Best internal SATA SSD for ProTools sessions?

[Eric Lambert]

I've always used Samsung Pro (sometimes EVO) SATA SSD internal drives and have been very happy but it's time to replace one that's about 10 years old. It's been quite a while since I was on top of such things so I'm wondering what's considered the best option for reliability and speed. Yes, it does need to be SATA.

This drive will almost exclusively host PT session though an occasional sample library I suppose.

[Darryl Ramm]

Samsung 870 Pro SATA. https://www.amazon.com/SAMSUNG-Inch-...-MZ-77E1T0B-AM

I would avoid the 870 Evo drives, just not worth trying to save money when the Pro are so well priced, and there were some early problems on the Evo.

Remember first thing to do to check your drives bloody firmware versions https://duc.avid.com/showthread.php?t=425632

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The SSD vendor that has slid from my grace is Western Digital over their handling of Sandisk SSD drive corruption. It's very frustrating as I liked WD and knew some of the impressive folks who were at Sandisk in the past.

[Eric Lambert]

Great writeup on firmware! I hadn't seen that before.

Did you mean 860 PRO? I see an 870 EVO, and an 860 PRO, but not an 870 PRO. That link above takes me to a blank page but in searching Amazon manually I still couldn't find an 870 PRO.

In any event, yes, I think the Pro will be the way to go since I did ask for the "best" option.

edit: I see a 970 PRO, but it's NVMe.

[Eric Lambert]

Originally Posted by Darryl Ramm

The SSD vendor that has slid from my grace is Western Digital over their handling of Sandisk SSD drive corruption. It's very frustrating as I liked WD and knew some of the impressive folks who were at Sandisk in the past.

Inexcusable. I liked WD as well but was appalled by their basic denial and botched repair attempts. I nearly bought one of those specific drives just before the news came out but something told me not to.

[Darryl Ramm]

Originally Posted by Eric Lambert

Great writeup on firmware! I hadn't seen that before.

Did you mean 860 PRO? I see an 870 EVO, and an 860 PRO, but not an 870 PRO. That link above takes me to a blank page but in searching Amazon manually I still couldn't find an 870 PRO.

In any event, yes, I think the Pro will be the way to go since I did ask for the "best" option.

edit: I see a 970 PRO, but it's NVMe.

Oh sorry I'm tired, I meant to say 870 Evo, avoid the 870 QVO as there is not much reason. There was going to be an 870 Pro at one time and I guess it was just too crowded a space. The 860 Pro are often at silly prices with scammers selling to folks who think they need a "860 Pro" or "Pro" drive.

https://www.amazon.com/SAMSUNG-Inch-.../dp/B08QB93S6R

(970 Pro was a nice PCIe/NVMe drive in it's day but the 980/990 are the current ones to get).

[Eric Lambert]

I'm definitely not going after a QVO. I do have two 870 EVOs for sample libraries and they've solid been solid.

[audiolex1]

Originally Posted by Darryl Ramm

Samsung 870 Pro SATA. https://www.amazon.com/SAMSUNG-Inch-...-MZ-77E1T0B-AM

I would avoid the 870 Evo drives, just not worth trying to save money when the Pro are so well priced, and there were some early problems on the Evo.

Remember first thing to do to check your drives bloody firmware versions https://duc.avid.com/showthread.php?t=425632

--

The SSD vendor that has slid from my grace is Western Digital over their handling of Sandisk SSD drive corruption. It's very frustrating as I liked WD and knew some of the impressive folks who were at Sandisk in the past.

That Amazon link is dead.

I can't find an 870 Pro on amazon. I don't think it exists.

I've had 1 problem out of 15 EVO drives of the 870s.

The 870 EVO has been solid for me.

[dominicperry]

I'm looking at an 870 QVO 8TB, (used as an external, with an adapter) as I have a problem with USB spinners disconnecting from my MBP M1 Max (not an uncommon problem apparently). What are the problems with the 870 QVO that I need to be aware of, as there don't seem to be any other 8TB SDDs available...just need something big for backups.


Dominic

[JFreak]

I have the 870 QVO as backup drive. It is solid 350MBPS drive limited by SATA interface.

[Farhoof]

Half my 870 evo's died, all due to faulty firmware. If you are running firmware version SVT01B6Q update is asap. Also do a sector scan for bad blocks.
All my drives were replaced under warranty (even the ones out of warranty).