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Seagate SkyHawk 6TB Surveillance Internal Hard Drive Review: A Reliable Workhorse for Your Security System
When it comes to surveillance systems, having a reliable and high-capacity hard drive is non-negotiable. The Seagate SkyHawk 6TB Surveillance Internal Hard Drive (ST6000VX001) is designed specifically for this purpose, offering robust performance and durability for 24/7 video recording. Whether you're managing a home security setup or a business surveillance system, this hard drive promises to deliver seamless performance. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the details based on real customer experiences.
Key Features at a Glance
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here’s a quick rundown of what makes the Seagate SkyHawk 6TB stand out:
- 6TB Storage Capacity
Stores up to 10,000 hours of HD video. - Surveillance-Optimized Firmware
ImagePerfect ensures smooth, uninterrupted video streams. - High Workload Rating
Handles up to 180TB/year, ideal for continuous recording. - Rotational Vibration Sensors
Maintains performance in multi-drive setups. - SkyHawk Health Management (SHM)
Monitors and improves drive health. - AI and Analytics Ready
Supports up to 64 HD cameras and 32 AI streams. - 3-Year Data Recovery Plan
Optional protection against data loss.
Now, let’s break down the pros and cons based on customer feedback.
Pros: What Customers Love
1. Reliable Performance for Surveillance Systems
One of the most praised aspects of the Seagate SkyHawk 6TB is its reliability. Customers have reported that the drive works flawlessly in various NVR and DVR setups, including Reolink and Ubiquiti systems. One reviewer mentioned, “I have 12 1080 HD cameras on my DVR recording 24/7, and it’s working perfectly.” Another user shared, “I wanted to wait a few years before writing this review to ensure it was meaningful. After years of use, I’ve experienced zero issues.”
The drive’s ImagePerfect firmware ensures that video streams remain crisp and clear, even under heavy workloads. This makes it a top choice for users who need uninterrupted surveillance.
2. Easy Installation and Quiet Operation
Many customers appreciated how easy it was to install the drive. One reviewer noted, “Well packaged. Installed easily. Quiet running right out of the box.” Another user highlighted, “Installation was simple. I replaced a defective 2GB hard drive in my Reolink RLN8-410 NVR with this 6GB drive, and it worked great.”
The drive’s quiet operation is another plus, especially for users who prefer a noise-free environment.
3. High Storage Capacity
With 6TB of storage, the SkyHawk can handle extensive video recording needs. One customer shared, “It’s exactly what I was looking for based on my surveillance company’s recommendation. They installed it once it was delivered to my home.” The ability to store up to 10,000 hours of HD video ensures that users don’t have to worry about running out of space anytime soon.
4. Durability and Longevity
The drive’s 180TB/year workload rating and Rotational Vibration Sensors make it a durable choice for multi-drive setups. Customers have reported that the drive performs well even after years of continuous use. One reviewer stated, “I trust this brand for all of my storage needs.”
Cons: Areas for Improvement
1. Lack of Mounting Screws
One common complaint among customers is that the drive doesn’t come with mounting screws. A reviewer mentioned, “Slightly annoying that it doesn’t come with the 4 screws to seat it in the NVR. I took 2 screws from the existing HDD and just did a diagonal, so they both just have 2 now.” While this isn’t a dealbreaker, it’s an inconvenience that could have been easily avoided.
2. RPM Speed Misalignment with Some Systems
Although the drive is rated at 5400 RPM, some users noted that their NVR systems recommended 7200 RPM drives. However, this didn’t seem to affect performance. One customer shared, “Ubiquiti recommends 7200 RPM drives, but I’ve experienced zero issues with this 5400 RPM drive.” While this isn’t a significant drawback, it’s worth noting for users who prioritize strict compliance with manufacturer recommendations.
Final Thoughts: Is the Seagate SkyHawk 6TB Worth It?
The Seagate SkyHawk 6TB Surveillance Internal Hard Drive is a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their surveillance system. Its reliable performance, high storage capacity, and durability make it a standout option for both home and business use. While the lack of mounting screws and the 5400 RPM speed might be minor drawbacks, they don’t detract from the drive’s overall value.
Final Verdict
If you’re in the market for a hard drive that can handle the demands of 24/7 surveillance, the Seagate SkyHawk 6TB is a reliable and cost-effective option. It’s backed by positive customer reviews and a 3-year data recovery plan, giving you peace of mind for years to come.
Rating: 4.5/5
Specification Seagate SkyHawk 6TB Surveillance Internal Hard Drive HDD – 3.5 Inch SATA 6GB/s 256MB Cache for DVR NVR Security Camera System with Drive Health Management – Frustration Free Packaging (ST6000VX001):
Comments from Amazon:
Works good so far. I have 12 1080 HD cameras on my DVR recording 24/7
I wanted to wait a few years before writing this to ensure that it was a meaningful and useful review. I use this drive in a Ubiquiti Dream Machine Pro SE with 7 cameras and counting. As others have stated, if the drive doesn't work for you then you have made a mistake in formatting or doing your reasearch. Learn what the manufacturer of your NVR requires and purchase accordingly. That said, for those of you on the site who are tech savy and do your homework, you may find the following a bit insightful. I think Ubiquiti pushed out a firmware or OS update earlier this year which provided the following notice on the storage page: "Please verify that your HDD is a CMR drive by checking the device’s spec sheet or the manufacturer website. See compatible models here." When you visit the linked page it tells you that the General Requirements are to use a CMR drive with 7200RPM read/write speeds. Well this drive is 5400RPM but I have experienced "0" issues. The site also recommends that you use their HDD's but they are much more expensive and I trust Seagate which is a leader in the storage space. So the takeaway is that just because a manfucaturer recommends something doesn't mean you have to use it. Buy with confidence and I trust this brand for all of my storage needs.
Well packaged. Installed easily. Quiet running right out of the box. I installed these 2 drives as an upgrade in my Reolink NVR system and they are working perfectly. Very satisfied.
It is exactly what I was looking for based on surveillance company's recommendation. They installed it once it was delivered to my home.
Worked great for adding storage to a Reolink surveillance system, slightly annoying that it doesn't come with the 4 screws to seat it in the nvr. Took 2 screws from the existing HDD and just did a diagonal, so they both just have 2 now. It's not really an issue, I know this, but just a slight annoyance.
Replaced a defective 2 GB hard drive in my Reolink RLN8-410 NVR with this 6 GB drive. Installation was simple.
Item arrived in new condition, as described, correct size and performance, on time, in quality packaging. Is working like it should in the device it’s installed in a Reolink nvr