Using an HDD for editing: is it any good, does it affect performance and should you buy an HDD? I did the test!

 

PROS

• It has built in security features
• Cheap price for 4TB of space
• Works very fast
• No difference in speed when editing on Premiere compared to an SSD
• It’s very rugid
• Looks good

CONS

• Writing speed is slower compared to an SSD (for example when you import files)
• It’s not completely quiet because of the motor inside
• You need to format it for Mac

VERDICT

I was always wondering whether there’s a big difference between using an SSD or an HDD while editing. WD sent over their MyPassport Ultra 4TB HDD and I compared it to MyPassport 1TB SSD, which I have been using for the last 2 years. I searched the web on this subject and never found a good and clear answer whether an HDD is good enough. After testing I have to say that it really is. I found no differences in editing whatsoever and all the files are directly on the HDD, so Premiere reads them from there. Off course the Macbook Pro that I use is fully specced out, so I don’t know whether it would make a difference on slower PC’s. However, writing speeds are slower compared to an SSD when I import my files from my SD-card. Overall very satisfied with this drive. For only 130$ you get 4TB extra space with no difference in editing speeds. Nice! You can find the HDD here.