Drive comparison
ST2000VX005 vs ST2000VX012
Seagate Surveillance HDD 2TB and Seagate SkyHawk 2TB, compared using published manufacturer specifications.
Seagate
Surveillance HDD 2TB
ST2000VX005
SATA 6 Gb/s · 3.5-inch
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Full specifications & all listings →Seagate
SkyHawk 2TB
ST2000VX012
SATA 6 Gb/s · 3.5-inch
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What differs between these models?
- Cache (MB): ST2000VX005 lists 64; ST2000VX012 lists 256.
- Load/unload cycles: ST2000VX005 lists 300000; ST2000VX012 lists 600000.
- Average idle power (W): ST2000VX005 lists 4; ST2000VX012 lists 2.5.
- Average operating power (W): ST2000VX005 lists 5.6; ST2000VX012 lists 3.7.
A larger cache, higher RPM or higher advertised sequential speed alone does not establish which drive is better for your workload.
Specifications side by side
| Specification | ST2000VX005 | ST2000VX012 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Seagate | Seagate |
| Product family | Surveillance HDD | SkyHawk |
| Model number | ST2000VX005 | ST2000VX012 |
| Capacity (TB) | 2 | 2 |
| Interface | SATA 6 Gb/s | SATA 6 Gb/s |
| Cache (MB) | 64 | 256 |
| Form factor | 3.5-inch | 3.5-inch |
| Package variant | +Rescue model (confirm service eligibility) | Not recorded |
| Load/unload cycles | 300000 | 600000 |
| Drive bays supported | 1–8 | Not recorded |
| Average idle power (W) | 4 | 2.5 |
| Power-on hours per year | 8760 | 8760 |
| Cameras supported (up to) | 64 | Not recorded |
| Average operating power (W) | 5.6 | 3.7 |
| Rotational vibration sensors | No | Not recorded |
| Manufacturer limited warranty | 3 years (eligible new drives) | 3 years (eligible new drives) |
| Sustained transfer (up to MB/s) | 180 | 180 |
| Recording | Not recorded | SMR |
| Workload rating (TB/year) | Not recorded | 180 |
Compatibility and buying checks
- One or both drives use SMR recording. Check sustained-write and array requirements before choosing one for a NAS or a write-heavy workload.
- Compare new and renewed offers separately. The manufacturer specification does not guarantee the warranty or return policy of a marketplace seller.
Manufacturer sources
ST2000VX005
Seagate Surveillance HDD manufacturer specifications ↗ · pages 2
Reviewed 2026-09-07. Published specifications; no independent benchmark or failure-rate claim.
ST2000VX012
Seagate SkyHawk manufacturer specifications ↗ · pages 3
Reviewed 2026-09-07. Published specifications; no independent benchmark or failure-rate claim.