Our take
Consider the Seagate USB 2.0 Portable 160GB only for a defined legacy-storage task where its capacity and connection fit. Seagate lists the exact ST9160821U2-RK model at 160GB, USB 2.0, 5400 RPM, and 8MB cache; its 2006-era family datasheet describes a 2.5-inch drive powered over USB. That pairing can simplify a modest archive on a compatible older host, but 160GB and the old interface are limiting for a new primary-backup workflow. The actual drive condition, current host support, present offer, and cable included with any offer are not established.
A finite legacy-storage task on a host verified to recognize the specific drive, with another independent copy kept elsewhere.
Buyers who need a large current archive, a documented USB 3.0 interface, verified support for a present-day operating system, or a unit with confirmed condition and accessories.
Pros & cons
What could work for you, and what to consider before buying.
What works in its favor
- Seagate identifies the exact ST9160821U2-RK model as a 160GB USB 2.0 drive with 5400 RPM and 8MB cache.
- The family datasheet describes a 2.5-inch portable format and USB bus power, so the documented design does not require a separate adapter.
- Its USB 2.0 interface is explicit, which helps a buyer screen for a known older host connection instead of guessing from connector shape.
What to weigh up
- 160GB is a small nominal capacity, with less space available after formatting and system allocation.
- USB 2.0 is an older connection for large transfers; the saved sources do not provide a measured transfer result for this drive.
- Seagate's support page warns that vintage-product support may no longer be eligible, and current compatibility, offer identity, cable, and unit condition remain unknown.
The key details
| Model covered | ST9160821U2-RK |
|---|---|
| Advertised capacity | 160GB |
| Drive configuration | 2.5-inch, 5400 RPM HDD; ST9160821U2-RK |
| Host connection | USB 2.0 |
Performance figures are manufacturer claims. Source checked October 8, 2026. Regional models and included accessories can differ.
What the features mean for you
Is this the exact 160GB Seagate model?
The model code is the useful identity boundary. Seagate's support page lists ST9160821U2-RK as a USB 2.0 160GB Portable External Hard Drive and gives its 5400 RPM spindle speed and 8MB cache. The old source-row ASIN is only a historical clue; it does not establish that a current Amazon result is this exact model. Keep the complete code with the capacity when checking an offer, and compare the label on the actual unit. A nearby Seagate portable listing can have a different capacity or interface even when the family name looks similar.
Will USB 2.0 fit the computer you plan to use?
This model's documented primary connection is USB 2.0. That is a clear fit only when the host offers a usable USB path and recognizes the drive; the source does not establish present-day support for every computer, operating system, adapter, or dock. USB 2.0 also sets an older interface ceiling for large copies. The 5400 RPM and 8MB cache entries identify the drive, but neither is a measured file-transfer speed. If the routine involves frequent large backups, compare a newer documented connection and confirm the host path before choosing.
How much work fits on 160GB?
The 160GB figure is nominal capacity, not a promise of 160GB of free file space after formatting. It can be enough for a narrowly defined older document set or a small transfer, but it leaves little room for growth compared with the 400GB Pushbutton Backup, 500GB Expansion SSD, 1TB LaCie configuration, or 3TB HGST model in this current comparison. Those larger capacities belong to different interfaces, storage types, and power arrangements, so size alone does not make them interchangeable. Start with the actual data set and leave headroom rather than treating the advertised number as usable space.
Can it travel without a separate power adapter?
The Seagate family datasheet describes these portable drives as powered by the USB bus and labels the design as a 2.5-inch drive. That can reduce what a person needs to plug in at a desk or while moving between compatible computers. The datasheet's original package contents include a USB cable, but that historical package list does not establish what a current seller includes or the condition of an old cable. Check the specific offer and unit. A family power description is evidence about the documented design, not a guarantee that a particular aging drive will power reliably from every host port.
What do the old system requirements mean today?
The 2006-era datasheet lists Windows XP, Me, 2000 Pro, or 98SE and Mac OS 9.x or 10.2.8 and later. Those are historical requirements, not a compatibility statement for a current operating system. Seagate's support page now warns that this vintage product and associated software may no longer be eligible for support under its Vintage Product Support Policy. That warning does not say a drive cannot operate, but it means current vendor support should not be assumed. The saved material does not confirm present software support, warranty eligibility, or host recognition. Before trusting a unit, check the exact computer and file-system needs and verify that the specific drive mounts and can be read.
When does this old portable drive make sense?
It has a narrow role: a small, finite archive or transfer on a host where USB 2.0 and the specific unit are confirmed to work. The Seagate Expansion SSD offers 500GB and a newer USB 3.0 interface with documented USB 2.0 compatibility, while the 160GB Portable keeps the primary connection simple for a known USB 2.0 setup. The SSD's interface and medium do not prove a measured speed for a particular workload. If 160GB is not enough, choose a larger capacity rather than trying to stretch this model into a growing archive. Keep another independent copy of important files; a single old drive should not be their only home.
What else to compare
Before you buy
What does ST9160821U2-RK identify?
Seagate lists it as a USB 2.0 160GB Portable External Hard Drive with 5400 RPM and 8MB cache. A matching current listing and unit label still need checking.
Does the documented design need a separate adapter?
The family datasheet describes USB bus power. Its original package list includes a USB cable, but the cable and condition of any unit offered today are unknown.
Does Seagate confirm support for a current operating system?
No current host-support claim is established here. Seagate warns that vintage-product support may no longer be eligible; verify recognition on the actual computer before relying on the drive.
Where can I check the current price?
Use the Amazon link for current offers. Check the exact model, seller, product condition, delivery, and return terms. This page does not display a live price or confirm stock.
Sources & review basis
We use the following manufacturer documentation for the product features above. Our suitability notes and buying advice are editorial judgments based on those features, not measured performance results.
- Seagate USB 2.0 Portable Drive support page, exact-model specifications ↗ — checked October 8, 2026.
- Seagate USB 2.0 Portable Drive support page, exact ST9160821U2-RK specifications and Vintage Support notice ↗ — checked October 8, 2026.
- Seagate USB 2.0 Portable family datasheet, 2006 edition ↗ — checked October 8, 2026.
The decision
Consider the Seagate USB 2.0 Portable 160GB only for a defined legacy-storage task where its capacity and connection fit. Seagate lists the exact ST9160821U2-RK model at 160GB, USB 2.0, 5400 RPM, and 8MB cache; its 2006-era family datasheet describes a 2.5-inch drive powered over USB. That pairing can simplify a modest archive on a compatible older host, but 160GB and the old interface are limiting for a new primary-backup workflow. The actual drive condition, current host support, present offer, and cable included with any offer are not established.
Is it the right fit?
Check the exact model and today’s offers on Amazon.