Three Hard Drive DAW - SATA 2 and SATA3

I would use the fastest drive for the OS.  Data isn't as critical and a slower drive won't really be noticed. 

Speed is why many are using solid state drives for the boot drive, it's much faster than mechanical drives.

I'd consider putting the OS on the "slower" SATA2 (it isn't that "slow"...) as well and let the SATA3 drives be used for rest of the project data. 

I use a SSD drive for my OS drive and I have to say it definitely makes boot up and applications appear to respond much quicker.  So, I agree with your latest decision (SSD - OS, 2-SATA3 for projects/audio/instruments, SATA 2 for backup).

Tom

Hey Tom and Alegria  thanks for the reply.   I did go with the SSD for the OS.  Can't wait to see how speedy it will be.

If you're looking to buy conventional HDs...
The Western Digital factories were recently wiped out in floods (they supply parts to Seagate - who also own Maxtor).
Thus, at this very moment, HD prices are sky high.  This makes SSD a lot more attractive.
 
If you're using conventional HDs, it really doesn't matter if you connect them to a SATA-II or SATA-III controller.
No single conventional HD is close to saturating the SATA-II bus.
IOW, You'll get the same speed connecting a SATA-III HD to either a SATA-II or SATA-III controller.
 
SSD used as boot drive is faster.
That said, it's not earth-shatteringly different.
A fast conventional HD still makes a great boot drive.
 
The Vertex 3 benchmarks at over 500MB/Sec on reads.
You don't need that kind of speed for tracking audio.
For massive disk-streaming polyphony from sample libraries (like Hollywood Strings), it's a god-send.

I knew that sooner or later you'd come around.

 

Paying $140 for a conventional drive that cost $60 a couple of weeks ago does make SSD (which has been dropping in price) a whole lot more attractive.

Negligible difference in fact and worth it or not in ones opinion.  Obviously there's no harm in having the best technology money can buy for your DAW. 

sandforce in general, and in particular OCZ has had a lot of issues.
OCZ ram has issues OCZ PS's have issues.. etc..
not the best company. with that said my very first SSD (still working) is an indelix controller OCZ.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/4973/sandforce-identifies-firmware-bug-causing-bsod-issue-fix-available-today

just one of numerous...
i prefer non sandforce as i have to be the one supporting and warranting them (i dont tell my clients call the manufacturer)
i prefer crucial and Intel. however i do like Mushkins SF units such as Chronos deluxe. very fast.
 

Jim Roseberry


If you're looking to buy conventional HDs...
The Western Digital factories were recently wiped out in floods (they supply parts to Seagate - who also own Maxtor).
Thus, at this very moment, HD prices are sky high.  This makes SSD a lot more attractive.
 
If you're using conventional HDs, it really doesn't matter if you connect them to a SATA-II or SATA-III controller.
No single conventional HD is close to saturating the SATA-II bus.
IOW, You'll get the same speed connecting a SATA-III HD to either a SATA-II or SATA-III controller.
 
SSD used as boot drive is faster.
That said, it's not earth-shatteringly different.
A fast conventional HD still makes a great boot drive.
 
The Vertex 3 benchmarks at over 500MB/Sec on reads.
You don't need that kind of speed for tracking audio.
For massive disk-streaming polyphony from sample libraries (like Hollywood Strings), it's a god-send.

My vertex 3 runs at around 360. Found out that is pretty normal.

John

Mesh


For the OS, what size SSD do you guys recommend?

For the OS, what size SSD do you guys recommend?

I've got a 160 Gb and it's much too much for just the OS.  Windows 7 64 Bit was in the neighborhood between 12 Gb and 15Gb install size.  I'm sure a SSD with 60 Gb would be more than you will ever need so long as you use it just for the OS.  40 Gb would probably even serve you well.  Personally I like having the extra space.