The original post: /r/datahoarder by /u/Poisonslash on 2025-01-24 02:14:08.
Hello Data Hoarders,
I've come to you today seeking your expertise in finding a new backup drive to purchase. It's been quite a while since I've researched storage, and the more I learn, the more questions pop into my head so I figured it would be best to lay it all out here.
So starting off, my main reason for getting a new drive is that I need space for my locally recorded Twitch streams and edited YouTube videos. These are usually 10-20+ Gigabyte files, so I'm looking for a drive that both has a lot of space, while being able to transfer bigger files in a timely manner. Previously I assumed an HDD would be the best option due to the price/storage ratio on SSDs, and currently I'm using a WD Black D10 external HDD to do this, but am about to run out of space, and WD/Canada Computers don't have these in stock.
After searching the Canada Computers website, I noticed there are quite a few different options when it comes to HDDs/SDDs and was wondering the following:
- For a Desktop PC not being used in RAID, does it really matter if the HDD is SMR vs CMR? I see the 8 TB SeaGate Barracudas are a decent price, but looked them up to find they are SMR drives, which people often advise to avoid. For my case would it really matter considering I intend to use the drive as a more long-term storage and won't actively be gaming or constantly reading/writing tons of stuff to it?
- Are there any negatives for using a NAS drive in a PC? I've been told these drives are great for servers since they are made to run 24/7 and are more durable. I run my PC 24/7 so thought perhaps they would last me longer in terms of drive health?
- I've seen a couple posts of people stating in comments to avoid buying external HDDs because they are often 2nd or 3rd tier drives (I don't actually know what they mean by this) and that it's better to buy an on-brand desktop HDD and put it in an enclosure yourself... is there any merit to this claim?
- Are there any real differences between using an internal vs an external HDD? From my understanding aren't most external HDDs just a regular HDD in an enclosure? I kind of like the idea of having an external that can be totally disconnected when not needed, and easily able to bring to a different Pc if I need to share files.
In case it helps, my current setup is a 500 GB Samsung 860 EVO NVMe M.2 (OS Drive), 1 TB Seagate Barracuda HDD (st1000DM003-1CH162 - Swear this thing is like 10+ years old), 1 TB WD Black SN750 NVMe M.2, and my WD Black D10 8TB external.
Thank you so much!
Edit: Since posting I've learned about Shucking Drives. It appears the drive inside of the WD D10 is a Ultrastar DC HC320 that retails for $350 CAD, pretty good since I got the D10 for around $200 - $250 a few years ago.
Comparing the SeaGate Barracuda 8 TB I saw at $189 to another WD D10 8 TB for $250, would it be worth the extra money? The SeaGate is an SMR, while the WD is a CMR.