Seagate Exos 7E8 8TB SAS vs Seagate Exos 7E8 6TB Enterprise: Spec Comparison
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You are comparing the seagate exos 7e8 6tb 512e vs exos 7e8 8tb 7200 to decide which enterprise drive fits your server. Both drives share a 3.5-inch form factor and 256MB cache. They are built for 24/7 operation in heavy workloads. The main difference lies in their interface and capacity. One uses SAS for higher throughput, while the other uses SATA for broader compatibility. You need to match the drive to your controller and storage needs.
Key differences
| Aspect | Seagate Exos 7E8 8TB SAS Hard Drive | Seagate Exos 7E8 6TB Enterprise Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 8TB | 6TB |
| Hardware Interface | SAS | SATA |
| Rotational Speed | 7200 RPM | not listed |
| Recording Technology | 4Kn | 512e |
| Workload Rate Limit | not listed | 550TB per year |
| Height | 0.79 inches | 1.03 inches |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Seagate Exos 7E8 8TB SAS Hard Drive if
- You need higher storage density with 8TB capacity in a single drive.
- Your server uses SAS controllers that support 4Kn sector sizes.
- You require 7200 RPM rotational speed for faster data access times.
Choose Seagate Exos 7E8 6TB Enterprise Drive if
- You have a standard SATA-only backplane or controller.
- You prefer 512e sector size for maximum compatibility with older systems.
- You need a drive rated for 550TB per year workload intensity.
Verdict: Choose the 8TB SAS model if your infrastructure supports SAS and you need higher capacity and rotational speed. Pick the 6TB SATA model if you are limited to SATA interfaces or require 512e sector compatibility. Both drives offer enterprise-grade reliability for continuous operation.
Spec Comparison: 8TB SAS vs 6TB SATA
Storage Capacity
The Seagate Exos 7E8 8TB SAS Hard Drive offers 8TB of storage, while the Seagate Exos 7E8 6TB Enterprise Drive provides 6TB. If your server requires maximum density in fewer bays, the 8TB model gives you more space per drive. This reduces the total number of drives needed for large storage pools. The 6TB drive is suitable for environments where 8TB units do not fit or are unnecessary. You choose based on your total capacity needs and available drive bays.
Hardware Interface
The interface type is a critical difference. The Seagate Exos 7E8 8TB SAS Hard Drive uses a SAS interface. The Seagate Exos 7E8 6TB Enterprise Drive uses a SATA interface. SAS drives typically offer higher bandwidth and full-duplex communication, which is beneficial for busy servers. SATA is standard for many consumer and entry-level enterprise systems. You must ensure your server or RAID controller supports the specific interface. Mixing interfaces in the same array is not possible.
Rotational Speed
The Seagate Exos 7E8 8TB SAS Hard Drive lists a rotational speed of 7200 RPM. The data for the Seagate Exos 7E8 6TB Enterprise Drive does not explicitly state its rotational speed. Enterprise drives in this class often run at 7200 RPM or 5400 RPM. If the 6TB model also runs at 7200 RPM, the speed is identical. If it runs slower, the 8TB SAS drive may offer better latency. Check the full spec sheet for the 6TB model to confirm.
Cache Size
Both drives feature a 256MB cache. The Seagate Exos 7E8 8TB SAS Hard Drive lists 256 Mb, and the Seagate Exos 7E8 6TB Enterprise Drive lists 256MB. This amount of cache helps buffer read and write operations, improving performance during random access workloads. Since both models have the same cache size, there is no advantage in this specific area. The performance difference will come from other factors like interface and rotational speed.
Physical Dimensions
Both drives are 3.5-inch form factor, fitting standard server bays. The Seagate Exos 7E8 8TB SAS Hard Drive measures 5.91 inches in length, 4.33 inches in width, and 0.79 inches in height. The Seagate Exos 7E8 6TB Enterprise Drive measures 5.79 inches in length, 4.01 inches in width, and 1.03 inches in height. The 8TB drive is slightly longer and narrower but thinner. The 6TB drive is wider and taller. Ensure your chassis can accommodate these specific dimensions.
Workload Rating
The Seagate Exos 7E8 6TB Enterprise Drive supports workloads of up to 550TB per year. This is ten times that of desktop drives. The data for the Seagate Exos 7E8 8TB SAS Hard Drive does not list a specific workload rate limit. Both are enterprise-grade, but the 6TB model explicitly highlights its high workload tolerance. If your server handles massive annual data transfers, this rated limit is a key spec. You should verify the 8TB model's limit elsewhere.
Which Seagate Exos Drive Fits You
Users needing maximum storage density
Choose the 8TB SAS drive if you need more space per bay. It offers 8TB of capacity compared to the 6TB model. The 7200 RPM speed supports faster data access. You get 2TB more room for your files. This helps you fit more data into fewer drive slots. The SAS interface suits enterprise servers requiring high throughput.
Users with standard SATA servers
Select the 6TB SATA drive if your server uses SATA connections. This model features a SATA interface for broad compatibility. It supports heavy workloads up to 550TB per year. The drive is built for 24/7 operation in business systems. You get reliable performance for standard enterprise storage needs without needing SAS ports.
Users prioritizing workload reliability
Pick the 6TB SATA drive for its high workload rate limit. It supports up to 550TB of data written annually. This is ten times the limit of desktop drives. The drive is designed for 24/7 environments. You get a 2 million hour MTBF rating. This ensures long-term stability for critical business data storage tasks.
The products compared
Seagate Exos 7E8 8TB SAS Hard Drive
Best for: SAS server storage with high RPM
- Storage Capacity
- 8TB
- Form Factor
- 3.5-Inch
- Hardware Interface
- SAS
- Rotational Speed
- 7200 RPM
- Cache Size
- 256 Mb
- Dimensions
- 5.91 × 4.33 × 0.79 inches
View on Amazon: Seagate Exos 7E8 8TB SAS Hard Drive Affiliate link
This Seagate Exos 7E8 drive offers 8TB of storage using a SAS interface. It spins at 7200 RPM and includes a 256 MB cache. The 3.5-inch form factor fits standard enterprise bays. You need a SAS controller to connect it. This drive suits users who need high capacity and fast rotational speeds for server workloads.
Pros
- 8TB storage capacity
- 7200 RPM rotational speed
- 256 MB cache size
- SAS hardware interface
Cons
- Requires SAS controller, not SATA
- Sold as renewed item
- No included mounting caddy
Good fit if
- You run a server with SAS ports
- You need high rotational speed for performance
- You require 8TB of nearline storage
Skip if
- You only have SATA connections
- You want a new drive with warranty
- You need a drive with a caddy
Verdict: Seagate Exos 7E8 8TB SAS Drive fits users with SAS controllers who need high capacity and speed. It is not for SATA-only systems.
Seagate Exos 7E8 6TB Enterprise Drive
Best for: SATA-based enterprise servers and NAS
- Storage Capacity
- 6TB
- Form Factor
- 3.5-Inch
- Hardware Interface
- SATA
- Cache Size
- 256MB
- Workload Rate Limit
- 550TB per year
- Dimensions
- 5.79 × 4.01 × 1.03 inches
View on Amazon: Seagate Exos 7E8 6TB Enterprise Drive Affiliate link
This Seagate Exos 7E8 6TB drive uses a SATA interface and 256MB cache. It supports workloads up to 550TB per year and features a 2 million hour MTBF rating. The 3.5-inch form factor fits standard enterprise bays. You should choose this if you need reliable storage for servers or business NAS systems with heavy application usage.
Pros
- 256MB cache for performance optimization
- 550TB per year workload rate limit
- 2 million hour MTBF rating
- SATA hardware interface
Cons
- SATA interface is slower than SAS
- 6TB capacity is lower than 8TB options
- Renewed condition may vary in wear
Good fit if
- You need SATA compatibility for older servers
- You require high reliability for 24/7 operation
- You want a cost-effective enterprise drive
Skip if
- You need SAS connectivity for higher throughput
- You require 8TB or larger capacity
- You prefer new drives with full warranty
Verdict: Seagate Exos 7E8 6TB SATA suits users needing SATA compatibility and high reliability. It fits servers requiring 550TB annual workload support. This drive offers enterprise stability for business NAS systems.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Seagate Exos 7E8 8TB SAS Hard Drive | Seagate Exos 7E8 6TB Enterprise Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 8TB | 6TB |
| Form Factor | 3.5-Inch | 3.5-Inch |
| Hardware Interface | SAS | SATA |
| Rotational Speed | 7200 RPM | not stated |
| Cache Size | 256 Mb | 256MB |
| Workload Rate Limit | not stated | 550TB per year |
| Size | 8TB SAS | 6TB |
| Dimensions | 5.91 × 4.33 × 0.79 inches | 5.79 × 4.01 × 1.03 inches |
| Weight | 1.72 pounds | not stated |
| Color | Silver | Silver |
| Model | ST8000NM0195 | ST6000NM0115 |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the 8TB SAS drive in a standard home NAS?
No, the 8TB SAS drive requires a SAS controller. It is not compatible with SATA-only systems or typical consumer NAS enclosures. You must have server hardware that supports the SAS interface to connect this drive. The 6TB SATA model is the better choice for standard consumer or entry-level enterprise NAS units that rely on SATA connections.
What is the physical size difference between the two drives?
Both drives use a 3.5-inch form factor, so they fit in the same drive bays. However, the 6TB SATA drive is slightly taller at 1.03 inches compared to the 8TB SAS drive at 0.79 inches. The 6TB model is also shorter in length at 5.79 inches versus 5.91 inches. These minor dimensional differences do not affect standard rack or bay compatibility.
Does the 8TB drive have a higher rotational speed?
Yes, the 8TB SAS drive operates at 7200 RPM. This higher rotational speed generally allows for faster data access and lower latency compared to lower RPM drives. While the specific RPM for the 6TB SATA model is not listed in the provided data, the 8TB SAS drive is optimized for performance in high-speed SAS environments.
Which drive is better for a server with limited bays?
The 8TB SAS drive is better if you need maximum capacity in fewer bays. It offers 8TB of storage compared to the 6TB capacity of the other model. This allows you to store more data without adding more physical drives to your server. You gain 2TB of additional space per drive slot, which helps maximize storage density in constrained chassis.
Is the cache size different between these two models?
No, both drives feature a 256MB cache. This cache helps buffer data for smoother performance during read and write operations. Since the cache size is identical, the difference in performance will come from other factors like interface speed and rotational speed rather than buffer capacity.
What is the weight of the 8TB SAS drive?
The 8TB SAS drive weighs 1.72 pounds. This weight is typical for enterprise-grade 3.5-inch hard drives. The data for the 6TB SATA model does not specify its weight. The heavier build of the 8TB drive reflects its internal components designed for high capacity and 7200 RPM operation.
Can I mix these two drives in the same RAID array?
You should not mix SAS and SATA drives in the same RAID array. The 8TB drive uses the SAS interface, while the 6TB drive uses SATA. These are different protocols that are not compatible with each other. You must choose one interface type for your entire RAID group to ensure stability and proper data redundancy.