Hard Drive and Connection Types

Choosing the right external storage for your photos can feel overwhelming, especially with so many types of drives and connection options available. Common questions include: What kind of drive should I use? How much space do I need? How do I connect it to my computer? This section will help you understand the different drive types, connection methods, and configurations, so you can make an informed choice that works seamlessly with Mylio Photos.

HDD vs. SSD: What’s Best for You?

External drives generally fall into two categories: HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and SSD (Solid-State Drive). Both can work well with Mylio Photos, but the best choice depends on your needs and how you plan to use the drive.

Hard Disk Drives (HDDs)

HDDs are traditional spinning-disk drives and are usually the most cost-effective solution for large storage needs.

Recommended Use:

• Vault storage in Mylio Photos (for long-term backup)
• Home or office setups where speed is less critical

HDD Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Lower cost per GB
• Available in large capacities (up to 20TB+)
• Ideal for long-term storage and backups

Cons:

• Slower read/write speeds
• More fragile due to moving parts—avoid bumps and drops

Solid-State Drives (SSDs)

SSDs are faster and more durable but typically come at a higher cost and smaller capacity.

Recommended Use:

• Fast working drives for photo editing or frequent access
• Traveling or mobile use with laptops and tablets

SSD Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Much faster performance—ideal for editing, previews, and syncing
• No moving parts—durable and shock-resistant
• Smaller and lighter—great for travel
• More energy efficient
  

Cons:

• Higher cost per GB
• Lower maximum capacities than HDDs
  

In Mylio Photos:

Use an SSD for active use on a primary device where speed matters. Use an HDD Vault for long-term backup (Vault).

External Drive Connection Types

External drives connect to your computer via USB or Thunderbolt. The type of connection impacts both speed and stability, especially when managing a large photo library in Mylio Photos.

!IMPORTANT: For the best performance, always match your drive with high-quality, appropriately rated cables and use powered USB hubs when needed. Unpowered hubs often don’t provide sufficient power, which can lead to drives being ejected unexpectedly. This can interrupt backups or—even worse—cause catalog corruption in Mylio Photos.

USB-A (USB 3.0/3.1)

• The most common connector on older computers
• Speeds up to 5 Gbps with USB 3.0
• Widely supported and compatible

USB-C

• Newer, reversible connector standard
• Speeds up to 10–20 Gbps, depending on the version (USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 or USB4)
• Becoming standard on most modern laptops and tablets

Thunderbolt 3 & 4

• Looks like USB-C but offers up to 40 Gbps
• Ideal for high-speed SSDs and advanced workflows
• Fully backward-compatible with USB-C

Drive Configurations: Single Drive, RAID, or NAS?

Mylio Photos works best with directly connected drives or drives connected through powered hubs. Your drive setup should be tailored to the size of your library and your workflow needs.

Single Drives

Most users will be well served by a single external HDD or SSD.

Best for:

• Everyday photo storage
• Vaults for backup
• Travel drives

RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks)

Multiple drives grouped to act as one device—can increase speed, capacity, and/or redundancy depending on the RAID level.

Best for:

• Advanced users with massive libraries or professional needs
• Users who require drive failure protection (e.g., RAID 1 or 5)

NAS (Network Attached Storage)

Drives connected over a network (wired or wireless), accessible by multiple devices.

Best for:

• Power users and families with multiple devices
• Vaults or shared libraries in multi-user households

Caveats:

• Speed depends on your network—slower than direct-connected drives
• Requires advanced technical setup
• Ideal as a secondary Vault, not your primary working drive

*NOTE: RAID and NAS setups are complex. Use caution and ensure you understand the benefits and risks of your configuration.