If I buy a prebuilt computer, do I need to install the same brand of storage that it already uses, or can I add another type of drive? I'm wondering whether I can use a USB flash drive or install an internal SSD, and what I should check before opening the computer.
2 Answers
A USB flash drive can store extra files and plugs into the outside of the computer, but it’s usually slower and less suitable for running programs or games. For a proper storage upgrade, install an internal SSD that matches an available SATA or M.2 slot. Searching for guides on HDD vs. SATA SSD vs. NVMe SSD can help explain the differences.
You don’t need to match the storage brand or capacity. The important thing is choosing a drive that your computer supports, such as a 2.5-inch SATA SSD, an M.2 NVMe SSD, or a hard drive. Check the computer’s available slots and connections before buying. Shut the computer down completely and unplug it before installing an internal drive.
So a regular USB flash drive would work for extra files, but it isn’t the same as installing an internal SSD, right?