Performance: 38 out of 40
The 12TB Seagate BarraCuda Pro takes the already great performance offered by the smaller 10TB capacity model and turns the dial to ten. The end result is a drive that is as powerful as its plentiful capacity.
Technological Innovation: 17 out of 20
On the one hand the 12TB does not bring much to the table compared to the 10TB, and simply gets smoked by the 14TB PMR+ w/ TDMR technologies baked in. On the other, it is a PMR based drive that makes use of 1.5TB platters, excellent MCT… and is generally built to enterprise standards – and not consumer. From this point of view, it sill is very innovative.
Build Quality & Warranty: 19 out of 20
This ‘consumer’ orientated hard drive may not – quite – be built to Enterprise standards but it is so close that it almost does not matter. Even better performance, same durability, and a killer warranty that even covers data recovery – for free – all combine to make one of the best consumer orientated hard drive model available today.
Value: 18 out of 20
The value of this drive will vary depending on how much you prioritize performance and capacity. Yes it is expensive, even more so than the 10TB ‘Cuda Pro, but in return you do get one hella-fast hard drive that has tons of capacity. Mix in a great warranty and great build quality and there is not much to complain about in the overall value department.
Final Score: 92 out of 100
If you need a lot of capacity and performance the 12TB BarraCuda Pro deserves to be on your short, short list. It may lack some of the uber-cutting edge features found in the 14TB version but it still is one excellent drive and a great update to an already excellent series.
