When building or upgrading a desktop PC, one of the key components to consider is the internal hard drive. The hard drive stores all of your data, including the operating system, programs, and personal files. With everything now stored digitally, you need ample space to hold it all. But do you really need an internal hard drive? Or can you get by just fine without one?
What is an internal hard drive?
An internal hard drive is a data storage device that is installed inside a computer case and directly connected to the motherboard. It provides persistent storage, meaning it retains data even when the power is turned off. An internal hard drive consists of one or more hard disks sealed in a protective enclosure.
Data is written to and read from rapidly spinning disks coated with magnetic material. The faster the disks spin, the faster data can be accessed. Common internal hard drive speeds are 5400 RPM, 7200 RPM, 10,000 RPM, and 15,000 RPM. Higher RPM equals better performance.
Internal hard drives come in two main form factors: 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch. 3.5-inch drives are designed for desktop PCs and offer more storage capacity. 2.5-inch drives are made for laptops and are smaller and thinner.
The primary specs to look at for an internal hard drive are:
- Storage capacity – How much data it can hold, measured in gigabytes (GB) or terabytes (TB).
- Interface – The connection type, with SATA as the most common internal hard drive interface.
- Cache size – The amount of fast memory built into the drive, often 16-256 MB.
- RPM – The rotation speed as mentioned above.
Key benefits of using an internal hard drive versus external storage:
- Faster access speeds because of the direct connection to the motherboard.
- Better protection since the drive is mounted securely inside the case.
- Less clutter without cables running outside the computer.
Do you need an internal hard drive?
The quick answer is yes, some form of internal hard drive is required in order to install an operating system and software programs. Without local storage, there is no place to store the OS or application files and settings.
However, there are some exceptions and situations where an internal hard drive may not be mandatory:
- Using an SSD instead – An SSD (solid state drive) functions as the primary internal drive without any moving parts. An SSD provides faster read/write speeds and better reliability compared to a mechanical hard disk.
- Booting from an external drive – PCs can be set up to boot the OS from a fast external SSD or USB flash drive. This works but isn’t ideal for performance.
- Cloud gaming PC – Gaming services like GeForce Now require minimal local storage, you’re mainly streaming games from the cloud.
- Diskless thin clients – Thin clients can connect to shared network storage for the OS and apps.
Even with the above exceptions, it is strongly recommended to have some kind of internal drive. A small SSD or hard disk allows you to install programs locally for the best experience. Relying entirely on external and cloud storage has downsides.
Reasons you still want some internal storage
Here are reasons why fully removing internal storage isn’t the best idea:
Faster access to programs and files
Apps and games will launch faster running from an internal drive rather than loading from the network or internet. Local storage offers quick access anywhere.
Better reliability
Cloud storage and network drives can and do fail. For critical software and files, it’s best to keep backups locally just in case.
Less dependence on internet access
You can’t access data in the cloud without an internet connection. A local hard drive or SSD gives you immediate access offline.
Not always online
Many desktop PCs in homes and offices are not online 24/7. Local storage is needed for main programs.
Secure sensitive files
Store personal financial documents, photos, or other private data on a local drive for security rather than in the cloud.
Future proofing
Game and software install sizes continue to balloon. A small 500GB SSD gives room to grow.
Recommended storage configurations
For a typical modern desktop PC, here are recommended storage setups:
1. SSD boot drive + HDD storage drive
Use a 250GB-500GB SSD as the primary C: drive for the Operating System and main programs. Add a 1TB or larger hard disk drive for storing personal files like documents, photos, videos, and games.
2. SATA SSD boot drive
A SATA SSD with 500GB+ capacity is all you need for most basic home or office PCs. Store everything on the fast SSD.
3. Small SSD + external HDD
Use a 120GB-250GB SSD for the OS and apps, relying on a USB external hard drive for storage. Easy to move the external drive between computers.
4. NVMe SSD boot drive
NVMe SSDs connect via PCIe for blazing speeds. A 500GB NVMe handles OS and programs, while a 2TB+ HDD provides mass storage.
5. Dual drive NAS or server
Network-attached storage devices often feature two bays for installing multiple drives. Use this for redundant storage and backups.
How much storage capacity do you need?
So how big of an internal hard drive or SSD is right for your Desktop PC? Here are some storage capacity guidelines based on usage:
| Usage | Recommended Storage |
|---|---|
| Office/Web Browsing PC | 128GB-256GB SSD |
| Main Family Computer | 250GB-500GB SSD |
| Gaming PC | 500GB+ SSD + 1TB+ HDD |
| Power User PC | 1TB+ NVMe SSD |
| Media Storage | 4TB-8TB HDD |
Match your internal drive size with how much programs, games, media, and personal files need to be stored locally. Prices for SSDs and hard disks continue to drop, so opt for more capacity when possible.
M.2 NVMe vs 2.5″ SATA SSD
If getting an SSD for your system drive, two form factors to choose from are:
M.2 NVMe SSD
- Directly connects to PCIe bus for fastest speeds
- No cables needed for clean build
- Fits into a small slot on the motherboard
- Higher cost per GB compared to 2.5″ SATA
2.5″ SATA III SSD
- Uses a SATA connection just like a hard drive
- Requires power and data cables
- Lower cost and higher capacities
- SATA speeds capped around 500-550 MB/s
For peak performance in a new high-end build, choose an M.2 NVMe SSD. But 2.5″ SATA SSDs are compact, affordable, and still significantly faster than a hard disk drive.
Internal hard drive vs. external hard drive
Comparing internal storage vs. external:
| Internal Drive | External Drive |
|---|---|
| Faster access speeds from internal connection | Slower access from USB or network |
| Installed securely inside computer case | More portable and can be used with multiple devices |
| Less cables and clutter | Adds cables running outside system |
| Easy to add additional drives | Limited by USB ports on computer |
Internal hard drives or SSDs are recommended as your primary storage for reliability and speed. But external drives serve great as additional capacity for backups, media files, and file transfers between computers.
Can you use a laptop hard drive in a desktop?
Technically yes, you can use laptop hard drives in a desktop PC. Here’s what you need to know:
- 2.5″ laptop drives are smaller and use less power than desktop 3.5″ drives.
- A mounting adapter or bracket is required to fit the smaller drive in a desktop case.
- Laptop HDDs and SSDs feature a SATA interface so they’ll work with a desktop SATA port.
- Capacity maxes out at 2TB for 2.5″ HDDs vs. higher for 3.5″ drives.
- Laptop-size drives run at 5400 RPM, not as fast as 7200 RPM desktop HDDs.
The smaller physical size and lower capacities make laptop drives better suited for external usage with desktops. But in a pinch they can work installed internally with an adapter.
Choosing the best internal hard drive
Key tips for selecting the right internal hard drive or SSD:
- SSD for speed – Choose an SSD over HDD whenever possible for much faster speeds.
- Enough capacity – Pick a drive large enough to hold OS/apps now and growth later.
- Reliable brand – Stick with established hard drive brands like WD, Seagate, Samsung.
- Positive reviews – Read reviews and specs to avoid problem-prone models.
- Cache size – Larger cache improves performance; aim for 32 MB or more.
- Upgrade method – Understand if/how the drive can be upgraded later if needed.
- Warranty length – Multi-year warranties (3-5 years) provide peace of mind.
Paying a little more for a quality internal drive from a top brand can save headaches down the road. And leveraging newer technologies like NVMe can ensure great system performance for years.
Conclusion
While technically possible to use an OS and apps without local internal storage, some form of built-in hard drive or SSD remains recommended for most PCs. An internal drive securely stores your critical software and personal files for quick access and backups.
A speedy SSD or high-capacity HDD gives your desktop computer storage space to grow now and into the future. And improvements like NVMe SSDs, larger caches, and faster RPM speeds continue to enhance internal drive performance each year.
Rather than removing internal storage entirely, a balanced approach is best. An M.2 SSD or 2.5″ SATA SSD provides speedy storage for your OS and programs. Combine it with either an internal HDD or external hard drive, and you gain abundant space for pictures, video, music and more. With this combo, your desktop PC will thank you for giving it the storage it needs inside.