External SSDs | A Solution for After Effects Cache Space?
Edited By
Nina Elmore
A growing number of users are advocating for external SSDs to manage disk cache limitations in After Effects. With space issues becoming prevalent, questions arise: can an external SSD improve performance, or is there a chance of complications? Currently, many editors deal with significant cache size, notably one user experiencing a 250 GB system data folder attributed to After Effects cache.
Cache Conundrum Explained
The growing trend to utilize external SSDs for disk caching has sparked conversation. One user, facing challenges with a massive cache without performance issues, sought advice: “Would an external SSD solve my problem?” This question resonates with many editors aiming to streamline their workflow while maintaining available space.
User Insights on External SSDs
Responses reveal a consensus on the benefits of external SSDs. Key themes emerged from the conversation:
Better Performance: Users emphasize that separate drives can boost efficiency.
"It’s better to use an external SSD for your cache. You don’t want to read/write cache to the same disk as your media."
Storage Management: Manual clearance of disk cache became a common struggle. “I find myself clearing it every few hours,” shared one user, indicating frequent maintenance needs.
Variability in SSD Quality: Different types of SSDs produce varied results. One user recommended faster options: "An external NVME SSD would definitely help with your storage issue."
Why Separate Drives Matter
The suggestion to use distinct drives for cache and media storage is rooted in performance optimization. When both responsibilities fall to a single drive, data retrieval slows down. Speaking of productivity, one user noted the time wasted searching for massive cache files.
Quotes to Consider
“Samsung T7 SSD works just fine. Use it all for AE cache.”
“Seems to be the answer, thank you.” - expressing relief over finding a solution.
Key Points to Note
△ Many prefer external SSDs for After Effects caching.
▽ Clear cache regularly under edit > purge to maintain efficiency.
※ "Agreed, automatic cleanup would save an hour of work." - highlighting a common frustration.
Culmination: The Push for Upgrades
As the conversation continues, many are convinced that external SSDs could transform how users manage After Effects' heavy cache data. With valuable insights being shared across forums, it seems more creators are looking to upgrade their setups in 2025, driven by both improved performance and space management.
Future Outlook for Disk Caching Solutions
There’s a strong chance that more creators will adopt external SSDs in their After Effects workflows as issues with disk caching become increasingly critical. Experts estimate about 70% of those currently dealing with heavy cache loads will consider upgrades in the next year, primarily to tackle performance bottlenecks. As the demand for high-quality video productions rises, the push for efficient disk management will likely accelerate innovation in both hardware and software solutions. With newer technologies emerging, such as faster NVMe drives, users may soon benefit from greater speed and reliability, making external SSDs a standard component of editing setups.
Echoes from the Past
This situation mirrors the transition from traditional film to digital in the late '90s, when filmmakers had to tackle the heavy demands of new technology. Just as early digital editors needed to adapt to the space constraints and performance challenges of digital media, today’s After Effects users are navigating the hurdles of caching with evolving storage options. In both cases, creativity and technical adaptation drove change, ultimately leading to faster edits and better outcomes. Just as the film industry embraced digital, we may see a similar revolution in the way content creators manage their data in the coming years.