Seagate Expansion USB Device
User Benchmarks
| Model | Type | Score | Seq. Read MB | Seq. Write MB | Read 4k64QD | Write 4k64QD | Read Access msek. | Write Access msek. |
| Seagate Expansion+ USB Device | 2000 | 268 | 128 | 92 | 0.89 | 1.56 | 5.92 | 2.58 |
The measurement of the Seagate Expansion USB Device was carried out on Windows. Similar read and write speeds could certainly be achieved with the Seagate Expansion USB Device under Linux and MacOS. Of course, the correct hard drive driver should be installed and the correct interface for the Seagate Expansion USB Device should be used.
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Seagate Expansion USB Device – Detailed Description and Technical Information
The Seagate Expansion USB Device is an external hard drive series developed by Seagate. It offers a quick and easy way to expand a computer's storage space, back up data or transport large files. The Seagate Expansion hard drives are available as both portable and desktop models.
1. Product variants
There are various models of Seagate Expansion hard drives that differ in storage size, design and intended use. The most important model variants are:- Seagate Expansion Portable (2.5 inch): A compact, portable solution ideal for mobile users.
- Seagate Expansion Desktop (3.5-inch): A larger, stationary model that offers more capacity and faster speeds.
2. Technical details
a) Seagate Expansion Portable
- Storage capacities: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, up to 5TB.- Interface: USB 3.0, backwards compatible with USB 2.0.
- Dimensions: approx. 117 mm x 80 mm x 14.8 mm (depending on model).
- Weight: approximately 170g to 250g, depending on capacity.
- Power supply: Via USB cable (no external power supply required).
- File system: Usually exFAT (compatible with Windows and macOS), but can be reformatted.
- Data transfer rate: Up to 5 Gbit/s (theoretical), practically about 100-150 MB/s.
- Compatibility: Windows 10 and higher, macOS version 10.12 and higher. For other operating systems or older versions, reformatting may be necessary.
b) Seagate Expansion Desktop
- Storage capacities: 4 TB, 6 TB, 8 TB, up to 16 TB.- Interface: USB 3.0, compatible with USB 2.0.
- Dimensions: approx. 176 mm x 120 mm x 36 mm (depending on model).
- Weight: Between 950 g and 1.2 kg.
- Power supply: External power supply required (included).
- File system: Usually preformatted NTFS (for Windows), reformattable for other systems.
- Data transfer rate: Same as the portable version, practically about 150 MB/s.
- Compatibility: Windows, macOS (after reformatting), PlayStation and Xbox.
3. Functions
- Plug-and-Play: The hard drives are preconfigured and ready to use. No additional software installation required.- High storage capacity: The hard drives offer large capacities and are ideal for storing large amounts of data, such as movies, music, documents and games.
- Energy efficient: The portable version does not require an external power supply and consumes very little energy.
- Data transfer via USB 3.0: The USB 3.0 interface enables fast file transfers. It is also backwards compatible with older USB 2.0 ports, but at reduced speed.
- Backup option: These external hard drives are ideal for backing up systems and data.
- Automatic Power Saving: Some Seagate Expansion models have a power saving feature that puts the drive into sleep mode after a period of inactivity.
4. Areas of application
a) For end users
- Expand your PC storage: Especially for users whose internal storage is insufficient, Seagate Expansion offers an easy way to increase storage space.- Backup solution: The devices are ideal for backing up personal documents, images and videos.
- Transport of large amounts of data: Since the portable models are very light and compact, they are ideal for on the go and can transport large amounts of data.
- Multimedia storage: The hard drives can be used as external storage for media libraries (e.g. movies, music).
b) For companies and professionals
- Data backup: Businesses can use Seagate Expansion hard drives as a simple and cost-effective backup solution.- Storage for video editing and graphic design: The fast transfer rates and large capacities are well suited for data-intensive applications such as video editing or editing high-resolution photos.
- Expansion of server and NAS systems: In combination with network devices, the Seagate Expansion can be used as extended storage.
c) For Gaming
- Console Expansion: Seagate Expansion hard drives are compatible with many gaming consoles such as the PlayStation 4/5 and the Xbox One/Series X|S. They are used to install and store games.- Storage of game libraries: Since modern games are often several gigabytes in size, these hard drives can be used to store a large game collection.
5. Special features
- Robust and durable: Seagate is known for the reliability of its products. The Expansion models are designed to be durable and robust.- Expandability without hassle: No complicated installations – just plug and use.
- Mobility: The portable version is light and compact and can be taken anywhere.
6. Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
- Easy to use: Plug-and-play solution, no driver installation necessary.- High data transfer rate: Thanks to USB 3.0, data can be transferred quickly.
- Large capacities available: Models with up to 16 TB capacity.
- Cost-effective: Very inexpensive compared to many other storage solutions.
Disadvantages:
- Mechanical hard drive: Since it is an HDD (not SSD), the transfer rates and access speed are slower compared to solid-state drives.- External power supply for desktop models: The desktop version requires a power supply, which limits mobility.
- Limited shock resistance: Like all HDDs, the hard drives are sensitive to shocks and vibrations.
7. Conclusion
The Seagate Expansion USB Device is a convenient and cost-effective solution for expanding storage and backing up data. It is particularly suitable for users who need a fast, easy and reliable way to store large amounts of data. The portable models are ideal for mobile use, while the desktop models can store large amounts of data stationary.Whether for personal use, for business or as extended storage for gaming consoles, the Seagate Expansion series is a reliable storage solution with a good price-performance ratio.
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Seagate Expansion USB Device and the compatible operating systems
Windows Server 2025, 2022, 2019, 2016, ... or 2008 and higher
Windows 12, 11, 10 or Windows 7 and higher
Linux (various distributions)
macOS (from version 10.6)
Please note that the exact functions and areas of application may vary depending on the firmware version and configuration of Seagate Expansion USB Device.
The Seagate Expansion USB Device is a reliable disk in case of problems, failures, file loss and other errors, check the drivers of the Seagate Expansion USB Device regardless of whether it is under Windows 12, 11, 10, etc. or Linux and Apples macOS.