Firmware Seagate IronWolf 16TB 3.5" - ST16000VN001

[aGraphicz]

Hi

I would like to buy the Seagate IronWolf 16TB (ST16000VN001) for the DS920+

I read online that the 12TB and 10TB version comes with an old Firmware (SC60) that does not support Write Cache.

The firmware version SC61 should solve the problem. Does this model support it?

Thanks!

 

[jeyare]

Re: 16TB (ST16000VN001)
- this drive is build for 512byte logical sectors (emulated by firmware) with an operation on physical 4K sectors in the drive. Then there is the main reason of disabled write cache support in NASes.

 

[aGraphicz]

Re: 16TB (ST16000VN001)
- this drive is build for 512byte logical sectors (emulated by firmware) with an operation on physical 4K sectors in the drive. Then there is the main reason of disabled write cache support in NASes.

View attachment 2536

sorry I am really not an expert. Does it means that even with no Write cache the performances are OK?

 

[jeyare]

I don't know what is the purpose of the 16TB drive, but you have to find better technology in Exos range with native 4K sectors support

-- post merged: 2. Dec 2020 --

sorry I am really not an expert. Does it means that even with no Write cache the performances are OK?

A purpose is the primary factor

 

[rdbousfied]

Hi

I would like to buy the Seagate IronWolf 16TB (ST16000VN001) for the DS920+

I read online that the 12TB and 10TB version comes with an old Firmware (SC60) that does not support Write Cache.

The firmware version SC61 should solve the problem. Does this model support it?

Thanks!

"I read online that the 12TB and 10TB version comes with an old Firmware (SC60) that does not support Write Cache."

Just as an FYI - I have the 12TB IronWolf with SC60 firmware (61? No firmware showing as available when I check with Seagate for my region/serial number) and my DS920+ is showing write cache can be enabled.

 

[aGraphicz]

"I read online that the 12TB and 10TB version comes with an old Firmware (SC60) that does not support Write Cache."

Just as an FYI - I have the 12TB IronWolf with SC60 firmware (61? No firmware showing as available when I check with Seagate for my region/serial number) and my DS920+ is showing write cache can be enabled.

That's strange, according to this discussion it's says people were having problems with that and had to update the Firmware via PC.

Your model however seems to be another one right?

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[rdbousfied]

That's strange, according to this discussion it's says people were having problems with that and had to update the Firmware via PC.

Your model however seems to be another one right?

Synology Community

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It is the 12TB model - Seagate ST12000VN0008 IronWolf 12TB SATA Hard Drive.

I recall the DSM version at the time of purchase did not support write cache but this was fixed in a later DSM release. I never updated the firmware and do check every now and again with the Seagate site. That is why I was intrigued about the SC61 firmware availability. That is not showing for the UK region for any of my drive's serial numbers. 16 TB only maybe?

(I do have to say these are by far the noisiest drives I have installed in any of my Synology devices. Not sure if it is the drive technology or using Brtfs, but they never stop clunking. I am considering moving the Synology to a cabinet as the sound is very distracting when watching movies. Data stored on the Synology/Plex Server on a Nvidia Shield Pro 201, though the same when Plex Server was running on the 920+)

 

[jeyare]

some advices for large format HDDs:
~ noise: you have to count with more disc platters, then more meachnical parts as heads need to provide their jobs. Each parking and undocking creates sounds. for an example mentioned 16TB disk drive has 9 platters = 18 heads. But 4TB version of same line ST4000VN008 contains 3 platters = 6 heads only. This is a significant reason!
- you need count with really enourmous RAID rebuild time. Then there is a question if the backup/restore procedure is faster, than the rebuild of RAID6 and Syno SHR2 equivalent, why don’t use faster method. Especially when you take into account rule no 1. = RAID isn’t replacement of the backup.
~ every storage architecture needs to count with lot of variables. Cheap NAS can’t provide same performance as precise defined model. same for the shoot into dark with the disk drives purchase.
~ there is one golden rule: research then buy

I have in operation only enterprise class HDD. 16 of them more than 9 years. Rest o them more than 5y. My last NAS member from 2019 also. No single issue or SMART incidents increase. 9 years is 2x longer standard lifespan for HDDs. When you have a plan, how to clean or archive unused data, or data segmentation for a precise chosen target (disk drives, RAID, ...) you can use such architecture pillars in long term.

PS: it’s about your business model. Different point of view for home trash storage and different for each business use. Purpose of the NAS is the main key. Cost limit is a common killer of the performance.

 

[jeyare]

somewhere I have seen, that IronWolf range is a top tier from Seagate. It was funny statement.

I hope it was "just a hope" from unskilled person, because IronWolf is just little bit better than Barracuda. It's a low end tier for NASes.

To be sure there is a difference between IronWolf and IronWolf Pro.
And serious difference between IronWolf Pro and Exos.
But you can purchase the Exos line for same cost of IronWolf Pro. Ofc there is also X and E series of the Exos line.

But each of us has a different relation to their Data Value. What is OK. It's about freedom.

Last:
from my side, there is necessary use Helium filled HDDs, when you use more than 6 platters. Pure physic matter.

 

[jeyare]

when you need definitely check your HDD & write cache enabled, try:

smartctl /dev/sda -g cache

.... you will get direct info from the disk
ofc, you have to find your proper device (sda, sdb, sdc, ....)