what storage for rendering?

[ssccdd]

Hi all, I built a computer for 3D rendering, I have SSD's for the OS and programs, and then I have an old 2TB mechanical drive (seagate) that just started making a whirring sound, so time to replace. I use the Seagate mechanical drive to render image files to, also I have some github repos with thousands of little synced files from npm modules, and it's syncing to my google drive daily, so it's reading/writing a ton.

 

When I built my first computer a decade ago the logic was: keep your storage on a mechanical drive because a) it's cheaper and b) if the drive breaks unlike and SSD you can probably recover it. Is that still the case? I guess if it's syncing to google losing files is not such a big issue anymore.

 

I was thinking of replacing it with a WD black or WD velociraptor. Or should I do another SSD? Want 2 or 3tb.

[jaslion]

Just get a big wd blue. The speed difference between a black or velociraptor is small and not worth the price.

4 minutes ago, ssccdd said:

When I built my first computer a decade ago the logic was: keep your storage on a mechanical drive because a) it's cheaper and b) if the drive breaks unlike and SSD you can probably recover it. Is that still the case? I guess if it's syncing to google losing files is not such a big issue anymore.

This but have a secondary drive as a backup or as you do google drive as one. It's still true to this day.

[Kilrah]

SSD, and obviously you want removable storage to backup everything of value.

[ssccdd]

hmm 2 opposite opinions. any thoughts specifically on longevity for ssd vs mechanical in 2020?

[Kilrah]

Main thought is that you shouldn't rely on drive longevity in the first place. Apart from that, seems about the same. You'll just have way higher performance especially on your "tons of little files" projects on an SSD.

 

I'd have all SSD for working storage if I could afford the capacity, with spinning drives for my backups.

[jaslion]

4 minutes ago, ssccdd said:

hmm 2 opposite opinions. any thoughts specifically on longevity for ssd vs mechanical in 2020?

If you can afford a 2tb ssd that isn't one of the slow ones then go ahead.

[ssccdd]

ok thanks guys, ssd it is!

[doommood]

1 hour ago, ssccdd said:

If the drive breaks unlike and SSD you can probably recover it. Is that still the case?

The SSDs and HDDs break differently. Unlike HDD, SSD's SMART reports that the issue is coming. HDD just starts to live on its own.

Quote

I was thinking of replacing it with a WD black or WD velociraptor. Or should I do another SSD? Want 2 or 3tb.

I had recently got a Samsung EVO 850 2TB for $150. They are cheap now. If you have a budget, get an SSD drive.