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Raid choices, thunderbolt adapter choices, and the struggle with futureproofing
Hello,
I am on the verge of upgrading my storage and editing drives. I’m eyeing an OWC or GTECH Raid 5, or maybe just a RAID 1. The question, however, lies in the decision on whether to get a T3 RAID PLUS an adaptor, vs a T2 RAID straight to my older iMac, which has T2 only.
Does using an adaptor increase any possibility of dropframes or other issues? I know speed will remain at T2. My aim is on keeping the media in full form.
Theortically, I will be upgrading my iMAC in the next 2 years, but I won’t do so until absolutely necessary. The Bigger Question is – why is futureproofing our work so expensive, constant, and annoying? Thanks – A -
3 Replies
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No one is making a new Thunderbolt 2 RAID array. Thunderbolt 3 is the current RAID’s (compatible with Thunderbolt 4). You cannot future proof. You will spend money on electronic equipment until you die. This is how all electronic companies make so much money. When you refuse to update, they make sure that your older computers will not run the new operating system, or will not be able to run the new software. And all the companies want to always sell you new software, so they can make money – and this requires the new operating system for computers – which of course, needs to run on newer computers. The same thing applies to drives. And don’t worry about the drives – because drives fail, after about 5 years. SATA drives fail, and yes – SSD drives fail. So you will keep buying those – FOREVER. How do you avoid spending money on new equipment for 10 years ? You don’t – you can’t. Not if you do this for a living. You will always spend your hard earned money on new equipment. Everyone in the world does this. We are not working with antique wonderfully made piano’s and violins – all this electronic equipment becomes obsolete. And these days – it seems quicker than ever.
Bob
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What a great, thorough response, Bob. We are not even working with automobiles or 16mm film equipment that functioned with regular maintenance for decades. Even software that has no physical embodiment and can run flawlessly forever will fail when it runs up against a new computer operating system. What a system! At least we can keep current systems running for a few years at a time, thought the electronic companies will try to sell us new versions every few months. They change even faster than fashion seasons. Films/videos/shows/programs are as ephemeral as people.
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Robert, can I make the assumption from this conversation, that I can happily purchase a T3 Raid, plus a T2 adaptor, until I am ready to purchase a new iMAC?
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Thanks Bob and Robert. Bob, your repsonse is indeed wonderful. However, I think there is a happy medium between an argument of *never* having to upgrade, vs. upgrading every time you turn your head. Remember when we could add storage and memory to macs? Remember when macs had ports? Of course we all do, and, of course I will happily upgrade when needed. But I also do not like the amount of waste our industry creates in this constant pursuite with an ever diminishing desire for futureproofing. I find it somewhat foul and arrogant, to be honest.
here are the OWC T2 Raids I am considering: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?q=OWC%20%20raid&filters=fct_bays_2549%3A4%2Cfct_drive-speed-type_975%3A7200-rpm%2Cfct_interface_932%3Athunderbolt-2
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