Performance: 32 out of 40
Much like all of the various Nytro models the performance of the 3332 is going to be variable. This is the price one must be willing to pay in order to get optimized models. In the case of the 3332 that means optimized overall value in heavily read weighted scenarios. So much so that the difference in its area of expertise makes it darn difficult to justify the cost of the higher priced models. In other words some will find the performance a solid 38 out 40 while others will find it more like a 26 (at best). We have split the difference but seriously we doubt anyone will consider it a decent 32 out of 40 like our final score reflects. So adjust your final score accordioning.
Technological Innovation: 16 out of 20
To be perfectly blunt the 3332 is not much different than the 3331 it replaces. Sure it is going to be a bit better as it uses better NAND and more refined firmware but that is pretty much par for the course with any new generation of any model. On the other hand, Seagate’s Nytro line is choke full of innovation and in the case of 3332 this means innovation in the amount of performance read orientated servers now have access to.
Build Quality & Warranty: 18 out of 20
While we do wish they 3332 came with a higher DWPD (and 3/5/10 for the 3/5/7 variants) would have been more optimal… but in many scenarios the 3332 was designed for buyers are not going to be thinking about Full Drive Writes Per Day. Instead, it is going to be Full Drive Writes Per Week. Thus, the actual intended buyer of the 3332 will find the build quality more than good enough and love the lowered price without having to sacrifice (much) performance.
Value: 15 out of 20
Much like every other aspect of the Nytro 3332 series (and for that matter all of the Nytro variants) the overall value is going to be in the eye of the beholder. The intended buyer of this model will find it stellar and darn near perfect. Those outside of its narrow focus will weigh, measure… and find it wanting. As is our way we have split the difference but fully realize this is a ‘love/hate’ model with very few fence sitters landing in the middle of those two extremes.
Final Score: 81%
The Nytro 3332 is pretty much the epitome of what the Nytro series is meant to be. That is to say it is a true master at highly specialized tasks and if you land smack dab in the middle of its narrow design envelope you will fall in love with what it has to offer. Everyone else will find it less than optimal for their specific needs. In other words, they are the epitome of the Chinese proverb on Dragon’s Tears: Sometimes life can be as bitter as dragon tears. But whether dragon tears are bitter or sweat depends entirely on how each (wo/)man perceives them.
