By using Seagate MACH.2 hard drives we're able to deliver SSD speeds from an HDD array. MACH.2 drives use innovative Multi-Actuator technology to increase both read and write performance. Normal hard drives are, in construction, a series of platters with a read/write head (an actuator) flying over the top of them.
MACH.2 drives add a second actuator to enable increased read/write actions with each revolution of the platter. In other words: double the IOPS.
MACH.2 HDDs really are what the future looks like for storage. Multi-Actuators delivering huge performance increases and lowering TCO.
When it comes to SymplySPARK XT you immediately see the benefits. Each MACH.2 drive has a 14 TB capacity. SPARK XT ships with eight drives arranged in RAID 5, delivering 98 TB of configured capacity.
And its performance is staggering. Testing with popular benchmarking tools from AJA, ATTO and Blackmagic can report read speeds of up to 2,952 MB/s and write speeds clocking in at 1,977 MB/s. In real-world usage sustained read and write speeds of ~2000 MB/s can be expected*. More than enough for the most demanding 8K+ workflows, VFX, simulation, and complex file ingest and delivery.
*Please use performance metrics for guidance only. Symply cannot guarantee you will get the same numbers in your environment as results will vary based on your particular application, host computer system, data type, file sizes, and other variables such as concurrent system usage and third-party software working with the SPARK XT. But we can assure you SPARK XT is very, very fast!
SymplySPARK XT has been designed from the ground up to work in studio environments and on set. It uses a larger fan than most shuttle RAID systems so its able to spin more slowly to provide the cooling required, generating less than 45dB of noise - quieter than your average library.
And the benefits don't stop there. Uniquely in the market, SymplySPARK XT has a user-serviceable fan and power assembly. No more sending units back just to have a component swapped out. Simply use the optional Self Assist Maintenance kit and be up and running again in minutes.
| Feature | SymplySPARK XT | SanDisk Professional G-RAID 8 | Areca | Promise R32 8 Bay | OWC Thunderbay 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All metal construction (no plastic) |  |  | | | |
| Interface | 2 x TB3 with Device Charging | 2 x TB3 with USB, USB 3.2 | 2 x TB3 with, 1 x Display port | 2 x TB3/USB 3.2 with device charging | 2 x TB3 with device charging, 1 x Display port |
| Hardware RAID Engine | | | | | Software RAID Pro - RAID 0, 1, 4, 5, 1+0 (10) - MacOS Only |
| Carry Handle | | | | | |
| Studio Mode / Lights Out | | | | | |
| HDD Positioning Pin | | | | | |
| Multi-Actuator drive support | | | | | |
| Self-Service PSU & Fan | | | | | |
| Ships in wheeled hard case (shock test 250GB / 2ms) | | | | | |
| Kensington Lock | | | | | |
| Size % Bigger or Smaller than SymplySPARK | 240 x 150 x 318 mm | 245 x 175 x 385 mm (44% Bigger) | 146 x 302 x 290 mm (11% Bigger) | 245 x 187 x 310 mm (24% Bigger) | 260 x 180 x 240 mm (2% smaller) |
| Weight | 10.8 Kg (5.38 Kg without drives) | 9% Heavier 11.8 to 12.3 Kg | 26% Heavier 6.8 Kg (without drives) | 1.8% Heavier 11.0 Kg | 35% Heavier 7.3KG without HDDs |
| Warranty | 5 Years | 5 Years | 3 Years | 3 Years | 1, 3, 5 years depending model purchased |
| Feature | Specification | Feature | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 112 TB | Operating Environmentals | 0°C - 40°C (32°F - 104°F), 5% - 85% humidity (non-condensing) |
| Number of drive Bays | 8 | Kensington Lock | Yes |
| RAID Level Support | 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, JBOD | Studio Mode | LED Blackout |
| Thunderbolt™3 Ports | 2 x Thunderbolt 3 (Daisy Chaining and Device Charging) | Whisper Quiet | < 45dB |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 24x15x31.8 cm (9.4x6x12.5 in) | OS Support | macOS and Windows |
| Weight (with HDDs) | 10.7 KG (23.5 lb) | Carry Handle | Yes |
| Field swappable HDD, FAN and Power supply | Yes | Drive Locator Pin | Reduces risk of damage during transport |
| Mechanical Shock TestIn protective case supplied | 250G/2ms | Warranty | 5 Years |
| Test | Read | Write |
|---|---|---|
| AJA (4092x2160 4K-2160, 16GB, 10bit) | 2336 MB/Sec | 1896 MB/Sec |
| Blackmagic | 2240 MB/Sec | 1751 MB/Sec |
| ATTO DiskBench | 2952 MB/Sec | 1977 MB/Sec |
