Performance: 35 out of 40
While it is indeed true that for the first time in recent memory, Seagate has released a “slower” product refresh, the fact remains that the Exos M 30TB is not slow. In fact, in return for a minor dip in performance, once it gains access to a lot more consistency… as this is a drive that starts very fast (mid 270s), stays fast for a long, long time.
Technological Innovation: 20 out of 20
With its combination of superlattice platter technology, plasmonic writer tech, micro-miniaturized gen7 spintronic “read” heads, new powerful firmware that takes full advantage of the (relatively) high-performance SoC, this is a series that is so full of innovation it’s hard to just point to one innovative feature as ‘the’ feature. Simply put: It’s HAMR Time. ’nuff said.
Build Quality & Warranty: 19 out of 20
A new SuperLattice-based platter that probably can stop 22s? Check. A sealed chassis that has been proven (by ourselves) to actually stop 22s? Double check! OCD level security baked into the firmware? Triple Check! Bluntly stated, while there may be some concerns over the longevity of this second-gen HAMR, Seagate is still number one in the Enterprise market for a reason: their support is second to none. So, unless in the next five years HAMR ends up being more of a soft mallet and not the war hammer it appears to be… we sincerely doubt any of the ‘also rans’ of the Enterprise market will “show Seagate how it’s done”.
Value: 15 out of 20
This is going to be one heck of a controversial model. One where you will either consider its overall value to be ‘mid’, or darn near perfection. We say this as on the one hand, you can easily find cheaper Exos. For example, the once ‘rockstar’ of the Exos lineup, Exos X 24TB, is not going to suddenly turn into a turd in the punch bowl, and yet it is in for one heck of a price cut. Just as it happens every generation, the last gen gets cheaper… and the new generation’s flagship capacity costs a relative fortune. Mix in some concerns over durability, as it is not a proven design yet, and the overall value of the Exos M 30TB is going to be in the expected mediocre range unless you need that data density. At which point it becomes the only game in town. We have split the difference and called it 15. Adjust your own personal scoring accordingly.
Final Score: 89% / 89 out of 100
With backward compatibility, robust security features, and insane aerial density, Seagate Exos M 30TB is a groundbreaking enterprise hard drive that sets a new standard for dense, efficient, and future-ready data storage. If that sounds just like what the doctor ordered, it is the series to own. If you have concerns… then maybe the noticeably cheaper (but proven) Exos X 24TB is the “safer” option. Either way, HAMR is finally here, and it certainly has made a Tsunami-sized splash! We expect even bigger and better things from Seagate in the coming years. Put another way, HAMR tech has made “spinning rust” exciting again.
