Varies greatly based on encoder. NEVC vs CPU etc

Not asserting this isn’t the case, I’ve not noticed it, but I can’t see why this would be the case for the actual encoding. Decoding I’ve seen it make a difference but that’s mostly the pre-Skylake iGPUs using a poor implementation of QuickSync.

I’ve personally just bought what is cheaper $/Gb if they’re broadly equal then features & power, if still locked I have tended towards WD. But I’m not storing anything critical and if a drive failed, I’d be annoyed but that’s about it.