Review: Seagate Laptop Thin SSHD (500GB)

Conclusion

The Laptop Thin SSHD is one of the most accessible hybrid storage solutions to date. By combining a basic 5,400RPM hard disk with an 8GB MLC NAND cache, Seagate has created a low-cost drive that offers the capacity of a hard disk and the performance benefits of solid-state memory in a single, easy-to-use package.

Delivered in a 7mm form factor, the third-generation SSHD is compatible with a wide range of laptops and is ideally positioned as an affordable upgrade to legacy systems that are beginning to feel tired and unresponsive.

Seagate could perhaps have done more to push performance - a 5,400RPM hard disk feels primitive and an 8GB cache is miniscule by today's standards - but the goal is to keep pricing as competitive as possible, and rightfully so. As it stands, a 120GB SSD is available for similar money, and as the need for local storage dwindles, Seagate is facing up to the fact that consumers may choose to sacrifice total capacity in favour of a predictable, always-fast SSD.

Still, it's nice to have the option, and if you absolutely must have a 500GB capacity, Seagate's Laptop Thin SSHD is one of the most attractive sub-£60 solutions available today.

The Good

Widely-compatible 7mm form factor
Considerably cheaper than an SSD
No drivers needed; works with any OS
Cache acceleration is felt during everyday use
Makes an excellent upgrade for an ageing laptop

The Bad

Modest 8GB cache can only fit so much
Basic 5,400RPM hard-disk component

HEXUS Awards

Seagate Laptop Thin SSHD (500GB)

HEXUS Where2Buy

The 500GB Seagate Laptop Thin SSHD is available to purchase from Scan Computers*.

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