespan

FireCuda works like this: all data is stored on the main hard drive, but as soon as the system sees that a certain application or game is being launched more often than usual, its important data will be transferred to a fast SSD cache. By the way, it’s 8 GB. As soon as a new program or game appears with a higher launch frequency, the system will immediately update the cache, overwriting important data. It is equally important that the SSD part is made of extremely wear-resistant SLC memory, which has a lifespan that is several times higher than that of conventional SSD drives. It's not for nothing that Seagate gives the Firecuda a full five-year warranty instead of the standard two.

One of the fastest HDDs

By the way, even without using fast cache, FireCuda is one of the fastest HDDs on the market. Its hard part produces approximately 210 MB/s for sequential read and write. Finding a HDD faster will be almost impossible. It’s equally great that despite the spindle rotation speed of 7200 rpm, the drive turned out to be very quiet. Much quieter than the popular BarraCuda.