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The Seagate BarraCuda 4TB (ST4000DM004) is a 5400 RPM SATA 6 Gb/s drive using shingled magnetic recording (SMR). SMR limits random write performance: it is suited for sequential workloads like game libraries and media storage, not for frequent random I/O tasks such as OS drives or active backup destinations. At $195.99 ($48.99/TB) it competes directly with the Toshiba X300 4TB in this category, which runs at 7200 RPM CMR and handles heavier write workloads without the write slowdowns SMR introduces. The BarraCuda 8TB, also active in this catalog, offers better per-TB economics at larger capacity. Buy the BarraCuda 4TB for media storage and game libraries where sequential reads dominate. For frequent writes, multi-drive arrays, or NAS use, choose the Toshiba X300 4TB instead. With 4.7 stars from over 105,000 reviews, long-term reliability data is strong.
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Last checked: Sep 1, 2026
HDD vs SSD — compare speed, cost per TB, reliability, and use cases. Find out when a hard drive still beats an SSD on value in 2026.
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