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How Crucial Are SSDs for a New Desktop Build?

November 5, 2025 5 answers
Asked by TechieTurtle42
I'm building my first desktop and everything has arrived except for my SSD, which won't be here for another month. I already have my RAM, but I'm curious if I can still use the computer and play games like Overwatch 2 and League of Legends without the SSD. Is it okay to build the desktop now and just add the SSD later, or is having an SSD essential for the setup? Thanks for the help!
desktop build gaming Hardware hardware ssd storage

Answers

OldSchoolBuilder
If you already have an HDD or another kind of storage that can hold your OS and programs, you should be set. Just know that you’ll need to transfer your data over or reinstall everything when the SSD arrives. Without at least an HDD, you won't be able to use your PC at all.
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SkepticalSandy
You definitely need some form of storage to run your computer. You can access the BIOS, but that's about it. If you have an HDD or even a USB drive, you could use that, but it’s not an ideal experience. I'd recommend not trying to use the computer without at least some storage solution.
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GamerGuru88
An SSD is essential for running your operating system, but you could technically use an HDD if you have one. Just a heads up: some motherboards might have storage slots that get blocked by the GPU, so keep that in mind when you build. But you can still install everything even while waiting for your SSD.
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BudgetFinder99
If you're looking for a quick fix, you might find a second-hand SATA SSD online for about $10. It could be a good stopgap until your main SSD arrives.
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ChillCoder
You absolutely need a storage device, whether it’s an SSD or HDD. The operating system must be installed somewhere to boot up your computer.
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