Seagate SeaShield

SeaShield was a physical electrostatic protection shield feature of Seagate Medalist series hard drives, and followed by the Barracuda series of hard disk drives.

Physical characteristics

The shield is made of two pieces, the top is made of metal, serves as physical protection for the electronics and mounted on the bottom side of hard drive, fastened with a metal hook to the electronics board, and with two Torx screws. The metal shield covers the electronic circuit and electronic cables leading to the hard disk drive motor and drive head. Below the metal shield, there is a layer of foam, which serves as the actual electrostatic protection.

Other purpose

The metal shield is covered with a plastic label, which contains instructions on disk installation, and various physical jumper setups.

Future

The SeaShield has disappeared from modern hard drives, and no other hard drive manufacturer ever used similar protection on hard drives.

External Resources

# Seagate Barracuda SATA V Review http://www.lostcircuits.com/advice/sata150/10.shtml
# Russian Baracuda SATA Review http://www.composter.ru/Environ/wa/Main?textid=3792&level1=articles