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Which is better SSD or HDD for video editing?

Written by Jody Sappington | Jul 24, 2023 3:00:00 PM

Introduction

As a video editor, you know how much storage space and speed impact your workflow. The type of drive you choose can make all the difference when it comes to editing and rendering. Two popular types of drives are Solid-State Drive (SSD) and Hard Disk Drive (HDD). But which one is better for video editing? In this blog post, we will compare the pros and cons of both SSD and HDD to help you make an informed decision.

1. Speed

One of the most significant advantages of SSDs over HDDs is speed. SSDs are much faster as they do not have any spinning disks, which minimizes the lags and delays that might occur during rendering. This makes video editing smoother, especially for demanding video projects that need higher speed. With an SSD, you can save time rendering and get your projects done faster. On the other hand, HDDs may be slower due to the read/write time that takes longer when pushing data through the disk drive's platters.

2. Capacity

When it comes to storage capacity, HDDs are the clear winner. They offer far more space for the money, making them excellent choices for large video projects that demand a lot of space. HDDs are popular among those who handle multiple video projects as they can store large files. SSDs, on the other hand, offer limited storage space, which can be an issue if you're working with larger video files.

3. Durability

SSDs are far more durable than HDDs. Unlike HDDs with spinning disks, SSDs are less prone to mechanical failures or data loss due to physical damage. In addition, SSDs have no moving parts, making them more durable and reliable to use. As a video editor, you always want to protect your data. An SSD can offer more protection than an HDD.

4. Cost

Cost can be a determining factor when choosing between SSDs and HDDs. HDDs are much less expensive than SSDs for a given storage capacity. Elements such as size, performance requirements, reliability, and age affect this cost. Depending on your budget, you may find it more practical to choose an HDD over an SSD.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing between SSDs and HDDs for video editing, there is no clear winner. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, primarily depending on the purpose of use. SSDs offer faster and more reliable performance suitable for smaller projects, but you may find that the storage capacity is limiting. HDDs offer large storage capacity and are cheaper, making them an ideal choice for editors working on significant video projects. 

To learn more about getting your team set up for success, check out this blog: Choosing the Right Video Storage