In recent months, reports of counterfeit Seagate hard drives have increased. These drives are sold as new, despite having already accumulated thousands of operating hours. This issue affects both retailers and end customers worldwide, and has been covered by sources such as Heise.de. A key problem is that resetting SMART values often makes it impossible to determine the actual usage time.
With our latest software version, we have developed a solution: Starting from version 6.21 of toolstar®testLX and toolstar®shredderLX, automatic analysis of the Seagate FARM log (Field Access Reliability Metrics) is now possible. This protocol provides deeper insights into a hard drive’s condition that cannot be falsified by manipulated SMART data.
How does it work?
The software automatically reads and analyzes the FARM log. Key values such as “Power-on Hours” or “Head Flight Hours” are checked independently of SMART data. If discrepancies exist between these values, the worst-case value is used for analysis. This provides retailers and IT service providers with a reliable basis for verifying the authenticity of hard drives.
Why is this important?
• Fraud protection: Retailers can verify drives before resale, ensuring trust with their customers.
• Reliable warranty assessment: OEM models without manufacturer warranties are easier to identify.
• More transparency: Buyers can instantly determine whether a hard drive is genuinely new.
First tests show impressive results
Initial analyses have exposed hard drives falsely claiming to have zero operating hours when, in reality, they had run for over 25,000 hours. Thanks to FARM analysis, there is now an effective method to uncover such deceptions.
Advantages of our solution
• Fair and predictable licensing: Pay once, test and erase drives for a full year – no hidden costs or pay-per-use models.
• Time-efficient: Diagnosis and data erasure can be performed simultaneously, saving valuable working hours.
• Maximum security: Our software reliably detects counterfeit hard drives, preventing costly purchasing mistakes.
• Automated analysis: Integrated FARM and SMART evaluations enable quick and easy verification without manual effort.
• Ideal for ITADs, Refurbishers, Brokers, and IT professionals: Whether for individual checks or bulk testing – our solution adapts flexibly to your workflow.
For more details on the implementation, visit Toolhouse’s article: https://www.toolhouse.de/2025/02/25/seagate-field-access-reliability-metrics/
Have you encountered counterfeit hard drives? Contact Toolhouse directly at hoepfler@toolhouse.de!