Games keep increasing their size with every update, and using around 100GB is almost normalized for most games. On the other hand, most consoles and gaming PCs come with limited storage, so it gets hard for gamers to manage all their games and save files on the same drive. That’s where an external SSD for gaming can be very helpful.

How to choose the best external SSD for your gaming needs

Here is everything you need to consider when choosing the best external solid-state drive for your gaming console or computer.

1. Look for compatibility with your gaming setup.

You will start selecting the external drive by considering its compatibility with your gaming setup. For instance, if you buy a drive with USB C technology, you may not use it to its fullest with an older PS4. Similarly, some drives are made specifically for one console, meaning you cannot use them with other devices. So, always start the selection process with compatibility testing.

2. Get the right storage size to manage all the files safely

Next, you need to get the right storage size. The external drive with up to 512GB capacity may work for a while, but it will not be reliable in the long term. Consider how the game sizes and storage files will increase with time, so going for a few TBs will never be a bad option.

3. The connectivity method can bring a good difference in your experience

External drives today come with various connectivity methods. Some follow the old USB 3.0 connection, while newer ones come with USB 3.2 and even USB C ports. These I/O differences can bring huge performance differences if supported by your device. Similarly, an old USB standard may act as a performance bottleneck for a well-performing device.

4. Prefer options that come with a warranty for peace of mind

External solid-state drives are not as cheap as external HDDs. So, you must want yours to last longer. One way to get peace of mind is by buying the SSD with a warranty. It ensures that your investment in this technology will never go to waste, as you may get it replaced or repaired according to the policy.

Additional security features like dust proofing and water resistance also add to the peace of mind.

5. Select among SATA or NVMe depending on I/O capabilities

The underlying technology is bridged with a USB connection when we use an external drive. However, the bridge type can still bring huge performance differences. So, first, you need to see if your device offers a USB C for high speeds or if you are limited to older USB A standards under USB 3.2.

For the latest and high-speed ones, NVMe will be better with up to 2GB/s speed, while if your device uses older USB standards, you can use SATA for up to 540MB/s.

Find out which external solid-state drive is compatible with your needs

Every external SSD comes with different features and qualities. So, its compatibility with your device and requirements may differ as well. However, with this guide, you may easily find the one that brings you the best value.