Do Games Run Slower on an External Hard Drive PS4? The Truth Revealed!
The short answer is: it depends. Whether games run slower on an external hard drive connected to your PS4 hinges primarily on the speed and type of external drive you’re using, as well as the connection interface. A slow external drive can indeed lead to longer loading times and potentially impact game performance, while a faster one might offer performance on par with, or even slightly better than, the PS4’s internal drive in some instances. Let’s dive deep into the specifics.
Understanding the Bottlenecks
The PS4’s internal hard drive is a 5400 RPM SATA II drive. This is a mechanical hard drive, and while reliable, it’s not exactly a speed demon by today’s standards. The key consideration when using an external drive is whether it can at least match or exceed the performance of this internal drive. The primary limiting factor is the USB connection.
The PS4 utilizes USB 3.0 ports, which have a theoretical maximum transfer speed of 5 Gbps (Gigabits per second). However, the overhead associated with the USB protocol means that the real-world performance is usually lower. A good external drive connected via USB 3.0 can achieve read and write speeds that rival or even exceed the PS4’s internal drive, especially if it’s a Solid State Drive (SSD).
Conversely, if you’re using an older external drive, especially one with a slower rotational speed (like 5400 RPM) or a USB 2.0 connection, you’re almost guaranteed to experience slower loading times and potentially some performance issues during gameplay. This is because the PS4 will be waiting for the drive to access and transfer data, leading to stutters or delays.
The SSD Advantage
The real game-changer here is using an external SSD. SSDs have no moving parts and can access data much faster than traditional mechanical hard drives. While the USB 3.0 interface still imposes a limit, a good external SSD can still provide a significant performance boost, particularly in loading times. In many cases, games will load noticeably faster from an external SSD than from the PS4’s internal hard drive.
However, it’s important to remember that the PS4’s architecture itself can be a bottleneck. Even with a blazing-fast external SSD, the PS4’s processor and other components can only handle so much data at a time. Don’t expect miracles; the performance gains will be noticeable, but they won’t be as dramatic as upgrading to an SSD on a more modern console or a PC.
Making the Right Choice
If you’re considering using an external hard drive for your PS4, here’s what you should keep in mind:
- Prioritize SSDs: If your budget allows, opt for an external SSD. The performance difference is significant.
- Ensure USB 3.0 Compatibility: Make sure your external drive and its enclosure support USB 3.0. Avoid USB 2.0 drives.
- Consider Capacity: Choose a capacity that suits your gaming needs. 1TB or 2TB are generally good starting points.
- Brand Matters: Stick with reputable brands known for quality and reliability, such as Seagate, Western Digital (WD), or Samsung.
- Check Reviews: Before buying, read reviews from other PS4 users to see what their experiences have been.
In conclusion, while a poorly chosen external hard drive can indeed slow down your PS4 gaming experience, a well-selected and properly connected external SSD can provide a noticeable performance boost, especially in loading times. The key is to understand the limitations and choose the right hardware for the job.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about using external hard drives with the PS4:
1. Will any external hard drive work with my PS4?
No, the external hard drive must meet certain requirements. It needs to be a USB 3.0 drive with a minimum storage capacity of 250GB and a maximum of 8TB.
2. How do I format an external hard drive for my PS4?
You can format the drive directly from the PS4’s settings menu. Go to Settings > Devices > USB Storage Devices. Select the drive you want to format and choose “Format as Extended Storage.”
3. Can I move games between the internal and external hard drives?
Yes, you can easily move games between the internal and external drives from the PS4’s storage settings. This is a convenient way to manage your storage space.
4. Can I play PS5 games from an external hard drive?
No, you can store PS5 games on an external drive, but you cannot play them directly from it. PS5 games must be installed on the internal SSD to run.
5. Does an external hard drive affect my PS4’s internet speed?
No, an external hard drive will not affect your internet speed. Internet speed is determined by your network connection and the speed of your internet service provider.
6. What happens if I unplug my external hard drive while a game is running?
Unplugging the drive while a game is running can lead to data corruption or system instability. Always properly eject the drive through the PS4’s settings menu before disconnecting it.
7. Can I use multiple external hard drives with my PS4?
No, the PS4 only supports one external hard drive for game storage at a time.
8. Will an external hard drive improve the FPS (frames per second) in games?
It’s unlikely to significantly increase FPS. The primary factors affecting FPS are the PS4’s processor and graphics card. However, faster loading times might feel like an improvement in overall smoothness.
9. Are all USB 3.0 cables the same for external hard drives?
While most USB 3.0 cables will work, using the cable that came with your external hard drive is recommended. Some cables are better shielded or designed for higher data transfer rates.
10. Can I use an external hard drive that has been used on a PC?
Yes, but you’ll need to reformat the drive for use with the PS4. Keep in mind that reformatting will erase all data on the drive.
11. Is it better to upgrade the internal hard drive or use an external hard drive?
Upgrading the internal drive is generally preferable, as it eliminates the potential bottleneck of the USB connection. However, using an external SSD is a viable alternative and can be easier to install. The team at Games Learning Society consistently reviews and assesses gaming hardware to inform their educational initiatives. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.
12. Will a larger capacity external hard drive run games faster?
Not necessarily. The capacity of the drive doesn’t directly impact game performance. The speed of the drive (SSD vs. HDD) and the USB connection are the more important factors.
13. How much storage space do I need for my PS4 games?
This depends on how many games you want to install simultaneously. AAA titles can easily take up 50GB or more. A 1TB or 2TB drive is a good starting point for most gamers.
14. What are some of the best external hard drives for the PS4?
Some popular choices include the Seagate Portable 2TB, WD 2TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive, and Samsung T5 or T7 series external SSDs. Always check reviews before purchasing to ensure compatibility and performance.
15. Can using an external hard drive fix lag in online games?
No, an external hard drive will not directly fix lag in online games. Lag is typically caused by network issues, such as a slow internet connection or high ping times.