Toshiba N300 vs MG Series

The Toshiba N300 and MG Series hard drives cater to different needs. The N300 is optimized for NAS systems with up to 8 bays, offering continuous operation and enhanced durability, backed by a three-year warranty.

On the other hand, the MG Series is tailored for enterprise storage and data centers, boasting up to 22 TB capacity and designed for 24/7 operation with helium-sealed efficiency, suitable for applications like cloud storage and data analytics.

Toshiba N300 PRO
Toshiba N300 PRO
Toshiba MG Series
Toshiba MG Series

Key Points

Toshiba N300

  • Designed for 24/7 NAS systems.
  • Supports a workload rate of up to 180 TB/year and has a Mean Time To Failure (MTTF) of up to 1.0 million hours.
  • Compatible with up to 8 drive bays.
  • Operates at 7200 RPM with a large cache size.
  • Offers various storage capacities, up to 18 TB.
  • Help mitigate vibrations for consistent performance.

Toshiba MG Series

  • Includes data-loss protection features for power-loss events.
  • Uses helium-sealed design for lower power consumption and operational costs.
  • Incorporates technologies like FC-MAMR for increased storage density and reliability.
  • Supports various formats and interfaces, including SATA and SAS, 512e and 4Kn sector formats.
  • Features 7200 rpm rotational speed and a 550 TB/year workload rating.

Let’s dive into the specs.

SpecificationToshiba N300Toshiba MG Series
InterfaceSATA 6 Gb/sSATA 6 Gb/s
RPM72007200
Cache256MB512MB
Form Factor3.5 inch3.5 inch
MTTF (Mean Time To Failure)1,000,000 hours2,500,000 hours
Workload Rating180 TB/year550 TB/year
Data Transfer Speed260 MB/s262 MB/s
Shock tolerance70 G (2 ms, half-sine)70 G (2 ms, half-sine)
Vibration tolerance0.75 G (5 to 300 Hz)0.75 G (5 to 300 Hz)
Power Consumption (Operating)6.9 W7.6 W
Acoustics (Idle/Operating)20/34 dBA20/34 dBA
Notable FeaturesAdvanced Format (AF) technology, Error recovery controlPersistent Write Cache technology, Enhanced error correction
Specs

Design and Hardware

When comparing the two, both the N300 and the MG series share a similar design philosophy. They are practical, robust, and aim to blend seamlessly into any home office or enterprise setting.

Both models have a professional aesthetic and are built to endure, aligning with their respective target markets—home office users for the N300 and enterprise users for the MG Series.

Toshiba N300 PRO
Toshiba N300 PRO

Toshiba N300 series sports a robust build quality that’s designed to withstand regular use. With a lustrous and aesthetic casing, this hard drive embodies practicality and functionality.

The unit is intended for a 3.5-inch drive bay, a standard size that ensures compatibility with most desktops and server enclosures. Its matte black finish gives it a professional and understated aesthetic.

Toshiba MG Series is also built for the 3.5-inch form factor, ensuring it will easily fit into most conventional desktop and server enclosures.

Its design is focused on durability and reliability, especially given its target usage in demanding enterprise environments.

The MG Series shares the sleek black finish with the N300, maintaining a professional look. The build quality is excellent, emphasizing longevity and durability for long-term heavy usage.

Features

Toshiba’s MG Series showcases a distinct longevity, earning applause with a substantial Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) rating of 2,500,000 hours.

Toshiba MG Series
Toshiba MG Series

It’s crafted to be a reliable partner in the high-demand arena of data storage for an extensive period.

This stalwart of a drive doesn’t compromise on speed, either. It operates at a brisk 7200 RPM and offers a data transfer rate of 262 MB/s.

This guarantees expedited handling of data and immediate retrieval of stored files, streamlining your data operations.

Notably, the MG Series keeps an eye on power efficiency, consuming a mere 7.8W in operational mode. This drive successfully balances energy conservation with high-end performance.

With its Write Cache Technology, the MG Series ensures an extra layer of data security. This tech ensures the preservation of data integrity even during unexpected power outages, reinforcing overall data dependability.

Lastly, the MG Series is equipped with superior vibration management technology, enhancing its lifespan and enabling a smooth and steady performance.

It’s an optimal pick for users who demand durability, eco-friendliness, and swiftness all in one package.

Toshiba N300 hard drive boasts an extraordinary Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) of 1,000,000 hours, making it the perfect steadfast companion for your data storage needs.

Engineered for peak performance, the N300 accelerates at a lightning-fast 7200 RPM, coupled with a data transfer rate of 260 MB/s.

This dynamic duo ensures swift and seamless maneuvering of your data, granting you instant access to your valuable archived files.

But that’s not all – the N300 also demonstrates its dedication to eco-friendly practices and efficient power usage. It sips on a modest 6.9W during operation, showcasing its commitment to energy efficiency and reducing its environmental footprint.

N300 incorporates advanced controls that minimize vibrations. These intricate measures not only enhance the drive’s durability but also guarantee a smooth and uninterrupted performance, ensuring your data remains safe and sound.

With the Toshiba N300, you can rest assured that your data will be securely stored, quickly accessible, and accompanied by eco-conscious efficiency, making it the ideal choice for both reliability and performance.

Environmental Factors

Temperature

The N300 likes to keep its cool, thriving in a temperature range of 0°C to 60°C (32°F to 140°F). It knows how to handle the heat, but it’s always good to ensure it gets proper airflow and cooling hugs to stay within those temperature limits.

The MG Series, on the other hand, has a slight preference for a warmer embrace. It feels most comfortable within the temperature range of 5°C to 60°C (41°F to 140°F).

You need to consider using additional cooling solutions.

Humidity

The N300 is a moisture-sensitive soul, preferring humidity levels between 5% and 90%. It doesn’t like to get too dry or too soggy, so keep it away from excessive moisture and desert-like dryness for its overall well-being.

The MG Series shares a similar sentiment but has a slightly wider range of 8% to 90% humidity. It appreciates a balanced environment, neither too damp nor too arid.

Altitude

When it comes to the height game, both the N300 and the MG Series are equal contenders. They are designed to conquer the skies up to 3,048 meters (10,000 feet).

But beware, if you dare to take them higher, their performance and reliability might start to get a bit wobbly. So, keep them grounded within their altitude comfort zone for peak performance.

Stable Power Supply and Surge Protection

Supercharge your hard drive’s defense against power mishaps with surge protectors and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems. Give your hard drive the reliability it craves by providing a stable power source so that no data is lost.

Connectivity

Both the Toshiba N300 and the MG Series come equipped with a cutting-edge SATA 6 Gb/s interface.

This universal connection opens doors to compatibility with various systems, from desktop computers to workstations and storage servers.

Enjoy a reliable and lightning-fast link that effortlessly transfers data between your hard drives and host systems, ensuring smooth operations and efficient performance.

Price Comparison

There’s a minor difference in prices. Toshiba MG Series is priced at $219, while the Toshiba N300 is slightly cheaper at $208.

Toshiba N300 PRO
Toshiba N300 PRO
Toshiba MG Series
Toshiba MG Series

Verdict

Toshiba N300 shines with its unwavering reliability, efficient power usage, and advanced vibration controls.

If you’re in need of a storage solution that can handle heavy workloads while ensuring your data remains safe and accessible, the N300 is the dependable companion you’ve been looking for.

On the flip side, the MG Series is a true powerhouse. With its exceptional durability, impressive MTBF, and blazing-fast rotational speed, it’s built to tackle the demanding needs of enterprise-level storage.

If you find yourself in a data center, server environment, or dealing with resource-intensive applications that demand lightning-quick data access and processing, the MG Series is the sturdy workhorse you can rely on.