An SSD or solid state drive has turned into one of the important components in a computer. As a storage device that can retain the data on a permanent basis, it is undoubtedly essential for any computer system. While finding the answer to how big SSD do I need, it is important to understand the pattern of usage. If your work involves CPU intensive activities and applications, you would need an SSD with a larger capacity. SSDs are also required for gaming applications that involve a large volume of workload. On the other hand, if you require a higher processing speed for selective activities, you can pair a lower capacity SSD with a larger capacity HDD.
Though an SSD also stores data like an HDD or hard disk drive, it has a major difference in terms of composition and performance capability. HDDs contain mechanical parts such as a moving platter and arm. This involvement of mechanical movement can reduce the processing speed of an HDD. If there is an issue in the functioning, it can also lead to loss of data.
SSDs do not contain any moving parts. They are composed of flash memory chips that can handle and store all the data at once. Hence by opting for an SSD, you can take advantage of higher processing speed and data security.
Different options of SSDs to determine how big SSD do I need
Before you can decide how big SSD do I need, you must look at the different options based on capacity. You would notice each capacity can cater to a particular type of application.
1. 128GB
This is one of the least recommended categories of SSDs. A lower capacity of 128GB would not solve any purpose. It may run out of space even while handling something as basic as applications on Windows. If you may need to perform multiple tasks at the same time, you would find it insufficient. Also, it cannot handle basic games that can make it difficult.
2. 250GB
It can be considered as a starting point for an SSD. You can start by using the 250GB SSD for some time before upgrading to a higher capacity. It is useful for running basic applications. But if you require something for storing your operating system, a few games, and also a large media library, you may not find it sufficient. You can go for a 250GB for budgetary reasons before upgrading to 500GB. Depending on compatibility of the motherboard, you can add a higher SSD at a later date. In order to raise cash for the higher capacity, you can sell used SSDs at an excellent value.
3. 500GB
This category is turning out to be a popular choice among SSDs. While understanding how big SSD do I need, you may find it favorable to opt for a 500GB. Both in terms of cost and capability, a 500GB SSD can suffice many of your functions. If you house gaming applications, operating systems, and also media in the form of images, videos, and graphics, you would find it convenient. While SSDs of 500GB or 1TB were quite expensive in the past, you would notice a drastic difference in recent times.
4. 1TB
1TB offers ample space for large files. It can easily accommodate media files and applications. You can also use it for gaming and CPU intensive activities without running into any issue.
5. 2TB
Though 1TB is sufficient when you are wondering how big SSD do I need, you may need 2TB only if you have large media files with loads of data. Also, if you have a large gaming library, you may require such a huge capacity. It can give ample space at a premium price range.
Opting for multiple smaller SSDs can also be a convenient choice in terms of overall cost.
Finding out how big SSD do I need based on purpose
After looking at different capacities, you can answer how big SSD do I need based on your purpose. Different activities consume different space; hence it is necessary to evaluate your requirement before going for the right choice.
1. How big SSD do I need for storing operating system
If your purpose is to only install your operating system, you can pick an SSD with 500GB. Windows 10 occupies around 20GB, while macOS consumes around 35GB. With this space, you can easily load other programs and files at the same time. It leaves ample room for storing media files like images, videos, audio, and graphics.
2. For gaming
Gaming consumes a lot of data; hence if you like to store a lot of games on your system, you would need an SSD with at least minimum capacity of 500GB. You would also notice that games take more space over time. They also introduce updates on a regular basis that can take away space from your SSD. If you check any average game, it usually requires up to 40 to 50GB space. In a scenario where you like to maintain a wide range of games in your media library, you can go for a 1TB SSD. It can easily answer how big SSD do I need at the same time and also ensure additional space for the operating system, media, images, and audio.
3. For photo and video editing
If you edit photos for personal or professional reasons, you would require a minimum capacity of 1TB. Such a large capacity can make it easy for handling your workload. It can ensure ample space for your graphic design programs. At the same time, you can also save your original and edited images without any adjustments. Depending on the budget, you can also pick a 2TB SSD. This can ensure that you would never run out of storage space for any other projects too. If you have an SSD of lower capacity of 256GB, you can sell it for cash and upgrade to a 1TB or 2TB.
4. How big SSD do I need for music production
If you compose or mix audio tracks, you may need a minimum capacity of 500GB. With a space of 500GB or 1TB, you can have enough capacity for DAW tools, plugins, and file libraries with music samples. For faster loading and processing, an SSD with 1TB capacity can be sufficient.
To find out how big SSD do I need, you must consider the budget, type of applications, usage pattern, and future requirements.