I recently got a new laptop that can't be upgraded, and I'm looking for a portable way to boost my storage. I've tried using some old 256 GB USB 2.0 drives I had, but they are painfully slow for large file transfers. My laptop does have a microSD slot, and I want to find a card that fits flush, so it can stay in the laptop without getting lost. I'm considering a 512 GB Samsung Pro Plus for about 70 euros or a 1 TB version for 130 euros. I need extra space for approximately 200 GB of video files and to store games, as I'm down to about 60 GB left after installing essential programs. With my slow Wi-Fi, I'd prefer having my games stored locally to avoid re-downloading them later.
5 Answers
You might find that a microSD card is not going to perform much better than the USB drives you already have. The Samsung card might have a speed of around 180MB/s, but that's still slower than a good USB 3.0 flash drive. If available space and performance are priorities for your games, you’d be better off with a dedicated external SSD.
You could also look into getting a NAS solution if you're willing to set one up. It'll let you access a larger amount of storage from your laptop over the network, and newer models can handle high-speed data transfers. Just a thought if you're interested in a more versatile storage option.
Honestly, I'd recommend getting an external SSD instead of a microSD card. They are much faster and more reliable than any flash drive or SD card you can find. While a microSD is decent for simple storage, you'll run into issues with speed and longevity if you start using it for games or heavy file transfers.
MicroSD cards can be suitable for data file storage, but for running games or apps, they're not the best choice due to their limited write cycles. If you need consistent performance, an external SSD will serve you better in the long run. Plus, for around the same price, you'll likely get better speeds and reliability.
While a microSD might work for extra space, be cautious! They're not always designed for frequent use, like game storage. Plus, if you're moving your laptop around, having an external SSD might be more practical and less prone to damage. It could also help with your portability concerns.

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