HDDs

HDDs continue to see growth because they offer high storage capacity at a lower cost per gigabyte compared to SSDs, making them ideal for archival storage, cloud data centers, and enterprise applications. Additionally, advancements in HDD technology, such as heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) and microwave-assisted magnetic recording (MAMR), are increasing storage densities and performance. The expanding data generated by big data, AI, and IoT applications also drives demand for scalable and reliable storage solutions that HDDs provide more cost-effectively than SSDs.

The growth in HDD shipments and revenue in 2025 is driven primarily by increased demand from cloud service providers and hyperscale data centers managing massive datasets, especially due to AI advancements. Major companies like Microsoft and Amazon Web Services are key customers. Additionally, the recovery of average selling prices after inventory corrections, ongoing digital transformation in emerging markets, and regulatory requirements for data retention contribute to sustained HDD market growth.

HAMR technology uses a small laser diode to momentarily heat a tiny spot on the disk, which reduces the resistance to magnetic state change and allows data bits to be smaller and more densely packed. This enables higher storage capacity while maintaining magnetic and thermal stability. The heating and cooling happen in nanoseconds, so it does not affect the overall drive temperature or reliability.

Seagate's 30TB Exos M and IronWolf Pro drives use conventional magnetic recording (CMR) and a SATA 6 Gbps interface, making them compatible with standard storage systems that can support 30TB drives. They operate at 7,200 RPM, balancing enterprise-class performance and power consumption. These drives consume between 6.9W and 9.5W and can be used as drop-in replacements in many existing setups, enabling unprecedented storage density of up to 36PB per rack.

HAMR is an advanced magnetic storage technology that temporarily heats a tiny spot on the disk during data writing, allowing data bits to be smaller and more densely packed. This heating enables the magnetic polarity of individual bits to be flipped more precisely, significantly increasing the storage capacity of hard drives without affecting their reliability or temperature stability.

Seagate's 30TB HAMR hard drives use a laser-powered plasmonic writer subsystem integrated into the recording head to heat tiny areas on the disk for high-density data writing. Despite this advanced technology, these drives maintain the same physical form factor as traditional hard drives and can be used identically in existing computers and devices without any hardware changes.

HAMR technology uses a tiny laser to momentarily heat a small spot on the hard disk during data writing. This localized heating temporarily reduces the magnetic coercivity of the disk material, allowing data bits to be written much smaller and more densely packed than traditional methods. This results in significantly increased areal density, enabling higher storage capacities such as Seagate's new 30 TB drives, while maintaining thermal stability and reliability.

HAMR technology enables the production of high-capacity hard drives, like Seagate's 30 TB disks, that are energy-efficient and cost-effective. These drives provide the large-scale, reliable storage needed to handle the massive data volumes generated by AI applications. By increasing storage density without sacrificing performance or reliability, HAMR helps data centers meet the growing demands of AI workloads while controlling operational costs.

The key performance metrics for HDDs include sustained data transfer rate and I/O operations per second (IOPS). Sustained data transfer rate is crucial for sequential operations, while IOPS measures the drive's ability to handle random access tasks, though HDDs are generally slower in this aspect due to mechanical seeking[1][4].

HDDs remain a top choice for certain data storage needs because they excel in sequential workloads, such as handling large files and data sets. Their high capacity and cost-effectiveness make them ideal for applications where data is primarily accessed sequentially rather than randomly[1][2].

CMR (Conventional Magnetic Recording) and SMR (Shingled Magnetic Recording) are two different hard drive recording technologies. CMR drives write data in distinct tracks, allowing for better performance and reliability, especially in write-intensive tasks. SMR drives overlap tracks to increase storage density but can suffer from slower write speeds and reduced performance in certain workloads. Choosing between them matters because it affects the drive's speed, durability, and suitability for different uses such as gaming, NAS, or general storage.

'Shucking' an external hard drive refers to removing the internal HDD from its external enclosure to use it as a standalone internal drive. This can be cost-effective since external drives are often cheaper than internal ones of the same capacity. However, shucking voids the manufacturer's warranty and may require technical knowledge to ensure compatibility and avoid damage. Not all external drives are designed to be shucked, so research is necessary before attempting it.

Hard disk drive sales are declining due to a trend that began in 2010, partly because of the increasing popularity of solid-state drives (SSDs) and the challenges in maintaining cost-effectiveness while increasing storage capacity. Despite their advantages in cost per gigabyte, HDDs face competition from SSDs, especially in sectors where speed is crucial. Additionally, the rise in data storage needs is often met by hyperscale companies, which continue to use HDDs for their high capacity and cost-effectiveness in large-scale applications.

Hard disk drives remain relevant due to their high storage capacity at a lower cost per gigabyte, making them ideal for archival storage, cloud data centers, and enterprise applications. Advancements in technologies like heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) and microwave-assisted magnetic recording (MAMR) further enhance their competitiveness. Additionally, regulatory requirements for data retention and the need for affordable storage in emerging markets support ongoing demand for HDDs.