I have a desktop computer with two drives, one is an SSD with OS and programs, and the other is a regular HD which is only used for storage. The HD is 4 TB. I have a lot of video and photo files on there, among other things. I am running out of storage on the 4TB drive. One thing to note is that I use Adobe Lightroom 5 (the older desktop version) and video editing software and whatnot, and the catalog and files and everything are linked up. So, if I move them elsewhere, crap will hit the fan. I am not sure the best plan of action and thought I would get some feedback on my ideas.
Here is what I want to accomplish:
- Increase the storage capacity to rectify the problem of running out on the 4 TB. Ideally I'd like to go to 8TB+
- Keep everything basically at the same "path" / "location" so when I use Lightroom and other software it will still see all the things where they are expected and literally nothing will change, except having more space.
My thoughts are to maybe:
- get an 8TB HD or whatever, and then somehow copy all of the files off of the 4 TB. Then, replace the 4 TB with the 8TB. Then, update the drive Letter of the new drive to the same letter as the old drive, theoretically keeping everything set up the same but just with a larger drive now. I am not sure if this plan would work how I think it would, and I'm not sure the best way to accomplish it. The files need to be copied over without error, obviously.
- or somehow do something more complex but more scalable, like set up a special external storage system which can be expanded indefinitely with more drives. The problem with this option is that A. it's way beyond my knowledge, and beyond my ability to spend much time on figuring it out, and 2. It seems like it might cost more up front.
Not sure if this is relevant to the storage increase need, but note that the drives or whatever solution needs to be "fast" (not SSD fast, but just better quality HD fast) since I am editing HD video and browsing thousands of photos, etc. Currently I use the WD black performance drive and it's decent. Someday I'd love to get a huge SSD but the cost is too high right now.
I think that's it. If I forgot anything I'll add it later or answer any questions. I appreciate any help you can offer.
Here is what I want to accomplish:
- Increase the storage capacity to rectify the problem of running out on the 4 TB. Ideally I'd like to go to 8TB+
- Keep everything basically at the same "path" / "location" so when I use Lightroom and other software it will still see all the things where they are expected and literally nothing will change, except having more space.
My thoughts are to maybe:
- get an 8TB HD or whatever, and then somehow copy all of the files off of the 4 TB. Then, replace the 4 TB with the 8TB. Then, update the drive Letter of the new drive to the same letter as the old drive, theoretically keeping everything set up the same but just with a larger drive now. I am not sure if this plan would work how I think it would, and I'm not sure the best way to accomplish it. The files need to be copied over without error, obviously.
- or somehow do something more complex but more scalable, like set up a special external storage system which can be expanded indefinitely with more drives. The problem with this option is that A. it's way beyond my knowledge, and beyond my ability to spend much time on figuring it out, and 2. It seems like it might cost more up front.
Not sure if this is relevant to the storage increase need, but note that the drives or whatever solution needs to be "fast" (not SSD fast, but just better quality HD fast) since I am editing HD video and browsing thousands of photos, etc. Currently I use the WD black performance drive and it's decent. Someday I'd love to get a huge SSD but the cost is too high right now.
I think that's it. If I forgot anything I'll add it later or answer any questions. I appreciate any help you can offer.
