PC GAMING
Gaming Storage Explained: How to Choose the Best Option for Your Needs
Written By: David Matthews
PC GAMING
In gaming, storage may not be your first concern when building or upgrading your PC, but it is important for your overall experience. Modern games are getting bigger and more complex, often requiring dozens or even hundreds of gigabytes of space. Having the right gaming storage can make a big difference between smooth gameplay and frustrating delays.
Are you tired of waiting for long load times or needing to uninstall games just to make space for the latest releases? Whether you enjoy casual indie games or are a hardcore gamer with many AAA titles, having enough efficient gaming storage is crucial.
How do you choose the best storage for your gaming setup? Do you focus on speed, capacity, or cost? With various options like HDDs, SSDs, and fast NVMe drives, which one meets your gaming storage needs?
Let’s look at your options and make sure your gaming rig can handle anything you want to play.
Understanding Gaming Storage Options
When choosing gaming storage, it’s important to select the right type to enhance your gaming experience. The storage you use affects how quickly your games load and how much space you have for your game library. Let’s look at the main types of gaming storage available today.
HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
Hard disk drives (HDDs) are a common storage choice. They offer large storage space at lower prices, making them a good option if you are on a budget or need to store many games. However, HDDs are slower than newer storage types. This slower speed can lead to longer load times and some delays while playing open-world games.
Pros
- Affordable per gigabyte.
- High storage capacity (up to 18TB or more).
- Easier to recover data from.
Cons
- Slower read/write speeds.
- Mechanical parts are more prone to wear and tear.
- Can fail if mishandled
Top HDD Recommendations:
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Seagate BarraCuda 2TB Internal Hard Drive HDD – 3.5 Inch SATA 6Gb/s 7200 RPM 256MB Cache –... |
$64.99 |
Buy on Amazon |
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Western Digital 2TB WD Black Performance Internal Hard Drive HDD - 7200 RPM, SATA 6 Gb/s, 64 MB... |
$99.99 |
Buy on Amazon |
SSD (Solid State Drive)
Solid-state drives (SSDs) are now common in gaming PCs because they load games much faster than hard disk drives (HDDs). SSDs use flash memory, which makes game loading almost instant and keeps gameplay smooth. They are a great option for most gamers, offering a good balance of speed and cost.
Pros
- Faster load times than HDDs.
- No moving parts, making them more durable.
- Affordable options for SATA SSDs.
Cons
- More expensive per gigabyte than HDDs.
- Typically, it has a lower capacity than HDDs in the same price range.
- Very expensive and hard to recover data from.
Top SSD Recommendations:
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
PNY CS900 2TB 3D NAND 2.5" SATA III Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) - (SSD7CS900-2TB-RB) |
$89.99 |
Buy on Amazon |
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Samsung 870 EVO SATA III SSD 1TB 2.5” Internal Solid State Drive, Upgrade PC or Laptop Memory and... |
$89.99 |
Buy on Amazon |
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Western Digital 2TB WD Blue SA510 SATA Internal Solid State Drive SSD - SATA III 6 Gb/s, 2.5"/7mm,... |
$123.22 |
Buy on Amazon |
NVMe SSD (Non-Volatile Memory Express)
For the best gaming storage, NVMe SSDs are the best choice. These drives connect to your motherboard using PCIe lanes. They offer amazing read and write speeds that can load games in just seconds. If you want the fastest storage, go for NVMe SSDs.
Pros
- Blazing-fast speeds (up to 14,000 MB/s or more).
- Compact M.2 form factor, saving space in your build.
- Ideal for large games with frequent asset streaming (e.g., open-world titles).
Cons
- Higher cost per gigabyte.
- Performance benefits may be less noticeable for casual gamers.
Top NVMe SSD Recommendations:
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
WD_BLACK 1TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive - Gen4 PCIe, M.2 2280, Up to 7,300... | $80.88 | Buy on Amazon |
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
SAMSUNG 990 PRO SSD 1TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 Internal Solid State Hard Drive, Seq. Read Speeds Up to... |
$119.95 |
Buy on Amazon |
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Corsair MP700 PRO 1TB M.2 PCIe Gen5 x4 NVMe 2.0 SSD – M.2 2280 – Up to 11,700MB/sec Sequential... |
$164.99 |
Buy on Amazon |
Why Fast Storage Matters
for Gaming
Storage is important for gamers, not just for fitting games but also for a smooth gaming experience. Fast gaming storage helps reduce load times and improves how quickly you can interact in the game. Here’s why you need fast storage for gaming.
Reduced Load Times
Fast storage has clear benefits, especially in loading times. Using a solid-state drive (SSD) or NVMe SSD means you can start your favorite RPG or switch between online matches quickly. With traditional hard drives (HDDs), slow load times can interrupt your game experience and test your patience, particularly with modern games that have large, complex worlds.
Seamless Open-World Exploration
Many modern games, especially open-world ones like Cyberpunk 2077 or Elden Ring, stream data as you explore. Using a fast storage drive, like an NVMe SSD, helps the game load textures, assets, and environments smoothly without stutters or delays. If you use a slower drive, you might see texture pop-ins or experience freezing when entering new areas.
Faster Updates and Installs
Gaming involves more than just playing; you also have to manage updates, patches, and installations. Fast gaming storage helps you download and install game files quicker, so you spend less time waiting and more time gaming.
Enhanced Multiplayer Performance
Timing is crucial in online multiplayer games. Your internet connection affects latency, but having fast storage also matters. It helps load your game files quickly, reducing delays when loading maps, assets, or joining servers. This can be important in competitive gaming situations.
Future-Proofing for Next-Gen Games
Game developers are always finding new ways to create bigger, more detailed, and more immersive game worlds. Many new games are designed to work best with fast storage options like SSDs or NVMe SSDs. These drives help deliver great graphics and smooth gameplay. If you invest in fast gaming storage now, your gaming setup will be ready for these improvements.
Improved Quality of Life
Fast storage is important for more than just gaming. It also helps your PC run better overall. With fast storage, your operating system, game launchers, and other applications will work more smoothly, making your gaming setup more enjoyable to use.
Upgrading Your Gaming Storage: How-To and Tips
Adding or upgrading storage in your gaming PC is easy, even for beginners. You can either increase your storage space or get a faster NVMe SSD. By following the right steps, you can make your upgrade smooth and simple.
For a step-by-step guide on adding more gaming storage to your PC, check out our detailed tutorial:
1. Check your system compatibility
- Internal Storage:
- Confirm if your motherboard supports the type of drive you want to install (e.g., SATA SSD, NVMe SSD, or HDD).
- External Storage:
- Verify your system’s USB or Thunderbolt ports for external drives. USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt 3 or 4 provides the best spee
2. Choose the right drive
- Decide between an NVMe SSD for speed, a SATA SSD for balance, or an HDD for maximum capacity.
- Back-Up Your Data
- Before upgrading, back up any critical data from your existing drive to avoid losing important files.
- Install Your New Drive
- Installing new storage can vary depending on the type of drive, but the process is generally simple:
- Internal Drives: Insert and secure the drive in the appropriate slot (M.2, SATA, or HDD bay).
- External Drives: Follow setup instructions and connect the drive via USB or Thunderbolt.
- Installing new storage can vary depending on the type of drive, but the process is generally simple:
3. Format the drive
Once the new storage drive is installed, you’ll need to format it before using it. Formatting prepares the drive for data storage and ensures it’s compatible with your operating system.
- Open Disk Management (Windows): Press
Win + Xand select Disk Management from the menu. - Locate the New Drive: The new drive will appear as unallocated space.
- Initialize the Drive: If prompted, choose the partition style:
- MBR (Master Boot Record) for older systems or smaller drives.
- GPT (GUID Partition Table) for modern systems and larger drives.
- Create a New Volume: Right-click the unallocated space, select New Simple Volume, and follow the prompts.
- Choose File System: Select NTFS (recommended for Windows) or exFAT (for cross-platform use).
- Assign a Drive Letter: Pick an available letter to identify the drive.
- Complete the Process: Click Finish to format the drive. Once complete, it will be ready for us
3. Transfer your data
After formatting, you can transfer your data to the new drive. This step ensures that your games, files, and applications are accessible from the upgraded storage.
- Organize Your Files: Decide which files or games you want to move. This is a great time to declutter and leave unnecessary data behind.
- Use Drag-and-Drop: Open both the source and destination drives in your file manager (e.g., Windows Explorer or Finder on macOS) and drag files to the new drive.
- Migrate Installed Games or Apps:
- For platforms like Steam or Epic Games Store, move game installations through the application settings. Update the library or install path to the new drive.
- Test the New Drive: Once the transfer is complete, open a few files or launch a game to ensure everything is functioning as expected.
- Delete Data from the Old Drive (Optional): If you’re repurposing the old drive, clean it up after verifying successful transfers.
Final Thoughts
Having the right gaming storage is important for a smooth gaming experience. It can speed up load times and help you manage large game libraries. Choosing the right gaming storage option can make a huge difference. You can choose affordable HDDs, speedy SATA SSDs, or high-performance NVMe SSDs, each with advantages.
If you want to prepare your gaming setup for the future, consider buying an NVMe SSD. However, if you’re on a budget or need a lot of space, using an HDD for storage and an SSD for speed is a tried and true option.
For detailed steps on upgrading your PC, check out our guide:
👉 How to Add More Storage to Your PC for Gaming
With the right gaming storage, your gaming PC will handle today’s big, resource-heavy games. Enjoy your gaming!
FAQs
To help address common concerns about gaming storage, here are answers to frequently asked questions:
Q: How Much Gaming Storage Do I Need?
A: The amount of gaming storage you need depends on your gaming habits:
- Casual Gamers: 500GB to 1TB is usually sufficient for a small game library.
- Dedicated Gamers: 1TB to 2TB provides enough space for larger libraries and frequent updates.
- Hardcore Gamers: Consider 2TB or more, especially if you play many AAA titles, which can exceed 100GB each.
Q: Is an NVMe SSD Worth It for Gaming?
A: Yes, an NVMe SSD is an excellent investment if you prioritize speed. It drastically reduces load times, enhances in-game responsiveness, and is particularly useful for open-world or resource-intensive games.
Q: Can I Use External Storage for Gaming?
A: Absolutely. External SSDs and HDDs are great for additional gaming storage or portable setups. However, external SSDs offer better speed, which is crucial for gaming performance. Look for USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt 4 compatibility for faster data transfer rates.
Q: What’s the Difference Between SATA and NVMe SSDs?
A: SATA SSDs are affordable, with speeds up to 560MB/s. They are perfect for budget setups. NVMe SSDs are faster, with speeds up to 14,000MB/s or more. They are mandatory for high-performance gaming.
Q: How Do I Transfer Games to a New Drive?
A: Most game launchers, like Steam, Epic Games, and Battle.net, let you change where your games are installed. You can do this by changing the installation directory. Another option is to copy the game folder by hand and update the path in the launcher settings.
Q: How Do I Optimize My Storage for Better Gaming Performance?
A: To optimize your storage, perform regular maintenance. This includes defragmenting your hard drives, ensuring your solid-state drives (SSDs) have enough free space, and keeping firmware updated. Additionally, installing games on faster drives like SSDs can help improve load times and overall performance.
Q: Can I use an external SSD to play games on a laptop?
A: Yes, you can use external SSDs for gaming on a laptop. They are portable and can make games load faster than internal HDDs. To get the best performance, make sure the external SSD connects with a fast interface like USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt.
Q: What Are the Benefits of Using Multiple Storage Drives in a Gaming PC?
A: Using different storage drives helps you keep your operating system, games, and other data organized. For example, installing the operating system on an SSD allows for faster boot times. Meanwhile, storing games on another SSD or HDD can help you manage space and improve performance.
Q: How Does Storage Type Affect Game Installation Times?
A: The type of storage impacts how quickly games are installed. SSDs, especially NVMe variants, offer faster data write speeds, resulting in quicker installations than traditional HDDs.
Q: Are There Any Risks to Using Older HDDs for Gaming?
A: Older hard drives (HDDs) may be slower at reading and writing data, and they might fail more often. This can cause longer loading times and possible data loss. You can reduce these risks by regularly backing up your data and considering an upgrade to newer storage options.
David is the owner of OTSCR and has been building and fixing computers for over 20 years. Starting as a hobby, his expertise has evolved into a successful small business. He now shares his knowledge through blogging and continues to provide top-notch computer services.
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