Why CPU Utilization Is Different When Using Different Hard Drives?

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  1. Posts : 4
    Windows 10
       #1

    Why CPU Utilization Is Different When Using Different Hard Drives?


    Hi all,

    I'm using Corel VideoStudio X8 Pro to edit video files.
    However, I've found an issue about the differences among the speed of exporting video using different external hard drives.

    When I use a 4T Western Digital external hard drive or a 4T Transcend external hard drive to store the original video files and use VideoStudio to edit and export the edited video to an internal hard drive, the CPU Utilization of my laptop maintains at about 89% with a stable and high CPU speed, but when I used some other hard drive including 4T ADATA external hard drive, 1T Seagate external hard drive to store the original video files and export the edited video file to the internal hard drive, the CPU Utilization fluctuates from as low as single digit % to more than 80% and can't maintain at about 89% and causes the total time taken to export the same length of video from the same project becomes a lot slower (50%) than when the WD or Transcend hard drives are used.

    Does anyone know why does this happen and how to make the slower one become faster?

    Thanks!
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 56,804
    Multi-boot Windows 10/11 - RTM, RP, Beta, and Insider
       #2

    Skaine said:
    Hi all,

    I'm using Corel VideoStudio X8 Pro to edit video files.
    However, I've found an issue about the differences among the speed of exporting video using different external hard drives.

    When I use a 4T Western Digital external hard drive or a 4T Transcend external hard drive to store the original video files and use VideoStudio to edit and export the edited video to an internal hard drive, the CPU Utilization of my laptop maintains at about 89% with a stable and high CPU speed, but when I used some other hard drive including 4T ADATA external hard drive, 1T Seagate external hard drive to store the original video files and export the edited video file to the internal hard drive, the CPU Utilization fluctuates from as low as single digit % to more than 80% and can't maintain at about 89% and causes the total time taken to export the same length of video from the same project becomes a lot slower (50%) than when the WD or Transcend hard drives are used.

    Does anyone know why does this happen and how to make the slower one become faster?

    Thanks!
    Sometimes if the write cache is not enabled on the external, it will do that fluctuation. And sometimes it's the reverse. If the drive controller can't keep up with the cache buffer, then things can get into a hurry-up-and-wait mode. Direct I/O is often better than cached buffer, even though that sounds counter-intuative. Check the settings thru Device Manager and tinker to see which will perform better and steadier. Not all drives are created equal. Assuming here that all mentioned drives are 3.0, not 2.0.
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 5,048
    Windows 10/11 Pro x64, Various Linux Builds, Networking, Storage, Cybersecurity Specialty.
       #3

    I agree with Dick.

    I'll also add that external SSD's that are connected via USB 3.1 Gen 2 will push you back in your seat!
    If you check your computer and have that type of port (not USB 3.1 Gen 1) you're in great shape.

    HAGD!
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 4
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #4

    All are USB3.0 and 5400rpm.

    Anyway, I've learnt that the disk cache matters a lot, this should be the reason.

    Thanks.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 5,048
    Windows 10/11 Pro x64, Various Linux Builds, Networking, Storage, Cybersecurity Specialty.
       #5

    The slower rotational speed of 5400 RPM in the portable drives is a factor as well.

    This article might interest you -

    How to achieve the best transfer speeds with external drives | AKiTiO

    FWIW.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 56,804
    Multi-boot Windows 10/11 - RTM, RP, Beta, and Insider
       #6

    Skaine said:
    All are USB3.0 and 5400rpm.

    Anyway, I've learnt that the disk cache matters a lot, this should be the reason.

    Thanks.
    Just tinker a little. Each drive could run best at different settings. You'll find a good match and setup.
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 1,748
    Windows 10 Pro
       #7

    f14tomcat said:
    Just tinker a little. Each drive could run best at different settings. You'll find a good match and setup.
    Have you checked to see if the various drives in question are defragmented or not?

    Also, check the % of total capacity used. It's my impression that as a spinning HDD fills up, transfer rates decline.

    x509
      My Computers


  8. Posts : 56,804
    Multi-boot Windows 10/11 - RTM, RP, Beta, and Insider
       #8

    x509 said:
    Have you checked to see if the various drives in question are defragmented or not?

    Also, check the % of total capacity used. It's my impression that as a spinning HDD fills up, transfer rates decline.

    x509
    @x509 - Did you mean to quote me, or the OP? I have nothing to check, he does.
      My Computers


  9. Posts : 4
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #9

    Thanks, I'll try different settings for optimal result.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 1,748
    Windows 10 Pro
       #10

    f14tomcat said:
    @x509 - Did you mean to quote me, or the OP? I have nothing to check, he does.
    I meant the OP.
      My Computers


 

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