Seagate Barracuda XT 2000 GB 7200RPM 64MB Cache 3.5-Inch Bare Drive - ST32000641AS

This is an OEM product so expect that it does not come with some other pieces that are required to install. You will need a SATA data cable and if your power supply doesn't have any, a SATA power cable. The drive comes in a plastic clamshell case that just snaps shut. A concern here was a lack of a anti-static bag and padding for the drive but it seemed to have arrived in fine condition. It was definitely easy to open. No scissors needed and not blood drawn from sharp plastic unlike a more recent experience trying to open a toy for my daughter. Kudos to Amazon on their packaging even if it made me a little nervous.

This 2TB Seagate drive uses the latest SATA 6Gb/s technology (also known as SATA III) and is intended for use with the latest SATA 6Gb/s controllers. SATA 6Gb/s technology is a fairly recent thing so right now only the top-end motherboards have this technology and they are rather expensive. New SATA 6Gb/s PCI-e cards are also available and don't seem to...Read more

Package:
Usual clear plastic & resealable which comes in handy for storage of other drives.
Compatibility:
Used this in external eSATA HD dock. It supports the new serial ATA3 6 gig interface for added speed for those with the most up to date computer as of the day of this review. Mine isn't as fast, so using SATA2 3 gig hardware.
Operation:
The HD powered up fine, I formatted from Win Vista 64 setup as one large partition & so far in the past two weeks it's been running well & consistent even with a lage amount of files. It runs also very quietly, which is surprising considering it's immense speed & capacity. The drive is in reasonable temperature range with use.
Speed:
So far this is working well, the speed is great. I can write a 4.15 gig file in under 40 SECONDS.
Conclusion:
I recommend this drive, the performance is great, with fast speed, great reliability & quiet operation.

Will definitely update this review...Read more

I've got to admit, after purchasing a 1TB drive I couldn't imagine ever needing more storage. Well, after my original hard drive failed, I don't think I can get enough for backups! So when this popped up on Vine, I didn't hesitate.

The frustration free package is fantastic. I love being able to open something with the simple use of my hands. I didn't need to get out the Ginsu knife, or Leatherman multi-tool, or even a pair of super strength scissors to get to the drive. Love it!

When they say bare, they mean it. They ship you dead metal. I've converted it to an external drive by using a 3.5" USB SATA external case and plugged it in...the computer recognized it, but it wouldn't show up under My Computer. Then I remembered you need to initialize and format the drive. Once I did that, my PC had no problem picking it up. I began by copying my music library over (12GB) from my 1TB drive as a backup. That took about 15 minutes flowing USB to USB...Read more