For what it is worth, I use a 256GB SSD for my system disk, a 512GB for video workdisk, and offload completed files to a 4TB normal hard drive for storage.

The normal hard disk is in a Vantec removable caddy on my computer so I can easily take it out and fit another to gain access to my older projects. I do not see any point in hybrid drives, it is just the disk manufacturer having a bet both ways.

I originally thought about geting a second SSD drive (250gb) for media files.
Here's my current set up:
1) HDD drive for system and programs. All other stuff like family photoes, documents, etc.
2) AAD drive for media files
3) External HD for backup and archive

I can only afford one drive. Originally I was thinking a 250 SSD,(the current SSD is 120). Then I thought I can get a 2-3tb HHD for around the same price. Still, 120gb is barely enough for what I do not, let alone any expansion.

I've been told it's better have system files on one drive and media on another, and then not to render to the same drive your media is on.... so I'm trying to arrange that way.

240 GB SSD = Boot - Programs
500 GB SSD = Media files
500 GB HDD = Swap File

Note: Before I used the 500 GB HDD for swap file I had problems with the Commit Charge running up to 100% and causing BSOD's. I no longer have that problem. I am running on 8 gig of memory right now but when I had 16 gig I still had that problem especially with Titler Pro 3 with a credit roll and 4k video files. Also with large graphics in Photoshop. That swap file drive has solved a ton of problems and crashes!

Bottom line is, my system did not like not having a swap file even though it hardly uses it. It's just that crazy Commit Charge thing. The 500 GB HDD can handle all of the re-writes.

The SSD for media files speeds-up the editing quite a bit especially when apps use the same drive to process data such as when building peeks or using (Whatever the name of it is) to trim the video files.

Danny Fye
www.dannyfye.com

Having had an opporunity to try both ... an SSD for the system is great, as long as the computer has a 6GB/s SATA interface. If not (i.e. the older 3GB/s SATA) then the "hybrid" SHDD is almost the same performance-wise, cheaper and higher capacity (ideal for upgrading an older laptop). It would probably be fine for VidMus's "media files" drive above too.

To an extent, SSDs are overkill (compared to SHDDs) for anthing other than the OS drive, and once it has booted up, that's it ... applications load faster too, but I really don't mind waiting an extra 20 seconds or whatever for Vegas to load .... it's the render process that's the bottleneck, and SSDs won't help that.

With a fast SSD it makes no difference. A single drive for everything is enough. Use it for system files, programs, , audio,video while working.

a single 512GB SSD drive should be plenty, then another regular drive for archiving and backups.

"and then not to render to the same drive your media is on"

The speed difference between rendering to the same drive and to a different drive is so incredibly minimal as to be inconsequential. Don't bother spending any money on this option.