What's the best way to offload some large files from my MBP?

[davidg4781]

I have a 1TB MBP that's currently at 750GB of usage. 267GB are in Documents and at the top of the list are a several movies I've taken using a GoPro or I've ripped from some VHS tapes (old home movies mostly).

I don't access these on a day to day basis. My original plan is to convert these into smaller files but I'd like to keep the originals. I just bought a My Passport 2TB for Time Machine backups for $80. Would it be best to buy another one for files like this? After they're removed, those files will basically sit in my drawer. Maybe just a USB stick?

 

[gilby101]

I don't access these on a day to day basis. My original plan is to convert these into smaller files but I'd like to keep the originals. I just bought a My Passport 2TB for Time Machine backups for $80. Would it be best to buy another one for files like this? After they're removed, those files will basically sit in my drawer. Maybe just a USB stick?

Yes, but another one for the video files. And yes, they will sit in your drawer. USB sticks are less reliable than a full size SSD - it is a matter risk against cost. You do need to consider backup of the videos as you now only have one copy of the videos (in your drawer).

My suggestion is: SSD big enough for current and future videos (or other large files) that you need to offload. A somewhat larger SSD or HDD to hold a) Time Machine backup of system disk, and b) a copy of what is on the data/video SSD. Usual sizing is twice the system disk for TM, plus space to at least duplicate the offloaded videos.

 

[davidg4781]

OK yeah I was thinking how that might work. I really wouldn't want them to ONLY be in the drawer.

Would I be able to use that TM drive to store other items in a folder? Or would I need to have a separate partition? I bought a 2TB My Passport Ultra but I really wanted a larger one. They were out of stock and I do not currently have a backup solution so didn't want to wait. Maybe I buy a 4 or 5TB one later to store everything and the 2TB to store the video files for the drawer?

 

[gilby101]

Would I be able to use that TM drive to store other items in a folder? Or would I need to have a separate partition? I bought a 2TB My Passport Ultra but I really wanted a larger one.

When you first use the drive for TM, it will create a partition formatted as an APFS container and then create a volume within the container for TM. You can, in Disk Utility, add additional volumes. There is a three level hierarchy.
Disk (My Passport ULtra)
Partition formatted as APFS Container
TM volume
Other volume - for a backup copy of videos.
By default, the TM volume and "Other volume" will share the TB.
This hierarchy is visible in Disk Utility if you enable View > Show All Devices. Note that you will need to reformat the disk for use with your Mac - don't use any WD software.

How fast the TM volume fills depends on the quantity of file changes on your system disk. So you will need to keep an eye on this to make sure it doesn't over fill - I like minimum 20% free.

Obviously bigger is better for the backup, but not for your wallet.

Don't be alarmed if the first TM backup seems slow, subsequent ones will be quicker.

 

[davidg4781]

Alright sounds good! Now I just need to wait a few more days for my new HDD to get here via Amazon Prime.

 

[capamac]

I'd go with a HDD rather than SSD for long-term storage, coz SSDs lose data when left unpowered for a long time.
Plus HDD are cheaper per terabyte.

 

[Fishrrman]

I wouldn't recommend a USB flash drive.

Get TWO external drives:
1 SSD
1 HDD

Use the SSD as your "primary, extenal" storage.
Use the HDD as your BACKUP of your primary external storage.

You could go without the backup if you wish, but then... if something happens to your primary external storage drive... the files will be gone.

 

[MarineBand5524]

I have a 1TB MBP that's currently at 750GB of usage. 267GB are in Documents and at the top of the list are a several movies I've taken using a GoPro or I've ripped from some VHS tapes (old home movies mostly).

I don't access these on a day to day basis. My original plan is to convert these into smaller files but I'd like to keep the originals. I just bought a My Passport 2TB for Time Machine backups for $80. Would it be best to buy another one for files like this? After they're removed, those files will basically sit in my drawer. Maybe just a USB stick?

I use iCloud for all my documents, I keep everything else on an external HD for files and stuff, the ones you're currently not working on (goPro etc) then an external HD just for Time Machine backups.

 

[cjsuk]

I second the advice on here to use multiple devices of multiple types.

SSDs have unknown data retention over time. Even powered SSDs may lose data if cells are not rewritten and whether or not this is done is barely documented by anyone. I've seen (Samsung) disks show corruption after only 2 years cold. Older generation 850 series but you just never know.

I have a 2TB Samsung T7 shield SSD and a 2TB LaCie HDD. One to do things quickly and one for data retention should the other fail.

 

[splifingate]

Adhere to the 3-2-1 Rule

As for the importance of your data:

If you're talking about photos of last Summer's garden (or selfies of your recent beard-trim), I wouldn't worry yourself too much.

If you are holding photos of your newborn's 1st year, multiplication is your friend.

This sounds personal, and I would not trust myself with just having two copies

Make as many copies as you can--on as many different types of media (including Cloud)--afford ($ and space).

You can always delete (or forget) them on down-the-line.

 

[davidg4781]

These are just raw videos from a trip some time back that I took with a GoPro and some imports of older family reunions. It's about 30-40GB in total that is really just sitting there. I want to store the original off my MBP since I really don't use them on a day to day basis. Who knows, I may never need to use them.

My new Time Machine drive came in. I need to set up the extra space for the videos. Any suggestions on either to use a volume or partition?

 

[mfram]

Use a new volume. But keep in mind the files won't be backed up if they are only on one external drive. That's still a single point of failure.