Can you use a Shared File Area (SFA) as a scratch disk?

[brendar44810707]

I keep running into the scratch disk full error and I'm wondering if I can use a folder on a SFA as a new scratch desk instead of my computer. I try to delete and clean up my files often but I'm assuming my laptop doesn't have enough space. If that's not possible, what is recommended? My team would rather not use external hard drives.

[kevin stohlmeyer · Accepted solution]

Hi @brendar44810707 SFA is not really recommended, mainly due to connection speeds.

You'd be better off moving files to the SFA to free up your local HD. Depending on your workflow I'd start with at least 100 GB free space - how much do you currently have?

[brendar44810707]

Hi! Okay, that makes sense. I have 8.33 GB free. My capacity is 499.96 GB with most of it going to system data but about 130 GB for docs so I should get some space back after moving files. 

[Test Screen Name]

Keep at least 100GB free. Performance will become terrible when the disk is nearly full and may never recover. You really need a bigger disk for heavy duty apps. 

[brendar44810707]

Ah okay. If I were to upgrade, what would the minimum size disk you would recommend? I do use the programs every day for creating illustrations, social media graphics, photo editing, etc. Not huge files though. 

[D Fosse]

It has to be a local, physical disk.

External disks may or may not work, but will never be a particularly good solution.

Sufficient disk space is just required for Photoshop to work efficiently. There's no way around it.

[brendar44810707]

Got it. Thank you!

[kevin stohlmeyer]

@D Fosse external disks would work if the connection is fast enough. I use an external SSD with USB-C/Thunderbolt connection for my scratch disk at home with no issue. Never a server or shared source.

@brendar44810707 I would go as big as your machine allows TBs are what you are looking at not 1 TB, 500 GB - that way you can partition the drive one for scratch disk, the other for storage. I prefer not to mix the two.