SSD/HDD/NVMe

Storage


Types:

$
HDD
  • Fast
  • Durable
  • Quiet
$$
SATA SSD
  • Fast
  • Durable
  • Quiet
$$
NVME SSD
  • Fast
  • Durable
  • Quiet

How much do I need?

The required storage capacity depends on your individual needs and usage patterns. Here are some recommendations:

  • Standard User: A good combination would be a 250 gigabyte (GB) SSD for the operating system and frequently used programs, along with a 1 terabyte (TB) HDD for mass storage of files like documents and media. This provides a balanced mix of speed and storage space at a reasonable price.

  • Media Enthusiast: If you have many large files such as high-resolution photos, videos, or an extensive music collection, a similar setup to the standard user is recommended. However, opting for a larger HDD with 4 terabytes (TB) or more could be a better choice to accommodate your media files.

  • Gamer: If you use a variety of games and demanding applications, an SSD with at least 1 terabyte (TB) is recommended. This provides short loading times and sufficient storage space. Keep in mind that modern titles often require significant storage space. To find out how much storage space your games need, I recommend checking here.

Remember that you can also expand your storage capacity later on.

What should I pay attention to?

HDD

  • Storage Capacity: Unlike SSDs, the cost of storage in HDDs typically becomes more affordable as the size increases.

  • Rotational Speed (RPM): Higher rotational speeds generally lead to faster read and write speeds. Common RPM values are 5400 or 7200 RPM.

  • Cache Memory: A larger cache speeds up access to frequently used data.

SATA SSD

  • Speed: SSD speeds are often divided into read speed and write speed.

  • Lifespan: The TBW (Total Bytes Written) specification provides information about the SSD’s lifespan.

NVMe SSD

  • Speed: SSD speeds are often divided into read speed and write speed. Even budget NVMe SSDs often surpass the speed of SATA SSDs. However, there are also high-end NVMe SSDs that offer significantly faster data transfer rates.

  • Interface: NVMe SSDs are connected directly to the motherboard via the PCIe slot. Ensure that your motherboard has the appropriate M.2 slot.

  • Lifespan: NVMe SSDs often have a higher TBW compared to SATA SSDs.

  • Cooling: Due to high speeds, NVMe SSDs often require proper cooling.