Samples from each batch likely get stress tested, and if the batch performs badly they get sold under cheaper model names. Seagate are probably cust cotting by buying up cheaper batches for their brand.
I’m purely speculating here, but it’s common. They do this with CPUs (I think it’s usually the only difference between clock speeds — how well the batch performed) and bicycle components as well. Probably many other things.
WD versus Seagate
They probably all get made in the same factory.
Samples from each batch likely get stress tested, and if the batch performs badly they get sold under cheaper model names. Seagate are probably cust cotting by buying up cheaper batches for their brand.
I’m purely speculating here, but it’s common. They do this with CPUs (I think it’s usually the only difference between clock speeds — how well the batch performed) and bicycle components as well. Probably many other things.