Alas, the X15 has potential but doesn't test well. The fast spin assures low latency. A streamlined actuator promises an average read access time of 3.9 milliseconds (fastest in the industry). A 4MB buffer and Ultra160 SCSI interface assure quick transfers. But on our benchmark tests, the X15 only scored on par with a Seagate-sibling Barracuda II. You can hear that X15 is faster (and feel it when you work).
Getting the high-speed spin took some clever engineering. In essence, Seagate puts a 2.5 inch hard disk in a low-profile (inch high) 3.5 inch case. A new motor design, which Seagate calls their RACE motor, requires only 11 watts and keeps the Cheetah as cool as slower-spinning drives.
The capacity is relatively low because Seagate uses the same read and write channel electronics -- and hence data rate -- as slower drives. The result is a modest areal density of 7.45 GB/in2 and performance on large blocks of data (big graphics, audio, and video files) little different from 7200 RPM drive.
Although the Cheetah X15 has an Ultra160 SCSI interface, it will automatically match itself to virtually any modern SCSI adaptor. (A Fibre Channel version is also available.) To take advantage of the full-performance potential of the X15, however, you'll need at least an Ultra 2 Wide SCSI interface.
Hardware installation proved as easy as IDE, thanks to the terminator integral to X15's high-speed SCSI cable. Software installation was more of a bother. Seagate does not include installation software with the Cheetah, although many of the company's SeaTools utilities will work with the drive. Adaptec host-adaptor software automatically set up the drive, but left it with performance on-par with a floppy disk. Using standard Windows tools (FDISK and FORMAT) yielded real speed.
The best application for the Cheetah X15 is in workstations needing quick access times or in servers where fast response means more than high capacity. Although it's today's quickest drive, with faster electronics it could beat well-greased lightning.
Seagate Cheetah X15
Distributor: Synnex
Ph: 1300 651 665; Fax: 03 9544 9088
Price: ERP AU$1,140.
Rating: 4 Star
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