by 206 reviews.
Seagate IronWolf ST12000VN0007 12 TB 3.5 Internal Hard Drive Review: A Reliable NAS Powerhouse
If you're in the market for a high-capacity, reliable hard drive for your NAS (Network Attached Storage) system, the Seagate IronWolf ST12000VN0007 12 TB 3.5 Internal Hard Drive is a top contender. Designed for 24×7 operation, this drive combines cutting-edge technology with robust performance, making it ideal for home offices, small businesses, and enterprise environments.
With features like AgileArray Technology, IronWolf Health Management, and Rotational Vibration (RV) Sensors, this drive is built to handle the demands of always-on systems. But how does it hold up in real-world use? Let’s dive into the pros and cons based on customer feedback.
Pros and Cons: What Customers Are Saying
1. Performance and Reliability
The Seagate IronWolf ST12000VN0007 is praised for its exceptional performance and reliability. Many users have reported that the drive works flawlessly in NAS setups, delivering fast data access and seamless multitasking thanks to its 7200 RPM speed and 256 MB buffer.
One customer shared, "Drive for my Plex server was filling up, so I decided to go big. The drive has been quiet and no issues. Will be buying some more in the future for a NAS project."
Another user highlighted the drive's reliability, stating, "I purchased two for my NAS. The hard drives I received were silver and performed great. They passed all tests using Crystal Disk Info software."
However, not all experiences were perfect. One user reported, "I personally had a bad experience. The drive only showed 11 GB when installed in my PC and had multiple bad sectors." While this seems to be an isolated case, it’s worth noting that even the best products can have occasional defects.
2. Build Quality and Durability
The Seagate IronWolf is engineered for 24×7 operation, making it a durable choice for always-on environments. Customers have appreciated the drive's robust design and its ability to handle continuous use without issues.
One reviewer mentioned, "The drive was bought to replace a failed drive in my NAS. So far, so good, and I’m looking to slowly replace all the other drives for a larger storage pool."
Another user praised the packaging and condition of the drives, saying, "They were shipped in amazing packaging, sealed in anti-static bags, and placed in a thick Styrofoam holder. No damage to the outer box or the drives themselves."
3. Noise Levels
While the drive is generally quiet, some users noted that it’s a bit louder than their previous drives. However, the noise level isn’t disruptive and is often described as a pleasant reminder of mechanical drives from the past.
One customer shared, "They are a bit louder than the drives I had, but not annoyingly so. Within around 3 feet of the NAS box, you can hear them clicking and tapping away when in use. It's very pleasant for someone my age who grew up with mechanical drives."
4. Value for Money
As a renewed product, the Seagate IronWolf ST12000VN0007 offers excellent value for money. Many customers were impressed by the condition of the drives, which appeared brand new despite being recertified.
One reviewer explained, "I received 4 never-before-used factory recertified Seagate drives, warranty and all, in perfect condition. They all had a power-on count of 2 and just one power-on hour. Couldn’t be any happier with my purchase so far!"
Another user added, "Not able to tell at all that they are refurbished/renewed, less the cost. Work 100% in a NAS box with RAID 1 (Mirroring)."
5. Warranty and Support
The drive comes with a 6-month warranty, which some users felt was sufficient. One customer noted, "They all were able to be registered for the warranty on Seagate’s site. The 6-month warranty is plenty enough in my opinion."
Additionally, the after-sales service received positive feedback. A reviewer mentioned, "The after-sale service is excellent with prompt replies. Buy with confidence."
Conclusion: Is the Seagate IronWolf ST12000VN0007 Worth It?
The Seagate IronWolf ST12000VN0007 12 TB 3.5 Internal Hard Drive is a reliable, high-performance storage solution for NAS systems. Its AgileArray Technology, IronWolf Health Management, and Rotational Vibration Sensors make it a standout choice for demanding environments.
Pros:
- Exceptional performance and reliability.
- Durable design built for 24×7 operation.
- Excellent value for money as a renewed product.
- Quiet operation with a nostalgic mechanical sound.
- Strong after-sales support and warranty.
Cons:
- Occasional reports of defective units (though rare).
- Slightly louder than some other drives.
Overall, the Seagate IronWolf ST12000VN0007 is a solid investment for anyone needing high-capacity, reliable storage. Whether you're managing a Plex server, running a business NAS, or backing up critical data, this drive delivers on its promises.
Final Verdict: If you’re looking for a dependable, high-performance NAS hard drive, the Seagate IronWolf ST12000VN0007 is a top choice. Its combination of advanced features, durability, and affordability makes it a winner in its category.
Specification Seagate IronWolf ST12000VN0007 12 TB 3.5 Internal Hard Drive - SATA - 7200rpm - 256 MB Buffer (Renewed):
Comments from Amazon:
Drive for my plex server was filling up so decided to go big. Drive has been quiet and no issues. Will be buying some more in the future for a NAS project.
Excellent drive. I purchased two for my NAS . The hard drives I received were silver and did not have the green red black label as shown and the manufacturing date on it was 2019. It performed great and it passes all the test using free Crystal disk info software . If it had any bad sectors this software would show it. Its power on count was 2 and power on hours was 1 hour. That is like new.. The after sale service is excellent with prompt replies. Buy with confidence.
I personally had a bad experience, purchase a 12tb hard drive and when install in my pc only shows 11gb, test it has multiple bad sectors
The drive was bought to replace a failed drive in my NAS. So far so good and looking to slowly replace all the other drives for a larger storage pool.
I purchased 4x12TB drives. They were all shipped together in one box, with amazing packaging. They were sealed in anti-static bags and placed into a thick Styrofoam holder that kept the drives nice and secure during shipping. No damage to the outer box or anything that I could spot either. I haven't given the drives a full run for their money yet as I haven't deployed my new NAS quite yet, however what I received was 4 official Seagate Recertified drives - NOT a "refurbished" drive. All of them had a power on count of 2, and just one power on hour. They are all brand new Seagate drives that were likely part of a lot with an unusually high DOA rate, so these ones didn't get sold as new drives. They were tested and recertified by Seagate, and sold at a discounted price. From my experience, these drives are just as good if not better than new, and it's cheaper too! They all were able to be registered for the warranty on Seagate's site. They include a 6 month warranty which I think is plenty enough in my opinion, as if the drive survives that long then it's failure isn't likely to do with it's past history before recertification. Some online sources claim a lower failure rate for factory recertified drives vs brand new, even. I'll update my review if there's ever anything else worth adding. To summarize, I received 4 never before used factory recertified Seagate drives, warranty and all, in perfect condition with excellent shipping materials. Couldn't be any happier with my purchase so far!
Well packaged from vibration and static. Not able to tell at all that they are refurbished/renewed. less the cost. Work 100% in a NAS box with RAID 1 (Mirroring) They are a bit louder than the drives I had. Not an annoyingly level of increase. Just more noticeable. Within around 3 feet of the NAS box, you can hear them clicking and tapping away when in use. it's very pleasant for someone my age that grew up with mechanical drives, with their distant clicks echoing in whatever case you have them in.
Drives work. I took the plunge and got 2 recertified 12 Tb drives. Both drives work. Some of my cords in my pc aren't working to get all 4 of my drives going at the same time, but I have confirmed with the working cords that these drives definitely work and are good and aren't related to any issues my computer is having. Can't wait to get my PC put back together and get these loaded. Will update if I have any issues!