Toshiba N300 and X300 hard disks: Storage is expanded to 18 terabytes

Toshiba Electronics Europe equips the models of the N300 NAS and X300 performance hard drives with a new model that brings it to a whole 18 terabytes of storage space. Both new variants work on the basis of FC-MAMR technology (Flux Control Microwave Assisted Magnetic Recording), which was only introduced at the beginning of the year.

Focused magnetic flux

To better control and effectively focus the magnetic flux generated in the write head of the hard drives, FC-MAMR uses a spin torque oscillator (STO). The focused magnetic flux more precisely controls write operations, thus reducing the magnetic area per bit and achieving higher data density compared to previous generations of CMR hard drives.

This has allowed Toshiba to increase drive density by an additional 12.5% – adding two terabytes to the capacity of each of the 16-terabyte hard drives already available. The new N300 and X300 drives rely on the classic 3.5-inch standard format, but use the proprietary third-generation hard drive design with nine discs and helium sealing. Toshiba Group’s advanced laser welding techniques ensure that the helium remains securely sealed inside the drives.

Intended primarily as network-attached storage (NAS) and in the home office

Optimized primarily for network-attached storage (NAS) and private cloud storage applications in the home office and small business, Toshiba’s N300 series can accommodate up to eight drive bays.

The hard drives in this series come in at 7200 RPM and feature built-in RV sensors to compensate for the effects of rotational vibration. They are designed for reliable operation around the clock and offer a MTTF (meantime to failure) rate of 1.2 million hours. The drives also achieve a workload rate of 180 terabytes per year, making them exceptionally durable.

The drives of the X300 series, on the other hand, are primarily suitable for use in PC and high-end desktop workstations, game consoles and home media devices. Their performance is also 7200 rpm and their drive stabilization mechanisms provide improved reliability during operation. Toshiba Group’s cache technology optimizes cache allocation during read and write operations to achieve high performance in real time. All N300-series hard drives are warranted for three years, while X300-series hard drives are warranted for two years.

Pricing and Availability

The new 18-terabyte variants of the Toschiba N300 and X300 drive series are expected to be available in the fourth quarter of 2021. The manufacturer has not yet commented on the final prices.