HGST 0F12117 Deskstar 5K3000 HDS5C3020ALA632 2TB 32MB 6.0Gb/s 3.5" internal hard drive

2TB SATA desktop storage

The HGST Deskstar 5K3000 is a 3.5-inch internal hard drive with a 2TB capacity and 32MB cache. It connects through a SATA 6.0Gb/s interface and is supplied as a bare drive. The CoolSpin design optimises motor speed for lower power draw and quieter operation in desktop systems.

Practical limits of SATA 6.0Gb/s

The SATA 6.0Gb/s link caps theoretical throughput at 6Gbps, roughly twice the ceiling of the earlier 3Gbps revision. Real-world sustained transfer will sit below that peak and varies with workload and system overhead. The 32MB buffer helps smooth burst reads and writes but cannot overcome the interface bottleneck.

Upgrade from lower-capacity or older SATA drives

Replacing a smaller 3.5-inch drive or a SATA 3Gbps model adds both space and the higher interface bandwidth. The 29% power reduction versus the 7K3000 series makes the switch worthwhile for always-on desktops where energy use and noise matter. Systems limited to SATA 3Gbps will still work but will not see the full speed benefit.