Question 1

Not really worried because I have an extra somewhere in my parts location: but does it come with an SATA data cable?

Accepted Answer

I don't think so, but am not sure.  I always seem to have some extras.

Question 2

rpm?

Accepted Answer

Mine is 7200 RPM I use it to hold video files, I only use SSD for operating systems.
Very fast searching and playing large files it has been perfect so far.

Question 3

What would I need to transfer my data from my dying drive to this drive?

Accepted Answer

Hello! Providing that your data is still in a transferable state (meaning that it does not require data recovery at this time), all you need to get is a docking station (or a 3.5" HDD enclosure), which would essentially turn the drive into an external hard drive and allow you to transfer the data to a replacement hard drive. Depending on how the drive is acting (eg: very slow), I would strongly recommend starting with transferring the most important files, as failing hard drives can go out at any moment. If it starts to get too slow, it won't mount, or if you start to hear any kind of clicking noises, please power the hard drive down immediately, as you may be inadvertently damaging the hard drive and the integrity of the data that is also on the drive. Good luck! :)

Question 4

Is this compatible with Ausus motherboards?

Accepted Answer

There are many different types of Asus motherboads.  What you have to worry about is the controller. Look on Asus site and check the manual if it supports sata 6GB you are good to go.  I use asus mobo myself so there is that.

Question 5

Does this drive make a lot of noise?

Accepted Answer

It's minimal but not silent. Probably would not recommend for a HTPC in a quiet room.

Question 6

Can this be used in a NAS? How is the reliability?

Accepted Answer

I'm using it in a NAS. Works fine.

Question 7

what's the speed of the drive is it 7200 or 5400 or 5900 ?

Accepted Answer

I always assumed it was a 7200RPM drive since that's what the Barracuda drives have been in the past, but just to be sure I went to Seagate's site and found the full product manual for these drives. Thankfully I did not have to dig too much (it was in the introduction section first feature) and verified a spindle speed of 7200RPM.

Question 8

What is the 4 pin connection for?

Accepted Answer

Jumpers like older IDE drives.   Enable features such as reduced power spinup or forces 1.5 or 3 gbits modes.   It varies by model and manufacturer.  Under normal operation and use with modern computers should be no need to use these pins.

Question 9

What would be the ideal SATA cable to use to connect the hard drive to my computer?

Accepted Answer

Don't know "ideal". Since mine was mounted internally, I just used the SATA cable that came with my motherboard.

Question 10

Can this drive be used in a laptop computer?

Accepted Answer

Very unlikely.  There’s 2 major types of hard drives, 3.5 inch and 2.5 inch.  Laptops can only take 2.5 inch drives.  This is a 3.5 inch drive.  Look for 2.5 inch drives.

Questions & Answers