SanDisk Professional G-Drive Desktop Hard Drive 12TB
- 12TB enterprise-class Ultrastar HDD, 7200RPM
- Up to 250MB/s read and write
- USB-C (10Gbps) interface
- Mac ready, Time Machine compatible, reformats for Windows
- Stackable anodized aluminum enclosure
- LED with three brightness modes
- 3 year limited warranty
Updated 25 days ago · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.
A large, well built desktop drive for backups and media archives on a Mac or PC, though a spinning disk is far slower than an SSD for live editing.
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ASIN: B0BB8TPT2WCategory: External Hard Drives
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Overview
An editing suite, home studio or office backup shelf is where the SanDisk Professional G-DRIVE belongs. An enterprise-class Ultrastar disk spins inside a stackable aluminum case that connects over USB-C and arrives formatted for Mac.
Huge capacity on an enterprise disk suits Time Machine backups and footage archives that grow every month. As a mechanical drive it moves data at hard disk speeds, so editing straight from it is slower than from an SSD.
Who it's for
Creative studios and home offices that back up large libraries every day will fill the space usefully. Travelers and anyone editing high bitrate video directly off the drive should look at portable SSDs.
Pros and cons
- Very large capacity
- Enterprise-class Ultrastar disk inside
- Works with Time Machine out of the box
- Stackable metal enclosure
- Hard disk speeds, not SSD speeds
- Needs reformatting for Windows
- Desk unit, not portable
Performance notes
Throughput is set by the spinning platters rather than the USB-C link, so the interface has headroom the disk cannot use. Large sequential copies such as video files move at the full disk rate, while many small files slow it down because the heads must seek.
Specifications
| Brand | SanDisk Professional |
|---|---|
| Dimensions & fit | |
| HardDrive Size | 12 TB |
| Item weight | 4.1 pounds |
| Item Dimensions L x W x Thickness | 8.27 x 5.24 x 1.61 inches |
| Capacity & performance | |
| Write speed | Up to 250MB/s |
| Read Speed | Up to 250MB/s |
| Hard Disk Rotational Speed | 7200 rpm |
| Construction & materials | |
| Enclosure Material | Anodized aluminum |
| Color | Dark Grey |
| Compatibility & installation | |
| Hardware Connectivity | USB Type C |
| Warranty & support | |
| Warranty Description | 3 year limited manufacturer warranty |
| Other details | |
| Hard Disk Description | Mechanical, enterprise-class Ultrastar |
| Hardware Platform | Mac (reformattable for Windows) |
| Data Transfer Rate | 10 Gbps |
Frequently asked questions
Is the SanDisk G-DRIVE 12TB an SSD?
No. It is a 7200RPM Ultrastar hard drive with up to 250MB/s read and write, well below SSD speeds.
Does the SanDisk Professional G-DRIVE work with Windows?
It comes ready for Mac and Time Machine, and can be easily reformatted for Windows.
Why does the description mention 280MB/s?
That figure is for the 22TB capacity. The 12TB model is rated up to 250MB/s read and write.
Can I stack several G-DRIVE units?
Yes, the anodized aluminum enclosure is stackable and has anchor points for carts and rigs.