Toshiba MG08 (MG08ACA16TE) 16TB HDD Review

1. Introduction2. Toshiba MG08ACA16TE3. Testing Methodology4. CrystalDiskMark5. ATTO Disk Benchmark6. IOMeter 4K Random Performance7. Throughput8. Workload Scenarios9. Real Life File Testing10. Closing Thoughts11. View All Pages

The demands for data storage are growing at an ever-faster pace and showing no signs of slowing down, especially when it comes to cloud-based services, content serving and digital archiving. While Flash-based storage now holds sway over solutions that were once the stronghold of mechanical drives, the one area where good old spinning disks still reign supreme is in the storage of “cold” and archival data where cost per GB is a more important factor than ultimate performance.

Toshiba's eighth-generation enterprise drive series, the MG08, have been designed to meet this ever-increasing desire for capacity. Their 16TB size offers 33% more capacity than 12TB drives and 14% more than 14TB models while maintaining the same footprint.

Needless to say, Toshiba has used Helium technology in the MG08 series, making them the second-generation of helium-sealed Toshiba HDD drives. Helium technology has allowed drive manufacturers to produce larger capacity drives thanks to its property of being 1/7th the density of air, reducing the internal turbulence and friction on the platters, actuating arms and heads. The reduction of turbulence inside the enclosure means that more platters and heads can be built in the same internal space.

Another benefit of the reduced friction is lower thermals and power consumption, so not only are these disks much larger than previous generations, but they are also cheaper to run per gigabyte of storage in power consumption terms, a very important attribute in the environments they are aimed at.

The MG08 is available in a variety of versions. First, off it comes with either 6Gb/s SATA or 12Gb/s SAS interfaces. Then there are 512e or 4Kn Advanced Format Sector Technology options and finally, there are four SED (Self-Encrypting Drive) versions. The 512e models include Toshiba Persistent Write Cache Technology that offers protection against loss of data in sudden power-loss events. There is also an SIE (Sanitize Instant Erase) model available.

There are four SATA models, two standard drives, the MG08ACA16TA (4Kn) and MG08ACA16TE (512e, the drive we are reviewing here) and a pair of SED versions (4Kn MG08ACP16TA, 512e MG08ACP16TE).

In the 12Gb/s SAS range, again there are four models. The standard drives are the MG08SCA16TA (4Kn) and MG08SCA16TE (512e) while the MG08SCP16TA (4Kn) and the MG08SCP16TE (512e) are SED drives.

As with any modern hard drive for business and/or enterprise use, the MG08 drives use a range of technologies to protect it and the data it holds. Toshiba's Stable Platter technology utilises a tied spindle motor to stabilise the motor drive shaft at both ends to protect against system-induced vibration and to this end, the drives also have multiple sensors inside the drive to monitor, detect and compensate for RV (Rotational Vibration) and other forms of shock that the drive might encounter. The 512e versions of the drives come with Toshiba Persistent Write Cache Technology, that offers protection against loss of data in sudden power-loss events.

We found the MG08ACA16TE version of the MG08 for £488.80 (inc VAT) on Span.com HERE.

Pros

• Fast Sequential performance.
• Choice of formats and interfaces.

Cons

• 4K performance is not as good as some of the competition.

KitGuru says: Toshiba's eighth-generation enterprise drive performs well and for the IT manager, the range of formats and interfaces offered by the MG08 series give it a good deal of flexibility when it comes to deployment.

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