256 or 512 GB SSD Help me decide

[johnnyindia]

Bought a 256GB new MBP but having second thoughts that I should have got the 512GB version.

I do audio work and was panning on using my external 512GB SSD to host samples (orchestral libraries, piano samples, various other large intensive sample instruments for Kontakt, BFD Drums, etc). Then the 256 internal would host my OS and sessions that I'm currently working on, while using the cloud for backup of past sessions.

Should I exchange the comp for a 512GB so I can have all my samples on the internal drive as well? I read that the internal SSD would be about 6x faster than external (3GB/Sec vs .5GB over USB-C).

Not sure how much this will actually affect my workflow practically. What do you recommend? Upgrade to 512 just incase?

 

[fraternihil]

Asking myself the same question currently. My thoughts on 256GB. Let's say the usable space is 220GB. Subtract (in my case) 50 GB for Ableton Suite (+ Packs), - 5-10 GB of VST plugins = 160 GB left. I have been using a MBAir with 128 GB SSD for the past 5 years for work, currently 77GB in use. Let's say, I allocate roughly 100 GB for work, documents etc, then I would have 60 GB left for samples, photos etc. I was too thinking of putting samples and music on an external drive. I suppose the question is whether you are moving with the machine often or whether it's just sitting on the desk all the time (in which case you could just plug in an external hdd). Loading samples and packs from an external hdd has been rather slow and inconvenient for me on the MBAir (USB 2.0 only), so I think that a USB3 connection would remedy that problem.

 

[dgiles79]

Personally I would go with 512GB, I just feel that 256GB is too limiting.

 

[nlupient]

Fighting with your computer for the next 3-4 years over $200 is not worth it.

 

[JackieInCo]

Last year, I started out with the 256GB MBP and after a week, realized, as mentioned above, I would constantly be worried about space. I exchanged it for the 512GB model and have been happy with my decision since. 512GB or more is the way to go.

 

[Fzang]

Fighting with your computer for the next 3-4 years over $200 is not worth it.

Especially if your job depends on it.

What else could you do with just $200?