How Much Storage Do You Need for a Gaming PC?
When building or upgrading a gaming PC, determining the right amount of storage can be a significant decision. Big drives can offer great benefits, but it’s also important to strike a balance with your budget and needs. This article will help you understand the importance of storage and provide a guide to choosing the right amount for your gaming setup.
It's Not Just About Minecraft
A common misconception is that you need a massive hard drive or solid state drive (SSD) if you're planning to run a game like Minecraft. While it’s true that Minecraft files can be quite large, it’s a bit of a joke to suggest that you'd need 10 TB for it. Similarly, we should avoid overstating the storage needs of other outdated games like Oregon Trail.
The reality is that game sizes have grown substantially over the years, and modern titles can indeed take up several gigabytes. It's important to consider the specific games you're planning to play and the number of games you want installed at once.
SSDs vs HDDs: Understanding the Difference
An SSD (Solid State Drive) and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) each have their unique characteristics and use cases. An SSD is a storage device that offers faster read and write speeds, which can significantly impact the loading times of games. However, HDDs provide more storage space at a lower cost per gigabyte.
Once you know how much storage is required for your gaming needs, you can choose the right SSD or HDD. The difference in performance between an SSD and HDD will be most noticeable during game launches and loading times, but otherwise, free space is the key consideration. A good rule of thumb is to buy the maximum storage you can afford.
A Balanced Storage Setup
While a 500GB SSD and a 4TB HDD might seem like a reasonable setup for many, for others, a 500GB SSD and a 1TB HDD might be sufficient. In my case, I have a 500GB M.2 SSD and a 4TB HDD. However, the 4TB storage has never been an issue for me, and I wouldn’t worry about it if I had less.
For those who don’t see the need for such a large SSD, it might be tempting to save a few dollars on a 2TB SSD. However, if you ever need that extra space, it can be a significant inconvenience. Investing in a 2TB SSD is usually a better idea, even if you don’t use all of it, as storage is relatively cheap compared to the total cost of a gaming PC.
Common Storage Configurations
In my gaming PC, I have a 1TB M.2 SSD for OS and user data, and a 2TB hybrid drive on SATA for bulk storage, where my games live. This setup has been adequate so far, and a fast SSD with a big, cheap HDD is a common combination. If more storage is needed, you can always add another drive.
The next generation of my friends chose a 1TB M.2 SSD partly to reduce the upfront cost of their build while benefiting from the SSD's speed. However, one of them is now considering adding an extra drive due to the installation of a few large games. While 1TB is mostly enough, it’s worth planning for potential future needs.
When deciding on your storage needs, consider your budget and your gaming habits. Storage is relatively cheap, but it contributes to the overall cost of your PC. Adding some storage later when more is needed is a reasonable approach.
If you're unsure, a 2TB drive should provide sufficient space to start. However, it's always best to consider your specific requirements and balance those with your budget.