Seagate’s SkyHawk line provides purpose-built hard drive solutions optimized for modern surveillance camera systems. SkyHawk drives are tuned to support up to 64 HD cameras while writing footage 24/7. In this guide, we’ll compare SkyHawk drive capacities, speeds, interfaces, features and technologies to help you pick the right model for your NVR or camera system.
SkyHawk Capacity Options
SkyHawk drives range from 1TB models up to high-capacity 14TB options:
1TB – Good for small camera counts and shorter retention needs
2TB, 3TB, 4TB – Supports more high definition cameras with room for days of footage
6TB, 8TB, 10TB – Expand camera count into dozens while keeping weeks of video history
12TB, 14TB – highest capacities for archiving months of surveillance footage in full HD
Larger SkyHawk drives allow you to connect more 1080p, 4K and higher megapixel cameras while retaining footage for longer mandated periods.
SkyHawk Speed Comparison
Faster drive speeds enable smoothly recording multiple video streams concurrently:
5400 RPM – Entry models spin at 5400 RPM, adequate for around 10-20 cameras
7200 RPM – Faster 7200 RPM models support up to 64 HD cameras depending on resolution and frames per second
64MB Cache – Cache improves write performance during heavy drive activity
Up to 140 MB/s transfer rate – Enables continuously writing high bitrate HD video feeds
Top-line 7200 RPM SkyHawk models with 256MB cache can reliably record footage from dozens of cameras with no dropped frames.
Key SkyHawk Features
All SkyHawk drives are optimized for video surveillance:
ImagePerfectTM firmware – Ensures crystal clear footage and prevents video frame drops -SkyHawk Health Management – Continuously monitors drive status to prevent failures -RV Sensors – Maintains performance in RAID arrays by detecting vibration -Up to 1M hour MTBF and 550TB/year workload rating – Reliability for 24/7 operation -Up to 3 year warranty – Provides peace of mind
SkyHawk Interface Options
SATA III – Most models use the ubiquitous SATA 6Gb/s interface to connect directly to DVRs and NVRs
SAS 12Gb/s – Higher end Pro drives offer the 12Gb/s SAS interface for increased performance
Choosing the Right SkyHawk Drive:
When selecting a SkyHawk drive, consider camera count, retention duration, and video resolution. Larger high RPM models allow expanding camera deployments while safely storing weeks of high definition footage.
Conclusion
Seagate SkyHawk drives provide optimized, reliable storage for demanding video surveillance usage. Compare capacities, speeds, caching, and interfaces to pick the right model for your NVR system’s needs and budget.
