by 56 reviews.
Seagate Skyhawk AI 8TB Surveillance Internal Hard Drive Review: A Powerhouse for AI-Enabled Surveillance
The Seagate Skyhawk AI 8TB Surveillance Internal Hard Drive (ST8000VEZ00) is a high-performance storage solution designed specifically for AI-enabled surveillance systems. With its 3.5-inch SATA 6Gb/s interface, 256MB cache, and advanced ImagePerfect AI firmware, this hard drive is built to handle 24/7 workloads with ease. It supports up to 64 HD video streams and 32 AI streams simultaneously, making it an ideal choice for large-scale surveillance setups. Additionally, it comes with a 5-year limited warranty and 3 years of Rescue Data Recovery Services, ensuring peace of mind for users.
Pros and Cons: What Customers Are Saying
Performance and Speed
One of the standout features of the Seagate Skyhawk AI 8TB is its impressive performance. Customers have praised its speed, with one reviewer noting that it outperforms the WD Red NAS 8TB drive in read and write tests. The Skyhawk AI achieved speeds of around 240MB/second, compared to the WD Red's 190MB/second. This makes it a top choice for users who need fast data access and transfer rates.
However, some users have pointed out that while the Skyhawk AI excels in speed, it may not be as durable as NAS-specific drives like the Seagate IronWolf. One reviewer shared their experience of the drive failing after just 9 months of use, despite regular monitoring with SMART technology. This raises questions about its long-term reliability in non-surveillance applications.
Noise Levels
Noise is a common concern for users working in environments with NVRs (Network Video Recorders). Several customers have reported that the Skyhawk AI is noticeably quieter than other drives, at least initially. One user mentioned that the drive was "half the noise" compared to their previous setup, making it a more pleasant experience for those working in close proximity to the NVR.
However, this quiet operation doesn’t last forever. Another reviewer updated their feedback, stating that the drives eventually became just as loud as other Seagate models. This inconsistency in noise levels could be a drawback for users who prioritize a silent working environment.
Installation and Build Quality
The installation process for the Skyhawk AI 8TB is straightforward, but not without its quirks. One customer expressed frustration over the lack of included screws, which are necessary for mounting the drive. They had to source screws from a local computer shop, adding an unnecessary inconvenience to the setup process.
On the bright side, the drive’s build quality is solid, and it’s designed to handle heavy workloads. With a workload rating of 550TB/year, it’s built to withstand the demands of continuous surveillance operations. This makes it a reliable choice for users who need a drive that can handle high-intensity tasks without breaking a sweat.
Capacity and Scalability
The 8TB capacity of the Skyhawk AI is a major selling point, especially for users managing large-scale surveillance systems. One reviewer shared their experience of installing seven of these drives into a Ubiquiti UNVR-PRO, resulting in a total usable capacity of 47.8TB after RAID5 configuration. This setup allowed them to record footage from nine 4K cameras for approximately nine weeks, showcasing the drive’s impressive scalability.
Conclusion: Is the Seagate Skyhawk AI 8TB Worth It?
The Seagate Skyhawk AI 8TB Surveillance Internal Hard Drive is a powerful and reliable storage solution for AI-enabled surveillance systems. Its AI-optimized performance, high capacity, and advanced health monitoring make it an excellent choice for users managing large-scale security setups. The drive’s speed and initial quiet operation are also notable advantages.
However, it’s not without its flaws. Some users have reported issues with long-term durability, and the lack of included screws during installation can be a minor annoyance. Additionally, the noise levels may increase over time, which could be a concern for those working in close proximity to their NVRs.
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a high-performance hard drive specifically designed for surveillance and AI applications, the Seagate Skyhawk AI 8TB is a strong contender. However, if durability and long-term reliability are your top priorities, you might want to explore NAS-specific drives like the Seagate IronWolf. For most surveillance setups, though, the Skyhawk AI delivers on its promises and is well worth the investment.
Specification Seagate Skyhawk AI 8TB Surveillance Internal Hard Drive HDD–3.5 Inch SATA 6Gb/s 256MB Cache + Drive Health Management & 3-Year Recovery Service - (ST8000VEZ00):
Comments from Amazon:
Great product. Exactly what I ordered.
I wouldn't have believed it until I heard them. I installed two (2) 8TB Skyhawk AI drives in my NVR and, to the ear, it is half the noise. If you must work in an area with an NVR I would highly recommend these as replacement HDD's. No, I don't have a meter to tell you exactly the noise level but my ears appreciate noticeably less noise. UPDATE: Well the quiet didn't last. They are now just as loud as the other Seagate drives.
Bought 7 of these bad boys to install into my UNVR-PRO. Ubiquiti recommends you use CMR Drives with a maximum size capacity of 8TB per drive(At the time of my posting this). I'm not saying you can't get bigger drives but I just went with Ubiquiti's recommendation. 7 x 8TB = 56TB. 56TB + RAID5 = 47.8 TB Usable reported on my NVR. Running x9 G4 Pro cameras at 4k and recording goes back around 9 weeks.
It wouldn't cost much to toss in 5 cents worth of screws. I don't get it. But I am sure that the bean counters would say that adding those screws would increase the cost. As it was I had to go to a local computer shop and they just gave me 4 screws. This unit was being added to a security NVR and not replacing a hard drive. So easy to install? NO. Just toss in 4 screws.
Working full time no complaints.
The Seagate Skyhawk AI 8TB Surveillance Internal Hard Drive is the fastest hard drive I've tested easily beating out the WD Red NAS 8 TB drive. The Read and Write test data shows about 240MB/Second while the WD Red drive is about 190 MB/Sec. The difference in speed might be that NAS drives are slower but more durabale and last longer in NAS Servers. I'm using it along with a Seagate Skyhawk 8 TB drive in an OWC USB enclosure as Thunderbolt-3 won't increase a hard drive's speed. UPDATE: I was using this drive for 9 months without realizing it was failing until I bought software for my Mac that uses it's SMART technology. It said the drive was failing. I performed a full SMART test but it failed and would not complete. Seagate tech support told me the Skyhawk drives do not last as long as NAS drives like the Iron Wolf. I would avoid this hard drive unless you need it for video.
7d/24 hours still running.