The upcoming launch of 30TB hard drives in 2025 is set to revolutionize the storage industry, with Toshiba leading the charge. These high-capacity drives are made possible through two cutting-edge technologies: Heat Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR) and Microwave Assisted Magnetic Recording (MAMR).
HAMR technology utilizes a near-field laser to heat the disk material, significantly improving writing capabilities. While there are concerns about its readiness and reliability, major manufacturers like Seagate are already embracing it. In fact, Seagate recently demonstrated the endurance of a Mozaic 3 HAMR-equipped drive, running flawlessly for over 6,000 hours.
On the other hand, MAMR technology uses microwaves to enhance magnetic recording, with Toshiba being a pioneer in its implementation since 2021. By combining MAMR with Shingled Magnetic Recording (SMR) and stacking 11 platters, Toshiba has achieved a remarkable 31TB capacity.
Larry Martinez-Palomo, Vice President of Toshiba’s Storage Products Division, emphasized the company’s commitment to advancing high-capacity HDDs using both HAMR and MAMR technologies. Toshiba plans to start shipping test HAMR HDDs with capacities ranging from 28 to 30TB in 2025, catering to the increasing demand for reliable and high-capacity storage solutions.
It’s clear that the future of data storage is moving towards larger capacities, with industry players like Toshiba at the forefront of innovation. Stay tuned for more updates on the latest advancements in storage technology.
