When it comes to choosing the right amount of drive capacity for your needs, there are a few key factors to consider. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to select the perfect drive capacity for your purposes.
What Will You Use the Drive For?
The main uses for external hard drives include:
- Backing up your computer
- Expanding storage space
- Portable file storage
If you mainly need a drive for backup purposes, the amount of capacity you need will depend on how much data you have to back up. A general rule of thumb is to choose a drive that is double the size of your computer’s hard drive. So if your laptop has a 500GB hard drive, a 1TB (terabyte) external drive should suffice.
If you’ll use the drive to store large files like photos, videos, and games, you’ll want more storage space. For most users, 1-2TB is adequate. Power users who work with lots of big files may want 3TB or more.
For portable storage, you can get by with less capacity. A 500GB to 1TB portable hard drive gives you room for documents, presentations, downloaded movies, and more.
Consider Future Storage Needs
It’s always a good idea to think about your future storage requirements when purchasing an external hard drive. While 1TB seems like a ton of space now, storage needs have a tendency to grow over time.
HD video files, high-res photos, and games can quickly eat up hundreds of GBs. If you’ll store large media files or install games on the drive, look for 2TB or more for comfortable long-term capacity.
Drive Formats: HDD vs SSD
External hard drives come in two main formats: HDD (hard disk drive) and SSD (solid state drive). HDDs have moving parts like a traditional internal hard drive, while SSDs are completely electronic for faster performance.
If speed is your top priority, SSD is the way to go. Though SSDs are more expensive per GB compared to HDDs. A 1TB SSD costs around $100 to $200, while a 1TB HDD costs $40 to $60.
HDD Capacities
HDDs are available in these common capacities:
- 500GB to 1TB – For light general use and portable storage
- 2TB to 4TB – For backups, entertainment media files, games, and power users
- 6TB to 10TB+ – For professional use with extremely large files
SSD Capacities
External SSD capacities include:
- 250GB to 500GB – For light everyday use
- 1TB to 2TB – For storing games, media files, and running programs
- 4TB+ – For professionals working with massive files
Cost Per GB
Larger drives provide a better value per GB. For example, two 1TB HDDs will cost more than a single 2TB HDD. Bigger drives have a lower cost per GB.
Here’s a comparison of approximate costs for HDD storage:
| Drive Capacity | Cost Per GB |
|---|---|
| 500GB HDD | $0.12 to $0.15 |
| 1TB HDD | $0.04 to $0.06 |
| 2TB HDD | $0.02 to $0.04 |
| 4TB HDD | $0.015 to $0.03 |
And here are typical costs per GB for external SSD drives:
| Drive Capacity | Cost Per GB |
|---|---|
| 250GB SSD | $0.40 to $0.60 |
| 500GB SSD | $0.30 to $0.40 |
| 1TB SSD | $0.15 to $0.25 |
| 2TB SSD | $0.10 to $0.20 |
While the very largest drives provide the lowest cost per GB, extremely high capacities are overkill for many users. Find the balance between price and adequate storage for your needs.
Drive Speed
Faster drive speeds enable quicker file transfers and improved performance. If you move lots of big files and want snappy performance, choose a drive with higher read/write speeds.
HDD speeds are measured in RPM (revolutions per minute). Common speeds are:
- 5400 RPM – Basic HDD performance
- 7200 RPM – Faster, for improved user experience
- 10,000 to 15,000 RPM – Top-end HDD speeds
SSD speeds are measured in MB/s (megabytes per second). Speeds range from around 100 MB/s for budget SSDs up to over 500 MB/s for high-end models.
Drive Interface
The interface the external drive uses to connect to your computer also affects transfer speeds:
- USB 3.0 – Universal standard with speeds up to 5 Gb/s.
- USB-C – Supports USB 3.1 Gen 2 for transfers up to 10 Gb/s.
- Thunderbolt – Very fast interface capable of speeds up to 40 Gb/s.
- USB 2.0 – Much slower legacy standard with speeds of just 480 Mb/s.
For the fastest transfer rates, USB-C, USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt interfaces are recommended. Avoid USB 2.0 drives when possible.
Portability
If you need a drive you can slip into your bag and use on the go, portability is key. Look for compact and lightweight external SSDs with durability features like dust, water and shock resistance.
Rugged portable HDDs are also available with extra protection from damage during travel. However, SSDs are better suited for true portability thanks to faster speeds and no moving parts.
Drive Reliability
Drives from major vendors like Western Digital, Seagate, Samsung, LaCie and SanDisk are generally quite reliable. Check reviews to avoid problematic models.
SSDs tend to be more reliable than HDDs because they have no moving parts. But modern HDDs also have impressive longevity when treated with care.
Always eject and safely disconnect the drive when not in use to prevent potential file and data corruption.
Security Features
If storing sensitive files, you may want a drive with built-in security:
- Encryption – Scrambles data so only authorized users can access it.
- Password protection – Requires a password to view drive contents.
- Private cloud backup – Allows backing up to personal cloud storage accounts.
Encrypted and password protected drives keep your data safe from prying eyes. Private cloud backups provide an extra layer of protection against local drive failures.
Warranty Protection
Most external drives come with 1 to 3 year limited warranties. Higher quality models offer 3 to 5 years of warranty coverage. Extended warranties can also be purchased for additional peace of mind.
Check the warranty duration before buying. Look for drives with warranties of at least 1 to 2 years for the best protection.
Conclusion
Choosing the right drive capacity involves weighing factors like budget, your storage needs, speed, portability and reliability. Consider how you plan to use the drive to determine the right blend of size, performance and features.
For general home backup and storage, 1TB to 2TB will suit most users. Power users may want 4TB+ HDDs for holding lots of video, games and photo files.
Portable SSDs with 500GB to 2TB capacities are great for frequent travelers. Encryption and cloud backup support provide extra security for sensitive data.
Shop for reputable brands like Western Digital, Samsung and Seagate and look for drives with at least 1 to 2 year warranties. Avoid cheap drives with very low costs per GB, as they are likely less reliable.
With some careful consideration and comparison shopping, you’re sure to find just the right drive capacity for your needs and budget. Whether you just need a small portable backup drive or a high capacity media storage workhorse, there are excellent options available. Just determine your requirements and buy accordingly for smooth sailing!