You might be facing issues like application or Game lagging, stretched graphics, stuck graphics, or maybe software crashing when you are using them, at worst levels.
Well, many of you might be wondering, whether to go for an HDD or an SSD for gaming purposes or for normal usage. If that’s the doubt surfing in your mind, you have come to the right place and by the end of this article, you would be able to make decisions easily, about which way to go.
But, no need to worry it can easily be settled and for that, all you need is an SSD (Solid State Drive).
In this entire article, you are going to get the complete story of an SSD and how you can make use of it and improve the usability and overall experience of your PC or notebook. In addition to SSD, we are going to give you some additional points that you can put into your consideration and improve your overall gaming experience.
Starting With The Very Standard Things
There are two types of data storage, one is that remains infrequent usage and the other is that kept protected for a longer time and future usage. The one that is used frequently and data keeps on going in and out from it is called volatile memory and RAM (Random Access Memory) works as this volatile memory in the computer, which does the task of storing data and files which are not be kept for a longer time.
Whereas the latter, does the task of storing the data for longer time periods and for future usage, this storage is called primary storage which is used for keeping large data files of the system and this is where the windows get booted.
Thus it is required to buy fast primary storage and keep it clean so that the juice of speed and quickness can be enjoyed.
That’s where Solid State Drives come in. It’s pretty new (they first appeared in the late 2000s) and much, much better than a hard drive.
Storage refers to the data that is stored in your laptop or computer over a long period of time. They hold information that will not “disappear” even when you restart your computer, unlike RAM.
The storage is contained in an instrument known as a boot disk. The computer uses this boot disk, also known as a boot drive for the purpose of “boot” your computer and starting it up.
In the majority of laptops and computers, the boot drive of default is one of the following: HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive).
They’ve been in use for a long time. They’re also more affordable, but more slowly.
Let’s look at some genuine advantages of SSD
- Quick loading and booting
- Less Vibration and Noise
- Lesser heat dissipation
- Faster Reading and writing
In essence, the idea is that an SSD performs the same functions as an actual hard drive.
However, the main difference is that a drive is powered by magnetism for the storage of data. It makes use of a rotating platter covered with a magnetic substance (hence that noise).
SSD makes use of a flash memory chip, which is known as NAND. It stores any information on your computer, even when there’s no energy flowing through the.
The short version: SSDs do the same job as HDDs however, they are more efficient. Consider an SSD drive as an HDD on steroids.
Let’s come on to the big question
How Much SSD Do I Need For Gaming?
Most laptops and computers today offer 128GB, 256GB, 1TB, and 512GB in SSD storage.
128 GB SSD drive is the basic option. This means that for those who are casual gamers who only play only one game, 128GB is a great choice.
If you’re a game fanatic who plays three Triple-A games every day 128GB SSDs are not the wrong option. Instead, opt for either 256 or 512 gigabytes.
Furthermore, it’s not too costly to upgrade higher. You can now increase the capacity to 256GB storage device for just a 10% increase.
If you’re looking to perform routine tasks like sending emails, surfing the web, and so on. A storage capacity of 256GB is plenty of space.
For gaming, you should aim for a minimum of 1TB or 512GB drives.
Anything less than that could affect gaming enjoyment. Also, anything greater may be too much.
Even though prices have gone down in the past, however, the capacity of high-end SSDs isn’t cheap. Particularly if you plan the construction of your very own computer.
If you’re looking to perform other tasks like the editing of videos in Photoshop or Photoshop. Then a bigger SSD storage capacity could be more suitable.
Well, there is not just one single factor that would help you determine the quantity of storage you need, there are several others too.
Factors That Determine The Need For SSD
Types of Programs or Games You Want to Play
Are you planning to use your laptop or computer in addition to gaming?
If the answer is yes, you should think about other applications or programs that will be used.
For instance, if you’re a student, then you may require downloading Zoom, Evernote, and the list goes on.
Even if you’re just going to play games, you’ll require additional programs for other purposes, such as Steam as well as Discord.
You don’t need to be aware of your specific storage requirements. It’s best to know what you need to ensure you have room more.
Talking about Computer Games, the games these days are getting larger and larger in size due to the real-world graphics.
Take the example of a call of duty that takes approximately 270 GB of Space which is nearly one-fourth of 1TB SSD Capacity.
Take a look at some of the famous Games given below and their approx sizes:
- Grand Theft Auto: 100GB (Approx)
- Word of Warcraft: 80GB (Approx)
- RDR 2: 150GB (Approx)
There’s nothing more annoying than having to remove your old games in order to create space to play new games. This is the reason storage capacity is crucial.
Remember, you’re not downloading just the game. Updates for games will be released at times and you’ll need to be prepared as well.
Tips for the Pros: Keep in mind that on desktop computers generally, you have the alternative to install an extra drive.
The majority of computers allow the installation of 2 drives, with some allowing can accommodate up 10-drives.
For tablets and laptops generally, there’s a single capacity of storage. If you want to add more storage for data, you’ll need to purchase an external device.
So, you need to understand that SSD is not everything, you must consider other factors also. You need to analyze this fact before purchasing any new computer or PC.
Type of Operating System You Are Using
The majority of people run Microsoft Windows, so you’ll likely get Microsoft’s Windows 10 OS in most of the Systems.
Windows 10 will consume around 16 to 20GBs of data. Keep in mind that it is likely to receive OS notifications every time. This could eat up an additional 10% – 20% storage space for data.
Everyone has been culpable of the ‘Remind Me Later’ popup. If you’re running out of storage space on your disk, you can employ this method.
But you aren’t able to get out of software updates forever. The majority of games release their own updates. This will in turn require you to upgrade the version of your Windows 10 OS.
If you’re considering purchasing a version that is older than Windows 10, don’t. It’s not a good idea.
Whereas, if you look at the previous generation OS that used to take much lesser space, there is a much higher probability that it would be good in going together with most of the games you like to play.
Type or Specification of SSD You Should Buy
When you go buy an SSD, you must know the fact that it comes in three basic forms. This new term “factor-factor” has been quite popular these days, but this simply means the size of that particular hardware component, whether it be a motherboard or an SSD.
Knowing the size of the SSD is quite important as this will let you know what size configuration will be good for you to buy and whether will it be able to get fixed in your motherboard or not.
Let’s start with the most basic one.
2.5-inch SSD
The most commonly used configuration of drives.
They are usually found on drives on desktops for PCs. However, sometimes they’re found in laptops as well.
They are like the traditional HDD (HDD). If you own an appliance that runs the HDD system, this kind of SSD can make the switch simpler.
With these kinds of SSDs, they don’t require changing the interface cables. This is due to the fact that these SSDs are connected directly to SATA (more details on that in the future) cables as well as interfaces.
M.2 SSD
This is the tiniest design of a solid-state drive, it actually appears a little like a flash drive
These drives are available on laptops and tablet computers in which storage capacity is restricted. It’s possible that your PC desktop could also support these drives.
In laptops, there’s just 1 SSD slot.
In certain laptop motherboards, there’s space for two drives, or perhaps more.
M.2 drives work to SATA as well as PCIe. These drives are connected using the M.2 slot.
AIC SSD
This one is the most powerful variant of an SSD among all others as the overall reading and writing speed of this SSD is much faster and more efficient compared to other SSDs.
For this category of SSD, add-in-card (AIC) can be taken into use to make a PCIe Slot.
The AIC SSDs are also on the pricier side but are absolutely worth the money spent on them and can be taken into use to improve the performance and usability of the computer or laptop.
SATA
SATA is one of the more well-known interfaces.
The dimension of the drive is 2.5 inches. It’s also available in HDDs which means it could be used to upgrade your existing platter drive.
The most recent model is SATA 3. SATA 3. It has a transfer speed of 6 Gbps which is faster than many users.
It’s one of the cheapest interfaces that you can find currently. Prices start at around 40 to 60 dollars.
It’s also available with a capacity of 4TB.
PCI Express (PCIe)
PCIe is significantly quicker than SATA interfaces. It can transfer data at a rate that is 16 Gbps.
PCIe interfaces are compatible with PCIe interfaces that use the NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) specification. NVMe can be connected to PCIe buses.
PCIe is significantly more efficient than SATA interfaces. It is able to transfer data at speeds that are 16 Gbps.
PCIe interfaces are compatible with the NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) specification. The NVMe specification is linked to the PCIe bus.
An NVMe provides faster speeds and other benefits in terms of performance.
A PCIe interface isn’t in sync with the physical area of the older HDDs. Therefore, you’ll need to connect it physically to an interface on the motherboard.
A motherboard is the skeleton of your computer. It houses the entirety of its components.
There are some disadvantages with PCIe’s interface, too. It’s only available for 2TB and is more costly.
The NVMe specification has a high power consumption, and it can be expensive, costing hundreds of dollars.
Mike is an experienced video game journalist and enthusiast with more than a decade of experience in the gaming industry. As founder and lead editor of mygamingsetup.net, Mike strives to keep gamers up-to-date with the latest gaming news, guides, tips and tricks for popular video games.