Hey everyone! I'm looking for advice on a portable SSD that can handle 4K video editing. My friend needs something that's externally portable, and I'm not sure where to start. I've considered getting an M.2 4TB SSD and putting it in a compatible enclosure, like one with an RTL9210B controller. Here are my requirements: 1) It should come from a reputable brand, ideally with in-house design; 2) I'm leaning towards a DRAM-less option to avoid overheating in the enclosure; 3) It needs solid sequential read speeds and good IOPS for 4K editing, but I'm not sure what that entails since I'm new to video production; 4) Once the cache is full, it should have decent write speeds with native TLC/QLC; 5) And, ideally, it should be around $250. So, how does this plan sound? Any recommendations?
2 Answers
There's actually just one 4TB option under $200 that fits your needs pretty well. Check out the Klevv CRAS C910—it's a solid choice and should work fine for your friend! You might also want to think about slightly higher-priced options since there are some great drives just a bit over $200, especially since prices can fluctuate.
When it comes to using an enclosure, remember you'll be limited by USB speeds, which could affect your writing performance, especially if you're relying on SLC cache. Also, don't assume DRAM is the only factor for heat; it just often comes with better controllers. The Crucial T500 is pretty efficient, but for 4K, you might have to test the setup yourself to see if it meets your friend's needs. For solid options, consider the Kioxia Exceria, but you'll likely need to remove its heatsink for some enclosures. If you're fine with the slower speeds of QLC, the Crucial P3 Plus could be a good contender too!
Haha, yeah! A little flexibility in budget can help find better options. Just keep an eye out for price changes; PCPartPicker isn't always spot on.