Choosing the right storage device is crucial for both gamers and content creators. Storage capacity and read/write speeds can directly affect gaming experience, load times, and efficiency in editing and managing multimedia files. In this guide, we present the best storage devices of 2024, from ultra-fast SSDs to high-capacity HDDs and external storage options.
Find the disk that best suits your needs in the following link.
1. SSDs: The Best Choice for Speed and Performance
SSDs (Solid State Drives) are the preferred option for both gamers and content creators due to their read and write speeds, which are significantly faster than traditional hard drives. This translates to faster load times in games and smoother video editing or rendering.
1.1. Samsung 990 Pro NVMe SSD
Key Features:
- Capacity: 1 TB, 2 TB
- Read Speed: Up to 7,450 MB/s
- Write Speed: Up to 6,900 MB/s
- Interface: PCIe 4.0
The Samsung 990 Pro is one of the fastest NVMe SSDs on the market, ideal for gamers looking to reduce load times in AAA titles and content creators working with large files. Its incredibly high speed enables rapid data transfers, which is essential for editing 4K or 8K video.
Ideal for:
- Gamers playing open-world or resource-heavy games with large load times.
- Content creators editing high-resolution videos and needing top-tier speed.
1.2. WD Black SN850X NVMe SSD
Key Features:
- Capacity: 1 TB, 2 TB, 4 TB
- Read Speed: Up to 7,300 MB/s
- Write Speed: Up to 6,600 MB/s
- Interface: PCIe 4.0
The WD Black SN850X is another high-performance NVMe SSD, specifically designed for gaming and content creation. Its low latency and fast write speeds make it ideal for demanding tasks such as video editing or transferring large files. Additionally, it’s an excellent choice for improving gaming performance by minimizing load times.
Ideal for:
- Gamers seeking maximum in-game performance.
- Content creators needing fast transfer rates and processing power.
2. HDDs: Large Capacity at an Affordable Price
While HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) are not as fast as SSDs, they are still a great option for large-capacity storage at a lower cost. They are perfect for storing large files like video libraries, images, or backups.
2.1. Seagate Barracuda HDD
Key Features:
- Capacity: 2 TB, 4 TB, 6 TB
- RPM: 7,200 RPM
- Cache: 256 MB
The Seagate Barracuda is one of the most reliable traditional hard drives, offering excellent value for those needing a lot of storage. It’s perfect for storing large game libraries or video projects, though its read and write speeds are slower than those of an SSD.
Ideal for:
- Gamers needing massive storage without breaking the bank.
- Content creators storing large volumes of material without the need for fast access.
2.2. Western Digital WD Red Plus
Key Features:
- Capacity: 4 TB, 6 TB, 8 TB, 12 TB
- RPM: 5,400 RPM
- Cache: 128 MB
The WD Red Plus is specifically designed for network-attached storage (NAS) but is also excellent for those needing large capacity and reliability for their projects. Its primary use is for backups and media storage, and while it’s not as fast as an SSD, its robustness makes it ideal for long-term storage.
Ideal for:
- Content creators who need vast amounts of space for video or image files.
- Gamers looking to store large game collections.
3. External Storage: Mobility and Flexibility
External storage devices are perfect for those who need to transfer data between different systems or keep backups outside of their main system. Both external SSDs and HDDs are viable options, depending on the speed and capacity you need.
3.1. Samsung T7 Portable SSD
Key Features:
- Capacity: 500 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB
- Read Speed: Up to 1,050 MB/s
- Write Speed: Up to 1,000 MB/s
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2
The Samsung T7 is one of the fastest portable SSDs available, ideal for content creators who need to transfer large files quickly. Its compact design and durability make it easy to carry around without sacrificing speed or capacity.
Ideal for:
- Content creators needing to transport projects or large files.
- Gamers who need to transfer games or files between devices.
3.2. WD My Passport HDD
Key Features:
- Capacity: 1 TB, 2 TB, 4 TB, 5 TB
- Transfer Speed: Up to 130 MB/s
- Interface: USB 3.0
The WD My Passport is an affordable and reliable option for those seeking large-capacity external storage. While not as fast as an SSD, its low price per gigabyte makes it an excellent option for storing files, backups, or games you don’t need to access constantly.
Ideal for:
- Content creators looking for an economical external storage solution.
- Gamers who want to store large amounts of data at a low cost.
Storage Device Comparison
| Device | Type | Capacity | Read/Write Speeds | Approximate Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung 990 Pro NVMe SSD | SSD | 1 TB, 2 TB | 7,450 / 6,900 MB/s | $199 USD |
| WD Black SN850X NVMe SSD | SSD | 1 TB, 2 TB, 4 TB | 7,300 / 6,600 MB/s | $149 USD |
| Seagate Barracuda HDD | HDD | 2 TB, 4 TB, 6 TB | 220 MB/s | $69 USD |
| WD Red Plus | HDD | 4 TB, 6 TB, 8 TB, 12 TB | 180 MB/s | $120 USD |
| Samsung T7 Portable SSD | External SSD | 500 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB | 1,050 / 1,000 MB/s | $129 USD |
| WD My Passport HDD | External HDD | 1 TB, 2 TB, 4 TB, 5 TB | 130 MB/s | $59 USD |
Conclusion
Choosing the best storage device depends on your specific needs. If you’re looking for maximum speed to reduce game load times or improve content creation workflows, NVMe SSDs like the Samsung 990 Pro or WD Black SN850X are top choices. On the other hand, if you need massive storage at a lower cost, HDDs like the Seagate Barracuda or WD Red Plus offer excellent capacity. For those needing flexibility and portability, external drives like the Samsung T7 provide the perfect solution.
