Choosing the right hard drive matters for video editors because it affects the speed and stability of their workflow. This article outlines the main differences between CMR and SMR, how to check a drive’s recording technology, and how to use each type for data storage.
The main differences between CMR and SMR
— CMR (Conventional Magnetic Recording): data tracks are written side by side without overlapping. This helps provide consistent read and write behavior. CMR drives are suitable for demanding workloads such as video editing.
— SMR (Shingled Magnetic Recording): data tracks partially overlap. This increases drive capacity but may reduce performance during frequent writes. SMR drives can suit archival storage, but may be a poor choice for intensive workloads.
How to identify a CMR drive
1. Check the manufacturer’s specifications. The recording technology may be listed on the product page or in the technical specifications. Look for CMR, especially in specifications for models intended for professional use.
2. Check the exact drive model. Some modern hard drives in entry-level and mid-range product lines use SMR. CMR can be found in some high-performance and server-oriented models. Confirm the recording technology for the exact model you plan to buy.
3. Check the drive label. The recording technology is often not printed on the label, so rely on the model number and the manufacturer’s specifications rather than the label alone.
4. Verify before buying. Ask the seller about the drive model and recording technology, then confirm the details using an official manufacturer source.
5. Treat online reviews as secondary sources. Reviews may mention whether a drive uses CMR or SMR, but the manufacturer’s specifications are the better source for confirmation.
For a list of known SMR drive models, see Habr’s article “Список известных SMR” (List of Known SMR Drives).
If you need to use an SMR drive
1. Use it for storage with infrequent changes. For example, it can hold an archive of large video files.
2. Edit projects on an SSD. Copy the source files to an SSD, edit and process them there, and then move the finished files to the SMR drive. This can reduce the impact of slower writes on the SMR drive during editing.
3. Account for write workload. An SMR drive may slow down during sustained or frequent writes, so it may not suit editing projects with heavy write and read activity.
Conclusion
Choose a drive based on its intended workload and the capacity you need. Keep backup copies of important data on a separate storage device or in another independent location; splitting data across multiple drives is not, by itself, a backup.