I'm currently using a SanDisk 7.68TB G-Drive Pro External SSD for video post-production at work. It's connected via Thunderbolt 3, but I'm wondering if it would deliver better performance and stability if I removed the SSD from the enclosure and installed it directly in my PC (specifically, a ProArt X870E with a Define 7 XL case). Since I only use the drive on one PC, portability isn't really an issue for me. I'm concerned that the Thunderbolt 3 connection might be bottlenecking the SSD's potential. Would this switch to internal installation be advisable, or would it cause unnecessary hassle? I appreciate any insights!
1 Answer
Thunderbolt 3 can handle up to 40 Gbps, which is more than enough speed on a capable port. Enterprise SSDs are typically 22110, and most modern motherboards can support that size. Personally, I'd recommend keeping the drive in its external enclosure unless you have a compelling reason to change it.
Keep in mind that while it can handle 40 Gbps, the enclosure's controller may limit that to around 26 Gbps for actual SSD data. Moving it internally could offer a slight speed boost on a native PCIe connection, especially since your motherboard likely has slots for a 22110 drive. Just something to consider!