Question 1

I want two HDs for a HP desktop that I use for photo processing.  One of the HDs will contain the OS and the working copies of my photos.  The second will be backup of my data and photos.

Would this (Seagate NAS HDD ST2000VN000 2TB 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s Internal Hard Drive) drive be a good solution?

Thanks

Accepted Answer

Hello Bob,

I'm probably not the best guy to answer this question but, here goes.   It's a NAS drive so it will be very reliable but it won't be really fast.   These drives aren't super slow or anything but they wouldn't be my first choice for a desktop drive.
I have 6 of these drives - all in my 2 NetGear ReadyNAS enclosures.
They are great for backups (although both Seagate and WD have been having some quality issues lately and I've had to return 3 drives to Newegg for replacement).   Newegg takes great care of replacing them but it's a pain to be without drives for a week.
If you want 2 drives, buy 3.   I'm not joking.  You can return one for a refund, later.
For your desktop configuration that you said you wanted, I'd get a SSD drive for your OS and apps (Newegg has a good one on sale right now) and get a Seagate desktop drive (I like the Constellation series) for your data.

Hope that helps!
Al

Question 2

Installed this drive in a new build but it was not recognized by Windows - It doesn't even show up as an available drive. I checked BIOS and it shows up there, so I know the motherboard detects it, but Windows doesn't. What do I do?

Accepted Answer

You didn't say what version of Windows you are running, nor where you looked to see if it was available as a drive.  With new drives you often need to go into the the Administrative Tools->Computer Management->Storage->Disk Management tools to prepare drives for usage and to partition and format them for use.

Question 3

Can this be used for a regular computer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is a standard SATA drive that is designed for 24/7 running.  If you don't need 24/7 operation though I would not spend the extra money.

Question 4

Is this hardrive 2.5 in size (wide)?

Accepted Answer

No, its "3.5" wide for desktop computer use.  The 2.5 in size is for laptop use.

Question 5

Is this compatible to use just as my regular everyday hard drive or does it have to be used on a NAS system?

Accepted Answer

I bought this hard drive, along with other computer parts for a friend of mine to build a computer for me.  The computer completely ROCKS!  I don't know what a NAS system is, but I don't have anything special on my computer - Windows, Photoshop.  No special anything.  This hard drive is great!

Question 6

Does this come with just the bare drive or does it have all the parts for mounting and using it?

Accepted Answer

It's just a bare drive.
Most hard drives are sold that way. The mounting accessories are usually provided by the manufactures of the equipment you intend on utilizing the drive in.

Question 7

compatible with synology NAS?

Accepted Answer

I purchased one of these Seagate NAS 2TB drives about a year ago at the same time I purchased my Synology DS213 here from NewEgg. Both have been running flawlessly without any problems thus far. I plan on purchasing another one of these drives later this month.

Question 8

Is this compatable with Winows XP?

Accepted Answer

It's compatible, but this is designed for use in a NAS (Network Attached Storage) unit, so it has a slow rotation speed. It'll be kind of sluggish for desktop use - it's optimized for RAID arrays and staying cool.

Question 9

i want to know if this requires any specific software?
Also does it come with default warrant

Accepted Answer

Some older OSs have issues with it due to Seagate's approach to the whole 512k->4k sector thing.  As long as you're running an up to date modern OS (Linux, FreeBSD, etc.) it'll work fine.  I haven't tested Windows.

Question 10

Interested to know if the drive will work in a standard 3.5 docking stations, i.e., Aluratek or Ez-Dock? Looking to go NAS/Raid  in the future but not now.

Accepted Answer

I use it in a typical 4U rackmount at home in my basement. The drive bay is hot swappable and the drive fits the bay just fine. Standard 3.5" hard drive.

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