Guide on Seagate External Hard Drive Transfer Speed

Updated by

Linda 

Written by

Tracy King 

Updated on April 29, 2024

The time required to transfer files to and from a Seagate external hard drive is directly related to its transfer speed. Faster transfer rates can significantly reduce time and boost efficiency, especially when dealing with large files or extensive data. Understanding the drive's transfer rate is crucial in assessing its suitability for applications demanding swift data transfers, like video editing and gaming.

Lastly, understanding the transfer rate of a Seagate external hard drive can alert users to issues with their setup that can be resolved by upgrading components, such as a slow or outdated interface. Now, let's delve into the details of Seagate external hard drive transfer speeds.

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How to Check the Transfer Speed of My Seagate External Hard Drive?

Here are efficient methods to help you check the transfer speed of a Seagate external hard drive. We are going to recommend two reliable tools for you to examine and test the transfer speed of your Seagate external hard drive. Let's explore them.

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• Use the first hard disk speed test software for assistance if you prefer an efficient, user-friendly, and professional tool to thoroughly test your Seagate external hard drive.
• Check disk read and write speed with CMD if you only require approximate raw data of the disk's transfer speed.

#1. Test Seagate External Hard Drive Transfer Speed with Disk Speed Test Software To test the transfer speed of your Seagate external hard drive, you can use dedicated disk speed test software. Here's a brief guide on how to do it: 1. **Download and Install Software**: Choose a reliable disk speed testing tool like Blackmagic Design's [Disk Speed Test](https://blackmagicdesign.com/products/disk-speed-test) (available for both macOS and Windows) or CrystalDiskMark, which is available for multiple platforms. 2. **Launch the Software**: After installing the software, open it on your computer. 3. **Select the Drive**: In the application, ensure that the Seagate external hard drive is properly connected and shown as an available drive. Select it from the list of drives provided. 4. **Start the Test**: Click on the "Start" or "Begin Test" button to initiate the speed test. The software will now write and read data from the hard drive to determine its transfer speeds. 5. **Wait for Results**: The test may take a few minutes, depending on the size of the test file and the speed of your hard drive. Be patient and let the software complete the process. 6. **Review the Results**: Once the test is finished, the software will display the read and write speeds of your Seagate external hard drive in megabytes per second (MB/s). These figures will give you an idea of the drive's performance. Remember that the actual transfer speeds may vary based on factors like the USB connection type (USB 3.0, USB-C), the hard drive's internal speed, and the workload you're putting on the drive.

• Complexity: Straightforward
• ⏱️Duration: 3-5 minutes
• ✔️Tools Required: Seagate external hard drive, USB connection cable, Windows computer, tools Partition Master
• ??‍?Intended Users: Windows novices, professionals, Seagate device retailers, etc.

Partition Master Tool is a software utility designed to assist users in managing their hard drive partitions. It enables users to create, delete, resize, move, and merge partitions while preserving data. Furthermore, it includes a feature called DiskMark, which allows users to assess the performance and data transfer speed (reading/writing) of their hard drives.

The DiskMark feature available in the Partition Master tool enables users to measure the transfer speed of their Seagate external hard drives. This information is beneficial for the reasons previously mentioned, allowing users to make informed decisions about managing their data, such as determining which files to transfer and when.

Guided Steps to Test Seagate External Hard Drive Transfer Speed

Step 1. Launch AOMEI Partition Assistant. Click the download button to activate the "DiskMark" feature under the "Tools" section.

Step 2. Click on the drop-down box to select the target drive, test data, and block size.

Step 3. Once everything is set up, click "Start" to initiate the disk test. You'll then see the Sequential or Random read/write speed, I/O, and Delay data.

tools Partition Master, equipped with the DiskMark feature, is a handy tool for users of Seagate external hard drives. It aids in measuring transfer speeds, managing partitions, and optimizing storage capacity. If you find this utility helpful or it successfully assists you in determining the actual transfer speed on your Seagate external hard drive, share this method online to assist more friends in your circle.

#2. Test Seagate External Hard Drive Transfer Speed via Command Prompt

• Complexity: Medium
• ⏱️Duration: 5-8 minutes
• ✔️Tools: Seagate external hard drive, USB connection cable, Windows PC, CMD command
• ??‍?Who to Use It: advanced Windows users, professionals

You can quickly check the drive's performance on Windows using the command prompt without installing extra software. Some tools may provide more detailed information, but if you want to know if your hard drive is slowing down your computer, this method should suffice.

Step 1. Press the Windows + S keys, type cmd, and right-click to open Command Prompt with administrative privileges.

Step 2. Type the following command: winsat disk -drive c and press Enter. (Replace 'C:' with the actual drive letter of your Seagate external hard drive)

From the above image, you can check and view the disk transfer speed via metrics such as Disk Random Read, Disk Sequential Read, Disk Sequential Write, Average Read Time with Sequential Writes, and so on.

How Fast Should a Seagate External Hard Drive Be?

Once you've obtained the actual transfer speed data for your Seagate external hard drive, you can compare the test results with the average Seagate external disk speed. This will help you determine whether optimization or improvement of the disk speed is necessary.

The transfer speed of Seagate external hard drives can vary depending on the model and the technology employed. Below is a comparative table showcasing the advertised transfer speeds of some Seagate external hard drives with 1TB, 2TB, and 3TB storage capacities: | Model | Capacity | Transfer Speed | |-------|----------|----------------| | Seagate Backup Plus Portable | 1TB | Up to 5 Gbps (USB 3.0) | | Seagate Portable SSD | 1TB | Up to 1050 MB/s (USB-C) | | Seagate Expansion Desktop | 2TB | Up to 100 MB/s (USB 3.0) | | Seagate IronWolf NAS | 2TB | Up to 110 MB/s (SATA) | | Seagate Backup Plus Hub | 3TB | Up to 120 MB/s (USB 3.0) | | Seagate BarraCuda Fast SSD | 3TB | Up to 1050 MB/s (USB-C) | Please note that these speeds are based on the manufacturer's specifications and may vary depending on the specific computer system, USB interface version, and other factors. Actual transfer rates might be lower in real-world usage.

The table below displays the maximum theoretical transfer speeds for some popular Seagate external hard drives, based on their respective interfaces:

The transfer speed of a Seagate external hard drive can vary depending on the model and the technology employed. Typically, it ranges from 100 MB/s to 150 MB/s for USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt connections; however, certain Seagate external drives may boast faster transfer rates of up to 250 MB/s or higher.

For Your Information:

1️⃣ It's important to note that these transfer rates represent the advertised maximum speeds, and actual transfer speeds may vary depending on various factors, including the computer's hardware and software setup, the file size and type, and the quality of the cable used.

2️⃣ It doesn't matter if your Seagate external hard drive transfer speed is below average. Follow the tips in the upcoming section, and you'll be able to enhance the device's performance.

Factors Affecting Seagate External Hard Drive Transfer Speed and Tips to Enhance It

To achieve optimal performance, it is recommended to use a high-quality cable and avoid using extension cords or other accessories that might degrade the signal. Here are some factors that can influence the transfer speed of a Seagate external hard drive, along with some tips to enhance the disk's speed: 1. **Connection Type**: Ensure that you are using the appropriate connection type for your drive, such as USB 3.0, USB-C, or Thunderbolt, which generally offer faster data transfer rates compared to older standards. 2. **Cable Quality**: Invest in a well-made cable that is designed for high-speed data transfer. Low-quality cables can introduce interference and reduce transfer speeds. 3. **Drive Compatibility**: Confirm that your external hard drive is compatible with your computer's operating system and has the necessary drivers installed. 4. **Fragmentation**: Over time, files on the hard drive can become fragmented, slowing down access times. Regularly defragmenting the drive (if applicable, as modern SSDs do not require this) can help maintain optimal performance. 5. **Background Processes**: Close any unnecessary programs running in the background while transferring data, as they can compete for system resources and slow down the process. 6. **File Size and Type**: Larger files and certain file types, such as videos, may transfer slower than smaller files or text documents due to their size and compression. 7. **Drive Capacity**: If the drive is almost full, it may operate slower due to less available space for data management. Regularly clean up and organize your files to keep free space. 8. **Power Supply**: Ensure the external hard drive is receiving adequate power, especially if connected to a USB hub. A weak power source can affect transfer speeds. 9. **Update Firmware**: Keep your Seagate drive's firmware up to date, as updates often include performance improvements. 10. **Physical Condition**: Keep the drive in a cool and clean environment to prevent overheating and potential damage, which can impact performance. By addressing these factors, you can optimize the transfer speed of your Seagate external hard drive and enhance its overall performance.

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[Solved] Slow Seagate External Hard Drive on Windows 11/10

Slow performance or sluggish transfer speed on external hard drives is a common issue for users. Apart from replacing the drive, there are more cost-effective solutions to address this problem.

Conclusion

In this article, we have explored how to measure the transfer speed of a Seagate external hard drive. For a more efficient and reliable method to test the disk's transfer speed, using a tool like Partition Master is recommended.

Additionally, this software comes with bonus features that aid in enhancing and optimizing disk performance, such as adjusting cluster size and 4k alignment. Furthermore, the Partition Master tool enables users to manage partitions on their Seagate external hard drives, facilitating data organization and maximizing storage capacity. Users can create separate partitions for different types of data like photos, music, and documents, and easily transfer files between these partitions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Seagate External Hard Drive Transfer Speed Test

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1. What is the transfer speed of a Seagate 2TB HDD? The transfer speed of a Seagate 2TB HDD (Hard Disk Drive) can vary depending on the specific model and interface it uses. Most modern Seagate 2TB HDDs operate at a sustained data transfer rate of around 120-140 MB/s for SATA 3 (6 Gbps) models. However, actual transfer speeds may be influenced by factors such as the system's hardware configuration, the type of files being transferred, and the drive's cache size. It's essential to check the specifications of the particular model for accurate transfer speed information.

The transfer speed of a Seagate 2TB HDD can vary depending on the specific model and the interface it utilizes. Many Seagate 2TB HDDs support USB 3.0 or higher interfaces, offering transfer speeds of up to 5 Gbps. Bear in mind that the actual transfer speed might differ based on factors like the computer's hardware, the quality of the cables, and the size and type of files being transferred.

**2. What is the average speed of Seagate external hard drives?**

• The average transfer speed for external hard drives is between 100-150 MB/s for USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt interfaces.
• Most Seagate external hard drives have transfer speeds within this range, with the Seagate Backup Plus Slim and Portable advertising transfer speeds of up to 120 MB/s.

The actual transfer speed of an external hard drive can vary depending on the hardware and software configuration of the computer, the file size and type, and the quality of the cable.

3. Why is my Seagate external hard drive performing slowly?

A Seagate external hard drive might perform slowly due to inadequate power supply, file fragmentation, storage capacity limitations, outdated or corrupted drivers, malware or viruses, interface restrictions, or mechanical issues. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial to resolving the issue and enhancing the drive's performance.

< b > 4. How can I improve the transfer speed of my external SSD?

There are several methods to enhance the transfer speed of an external SSD, including utilizing a USB 3.0 or 3.1 port instead of a USB 2.0 port, employing a high-quality cable, updating drivers, adopting a different file system, refraining from using the SSD for other tasks during file transfer, disabling antivirus software during the transfer process, and enabling TRIM. TRIM contributes to maintaining the SSD's performance by clearing unused data blocks.