Capture to Single HDD -- Reliable?

simojo2 wrote on 4/1/2005, 6:16 AM

I'm buying and configuring a computer for a relative. He's going to use the computer for many things, and occasionally use it for video editing. Occasionally is the key word.

I can get a good deal on a Dell 4700, but unfortunately the mobo does not support a second hard drive.

Both of my desktop systems, which get a lot of usage, are dual HDD systems--they work flawlessly, so that's all I have experience with (one is Dell, and one is Intel-based homebrew).

What is the experience for an occasional Vegas user with a single HDD (likely a 7200 rpm SATA 250 GB)? Reasonably reliable for capture and render?

Also, as a related follow up, I know that many people use laptops with Vegas. Aren't these users capturing to single HDD's running at 5400 rpm? Or are laptop users always running external HDD's? My impression was that sustained capture through an external USB 2.0 HDD wasn't any great shakes either.

Thanks in advance.
--John

Comments

Spot|DSE wrote on 4/1/2005, 6:40 AM

In all likelihood, the single drive will be just fine. However, I'd configure the system with a Firewire 400/800 card so he/you can install a second HDD on the system that's just for editing. The capture will likely be fine. Editing will become painful after a while, and it will drag the entire system down.
I didn't realize or know that there are even MOBO's built that won't support at least 2 drives. That's good to know.

simojo2 wrote on 4/1/2005, 7:43 AM

Thanks Spot. I'll go with that.

Regarding the single HDD controller on the Dell mobo, that's what I heard from Dell this morning--I can't confirm that as fact. When I get the machine and crack it open, I'll know for sure.

Redd wrote on 4/1/2005, 8:03 AM

Personally I'm for at least two HD's. The system drive where the OS lives and a second dedicated for video only. Vegas runs from the system drive but all video related activities happens on the Video Drive including capturing, saving edited projects, storing all avi's, mpeg's, sound effects, music, anything I use for video. Works best for me.