Helpful ReplyWhat is the best way to configure a DAW using multiple drives?

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David W. Ganem
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2016/10/28 04:22:07 (permalink)

What is the best way to configure a DAW using multiple drives?

Currently, I am using a modified HP Pavilion m9300t CTO. Intel Core 2 Quad CPU Q6700 @ 2.66GHz 2.67GHz 8.00 GB RAM
64-bit OS, x64-based processor. Running Windows 10 Pro 64-bit and SONAR Platinum.
My C: Drive is a SanDisk X400 128GB SSD SATA III 6GB (contains OS and SONAR) 
     E: Drive is Samsung HD161HJ 160GB 7200RPM 8MB Cache SATA III (contains Page File)
     J: Drive is WD My Book 1230 3TB USB External Hard Drive (*Free, but I intended to use it for "Libraries" etc.)
When I first configured in this way, the Boot time was 23-24 seconds. But as time goes on, it takes much longer (at times almost a full minute). And initially, it seemed 128GB would be plenty, but the OS footprint has continued to creep up to the disk limit due to Windows Defender and Cumulative Updates. I now have 111GB used and 7.22GB free. I am thinking I would have been better off to use C: for OS only, and SONAR on E: (not sure now if the external drive J: should be used at all).
Money can be an issue for me. I'm on a very tight budget.
#1
patm300e
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Re: What is the best way to configure a DAW using multiple drives? 2016/10/28 08:06:11 (permalink)
Make sure you look at where Command Center is downloading files,  This can get huge:
 
http://forum.cakewalk.com/Command-Centre-Downloads-folder-m3183233.aspx
 

SPLAT on a Home built i3 16 GB RAM 64-bit Windows 10 Home Premium 120GB SSD (OS) 2TB Data Drive.  Behringer XR-18 USB 2.0 Interface. FaderPort control.
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dwardzala
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Re: What is the best way to configure a DAW using multiple drives? 2016/10/31 09:46:24 (permalink)
And also windows update files.
 
I would suggest upgrading the 160GB HDD to 500GB or 1TB and loading most of your applications on it.  You can get a WD Black 1TB drive for $75 from newegg.
 
Alternatively you could upgrade your SSD to 256GB and you should have plenty of room for Sonar and the OS.

Dave
Main Studio- Core i5 @2.67GHz, 16Gb Ram, (2) 500Gb HDs, (1) 360 Gb HD
MotU Ultralite AVB, Axiom 49 Midi Controller, Akai MPD18 Midi Controller
Win10 x64 Home
Sonar 2017.06 Platinum (and X3e, X2c, X1d)
 
Mobile Studio - Sager NP8677 (i7-6700HQ @2.67MHz, 16G Ram, 250G SSD, 1T HD)
M-Box Mini v. 2
Win 10 x64 Home
Sonar 2016.10 Platinum
 
Check out my original music:
https://soundcloud.com/d-wardzala/sets/d-wardzala-original-music
 
 
#3
Jim Roseberry
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Re: What is the best way to configure a DAW using multiple drives? 2016/10/31 16:42:32 (permalink) ☄ Helpfulby robert_e_bone 2016/10/31 20:54:52
As a conventional HD gets full, it'll get significantly slower.
SSD doesn't have this issue.
 
  • Boot drive:  OS/Applications
  • Audio drive:  Project/Audio files
  • Samples drive:  Disk-streaming sample libraries
 
Scale the number and size of drives based on your needs.

Best Regards,

Jim Roseberry
jim@studiocat.com
www.studiocat.com
#4
soens
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Re: What is the best way to configure a DAW using multiple drives? 2016/11/03 19:33:08 (permalink)
My laptop has 3 internal drives but a common USB3 external drive for projects wouldn't be a bad idea especially if you have 2 different systems running Sonar.
#5
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