Media disk upgrade - Sata SSD vs M.2 NVME - R3D, prores etc.

[willferox]

Hello I'm considering upgrading my media drive -  4TB Sata SSD to an 8TB M.2 NVME. The reason is to increase capacity and read / write speeds.

I edit RED R3d files, Prores (usually 422HQ) and MXF, both HD and 4K. I generally don't edit 8K but might do in the future. I typically have 1-3 tracks on my timeline, each with Lumetri colour applied.

Side note: I have noticed by Sata SSD usage is over 80% when I import files into a project and peaks are generated. The SSD also jumps to over 80% when I synchronize audio/video files. I have my cache and video/audio previews set to a dedicated M.2 drive.

My question is: Do you think I'll notice a significant increase in performance? Do you think my workflow would see a benefit from this upgrade?

My Computer and my background:
Intel 13900KS
64GB DDR5 Ram
Nvidia RTX A4000 16GB VRAM
M.2 Cache
M.2 OS / Software
Premiere Pro / Photoshop / Bridge
I'm a director/producer and editing is a significant part of my work.

Thanks!

[R Neil Haugen]

Most of the recommendations I've seen have suggested the best performance in Premiere these days is typically to have the OS/programs on an Nvme, and if possible, all Premiere's cache files also on a separate Nvme.

Modern internal high-speed SSD cards are typically good enough for most needs, but ... if you're running mulitple 'heavy' streams, you might very well get better playback on an added Nvme. There are cards you can add to your mobo that have Nvme connectors on them, that are highly rated.

I am considering getting one myself. And putting a couple large SSDs on them. Some colorist friends have told me to just break down and get a decent 10Gbe external RAID array ... but as it would be several times the cost of a card & a couple fast SSDs, I'm not going "there".

Neil

[willferox]

Thanks Neil - my thinking around a 10Gbe RAID is that HDD access times will be slow even with multiple drives, which I couldn't have. I also generally prefer the reliablility, simplicity and quietness of SSD. I will get a RAID for storage.

My thinking around the M.2 vs SSD is that the price of a the Corsair MP600 8TB is £1229 and the cost of 2 x 4TB is about £860. Not a HUGE difference. The M2 has much faster speeds. Samsung 870 EVO 4TB reliability placed at 2400 TB vs the MP600 at 6000 TB. M2 might be smart for future-proofing but it would be reassuring to know if a performance increase is expected.

[david37983013kxbw]

Hello, I knwo this is an old thread but I have the same question today, June 2024.

I have Premere Pro CS6 with a 2T EVO 860 SATA SSD which is jsut about full.  I am getting a 4T 990 pro NVMe.

Should I leave the OS and my applications (CS6) on the SATA and use the NVMe as the video drive? (maybe move scratch & projects there)?

Or, is it worth moving the OS/applications to the NVMe?

In this case, I guess I would just use the 2T as additional storage, along with my 4t HDD archive drive.

Thanks,

David