Performance: 30 out of 40.
On the one hand, the SkyHawk performance is extremely variable and whether it impresses you or not with said performance comes down to what you plan on using it for. In its niche the SkyHawk is a master with few competiors. Outside… well it is like using a really expensive cordless drill to hammer in a nail. Sure, you can do it… but why would you want to?! We have split the difference but most will either consider it a 20 or a 40. There will be no in-between opinions on this front.
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: 20 out of 20
In marketplace filled with SMR and drop frame causing drives the SkyHawk is a breathe of fresh air. No longer will you be trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. Instead you have a model tailor made for your specific needs. Now if that is not a great definition for innovation we do not know what is!
Build Quality & Warranty: 12 out of 20
Much like the standard IronWolf series, the SkyHawk has been built to rather strict, and high, standards. We honestly doubt that anyone will find fault with the build quality. The same is not precisely true of the warranty. First three years is short, 180TB a year is shorter, and you will have to pay extra for Seagate’s data (and potentially job) saving Rescue Service. This is the weak link in the SkyHawk sales pitch.
Value: 12 out of 20
There is variable value series… and then there is the SkyHawk. Much like the performance it will be an either/or type deal. For those for a series to satisfy a very specific set of requirements the SkyHawk is almost unmatched and you will love it. Everyone else will not be nearly as enamored.
Final Score: 74 out of 100
The Seagate SkyHawk sets the bar awfully high for surveillance storage devices. In this corner of the market it is king. So if you are looking for a drive that will live 90-95% of its lifespan dealing with sequential writes (especially at deeper queue depths) the SkyHawk easily justifies its asking price and then some. Outside its niche, its uneven performance will make it a less than optimal choice.
