Sorting confusion via Computer Workstation

  • Thread starter Thread starter AddisonXI
  • Start date Start date
AddisonXI

AddisonXI

Argumentative...
Question. I hear people recommend an external hard drive for your music work. I have two hard drives in my system, one the OS and DAW is on..runs at about 5400rpm, 160 gb. The other I have runs at 7200rpm and is 1 tb. Do i still need an external drive or could I use the second harddrive for saving my work? and does the 160 gb HD matter that it is not 7200(like I hear recommended a lot on here? Hope this I worded this well...lol. Thanks much!
 
I am just guessing here, but I would think that the speed of your OS/programs drive might not be as important. Though, that wouldn't make sense why some use SSD for their OS. I do know for a fact that the audio (streaming) drive needs to be 7200 at least. I tried using a cheap 5400 USB drive, designed for backups only, as my audio drive, and it did not do well. Yes, you can use an additional internal drive as your 'audio' drive.

I am curious though, why you would not just get a faster OS drive. It's like $40 for one that size, if that.
 
well. I'm just working with what I already have. I still haven't even got to purchase any of my equipment considering I made a deal with my wife that I won't purchase anything til I've saved 1000 dollars. ^_^ So, I'm just sorting out all the details that I can before hand. But if I really don't need a new OS hd I'd rather not buy one. :) But if it will help I'll definitely look into it. Thanks for the quick reply.
 
What are you running for a PC? SATA or IDE drives? I have many small drives just awaiting trash pickup. If better than what you have, I could just send one to ya. :)
 
i would appreciate it there was better but if not it is no worries my friend.
 
Asrock A780GMH / AM3 AMD Phenom II 2 720 2.8ghz X3 HDMI - motherboard and cpu. 4 gb ram
 
Just my 2c but if that is a 160GB IDE 5400 drive I'm guessing you didn't buy it yesterday...
The reason most use a SSD for the OS drive is for relaiability / stability / speed
A small SATA 7200 + drive would do the same job - these are relatively cheap, reload your OS and DAW / other progs / then do a full backup onto your second drive (before you start using the PC) and save yourself a heap of heartache when your drive crashes.
The logic behind the external drive is so that you can take your work off site / put it in a fire safe / keep it from being damaged by the PC - you could achieve the same thing by doing DVD or stick backups.
 
:) Thank you for your input. I'll start looking. SSDs are still so expensive though right? but the 7200 SATAs would suffice?

(off topic for a sec) - anybody listen to the new blink-182 album?
 
I'll put my two cents in, also: stick with what you've got. Stream your audio to the 1TB drive and run your DAW from the 160GB drive. Defrag often (speaking of which... :o ) and keep your cpu load to a minimum and you'll be fine.

I agree with backing up your 160gb drive to the 1TB drive. After loading up everything you want/need, make an image. Here is a good (and free) program I use:

DriveImage
If you ever lose your OS drive, a quick restore brings it back to where you started.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top