… for Random Weirdness

Tip #073: When Do You Need a RAID?

Larry Jordan – https://LarryJordan.com

Storage is more important to video editing that your computer.

RAIDs (Redundant Array of Independent Devices) are the high-speed, high-capacity workhorses of media editing. However, they are also much more expensive than buying a single spinning hard drive.

When should you consider a RAID?

• When you need more capacity than a single drive can provide.
• When you need more speed than a single drive can provide
• When you want protection in case a drive fails. (Though a RAID won’t protect your data if you accidentally erase the wrong file. That’s what backups are for.)

RAIDs cost more than a single drive. They also are not as portable. But, as frame sizes, frame rates, and bit-depth all increase, editors are rapidly reaching the point where a single drive – even a single SSD – is not fast or big enough.

EXTRA CREDIT

How you configure a RAID affects its performance, read Tip #30 to learn more.