Question about 2nd HDD IN 2012 Macbook Pro

[Ajrm]

Hi, new here but have been using Macs for about 15 years or so.
I currently have a mid 2012 15" MacBook Pro and have just changed the 1tb hybrid hard drive for a Samsung 1TB 850 EVO.
The Macbook runs great, but I have an ever increasing photo folder ( currently about 200gb) that I would like to move to a secondary drive.
I will replace the optical drive with a new one.
I do a fair bit of photo processing using Lightroom 6. My two options for the second drive is another SSD ( probably a 500gb EVO 850 ) or a hybrid mechanical drive, which is obviously much cheaper.
Now, here's where I need some advice.
Will the mechanical drive slow down the processing much as opposed to using another SSD?
I don't mind another SSD, but I have a spare 1TB hybrid drive lying around that I could use.
Any advice greatly appreciated here.

 

[chscag]

Welcome to our forums.

As long as you're booting and running the system from the SSD, the addition of the hybrid in the optical slot shouldn't slow things down. Make sure, however, that you properly move your photo library so that the Photos program knows where to find it.

 

[Ajrm]

Thanks, that's encouraging, I could save a chunk of money here.
I am worried about the system being slower when I process photos, I have some big raw files over 30mb and need to understand how the system works with 2 drives.
So, Lightroom is installed on the SSD, photos on the hybrid drive, I assume the processing is done in Lightroom on the SSD and the adjustments saved in the photo folder.
Does this sound right?

 

[chscag]

So, Lightroom is installed on the SSD, photos on the hybrid drive, I assume the processing is done in Lightroom on the SSD and the adjustments saved in the photo folder.
Does this sound right?

Yes, that's correct. It's the actual processing that needs the speed and power. Of course it would be better to have two SSDs rather than the hybrid drive, but if you can save some $$$ doing it that way....