Should I Add an Internal or External SSD for More Game Storage?

If your motherboard has an open M.2 slot, an internal NVMe SSD is usually the best option. It’s generally faster, avoids USB cables and accidental disconnects, and current internal SSD prices are often better than equivalent external drives. Installing one is usually just a matter of securing the drive with a small screw and initializing it in the operating system.

For games, SSD storage makes the most sense. A hard drive is cheaper for large collections of photos, videos, music, or backups, but it will have longer loading times in games. For a casual gamer, an internal 1TB or 2TB SSD is probably the simplest long-term choice if your PC supports it.

An external SSD is still perfectly usable for games, especially if convenience matters more than maximum performance. Plug-and-play setup is easy, and game loading should be much better than with a hard drive. Just make sure your USB port is fast enough, use a reliable cable, and avoid moving or unplugging the drive while games are running.

Check your motherboard before buying anything. If there’s a spare M.2 slot, a 1TB or 2TB NVMe drive would be a straightforward upgrade for your game library. If there isn’t one, you can add a SATA SSD if you have an available SATA port and power connector, or choose an external SSD instead.