Seagate launches external hard drives with USB-C power supply

Seagate's Firecuda X Vault and One Touch work without a power adapter. A RAID storage connects to a notebook via Thunderbolt 5.

(Image: Seagate)

at 12:01 pm CEST

3 min. read

By

Mark Mantel

For the first time since 2016, Seagate is introducing 3.5-inch hard drives that do not require a separate power supply. The Firecuda X Vault and One Touch series only need a single USB-C cable for data and power supply to the host, such as a desktop PC or notebook. A novelty: Seagate offers such power adapter-free models with capacities of up to 24 TByte.

The hard drives run exclusively on USB-C ports that deliver at least 15 watts. The models do not work with a USB-C to USB-A adapter, as USB-A ports only provide 4.5 watts. Interested parties must therefore pay attention to what their devices are capable of.

Until now, power adapter-free USB hard drives have only been available in the smaller 2.5-inch format and typically with capacities up to 4 TByte to limit power consumption. Seagate already ventured a push in 2016 with the Innov8, but it has since faded again.

Seagate offers the One Touch with capacities of 8, 16, 20, and 24 TByte. The recommended prices range from 250 to 680 Euros.

Firecuda X Vault with gaming focus

The manufacturer markets the Firecuda X Vault to gamers as a storage expansion for internally installed SSDs. It features a more eye-catching enclosure than the One Touch, including RGB lighting that users can customize via Windows Dynamic Lighting. Internally, there are likely to be no major differences. Microsoft has certified the series for Xbox on PC. The Firecuda X Vault is available in 8 and 20 TB capacities for 334 and 576 euros, respectively.

Firecuda X Vault with RGB lighting.

(Image: Seagate)

LaCie 8big Pro 5 with eightfold RAID

In addition, Seagate is introducing the LaCie 8big Pro 5 RAID system with eight 3.5-inch bays. It will be available pre-configured with 32, 64, 128, 192, and 256 TByte for prices between 6360 and 15,008 Euros. A RAID controller supports RAID configurations 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60, as well as multi-RAID systems. Alternatively, simple JBOD (“Just a Bunch of Disks”) operation is possible.

A power supply unit is required here. Seagate builds it directly into the housing; users must operate the system with a mains plug.

Rear of the LaCie 8big Pro 5 with a total of four USB-C ports.

(Image: Seagate)

The LaCie 8big Pro 5 also serves as a small Thunderbolt 5 hub. An upstream USB-C port connects to the host. A notebook, MacBook, or Mini-PC is charged directly with up to 140 watts. Further Thunderbolt peripherals can be connected via two downstream ports (30 watts) on the LaCie 8big Pro 5. Another USB-C port transmits 20 Gbit/s and 15 watts.

Seagate intends to sell all new products through its own online store. Retailers are expected to follow suit shortly.

Empfohlener redaktioneller Inhalt

Mit Ihrer Zustimmung wird hier ein externer Preisvergleich (heise Preisvergleich) geladen.

Preisvergleiche immer laden

Ich bin damit einverstanden, dass mir externe Inhalte angezeigt werden. Damit können personenbezogene Daten an Drittplattformen (heise Preisvergleich) übermittelt werden. Mehr dazu in unserer Datenschutzerklärung.