Seagate FireCuda ST1000DX002 1 TB

The Best of Both Worlds

Firecuda looks unusual compared to other models of this class. Instead of 2 TB of data, there is only 1 TB, and instead of the 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 allowed, with some reservations, to take the best of both worlds and keep the sane price tag of $70. For comparison, this money is enough either for a regular 2 TB HDD or a 480 GB SSD.

Smart SSD Cache with Extended 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 launched more often than usual, its important data will be transferred to a fast SSD cache. Its here, by the way, 8 GB. As soon as a new programme or game with a higher launch frequency appears, the system will immediately update the cache, overwriting important data. It is equally important that the SSD part is made of ultra-wear-resistant SLC-memory, which has a generation resource many times higher than 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 a fast cache, FireCuda is one of the fastest HDDs on the market. Its "hard" part gives out approximately 210 MB / s in sequential read and write. Finding an HDD faster will be almost impossible. No less great is that despite the spindle speed of 7200 rpm, the drive turned out to be very quiet. Much quieter than the popular BarraCuda.