NEWS  Computer  January 17, 2024  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

Storage solutions play a pivotal role in shaping the capabilities of computing devices. Seagate has recently announced a groundbreaking development that is set to redefine the parameters of PC storage and hardware conversations. The company's latest innovation, the Mozaic 3+ platform, promises to usher in an era of 30TB hard drives, setting a new benchmark in storage capacity.

Seagate's press release highlights that the Mozaic 3+ platform will be integrated into the Exos lineup of hard drives. Initially targeting "hyperscale cloud customers", these high-capacity drives are anticipated to become available to the general public later in the first quarter of 2024. An exciting aspect of this revelation is that the 30TB versions will not require any specialized hardware, making them easily adaptable to existing PC configurations.

The technological advancements underpinning the Mozaic 3+ platform are impressive. Seagate's utilization of a "pioneering iron-platinum superlattice structure" and a "nanophotonic laser" marks a significant leap forward. The former enhances the magnetic coercivity of disk media, while the latter generates an infinitesimal heat spot on the media surface for reliable data writing. Additionally, the Mozaic 3+ incorporates the "world's smallest and most sensitive magnetic field reading sensors" and a new 12nm integrated controller, offering up to three times the performance compared to previous solutions.

The Exos 30TB hard drive, featuring 10 platters storing 3TB of data each, is just the beginning. Seagate envisions more advanced iterations of the Mozaic platform, potentially increasing platter storage size to 4TB or even 5TB in the future. What's particularly noteworthy is that, despite the colossal storage capacity, the cost per terabyte is expected to be more affordable than other models. This is attributed to Seagate leveraging existing technology in the creation of the new Exos drives.

While Seagate is yet to disclose the pricing details for the Mozaic 3+ Exos drives, industry estimates suggest that end users may see these massive storage solutions priced as low as $450. 

 IMAGE BY YINGYANG ON FREEPIK / REVIEW SPACE