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Do Games Run Worse on an External Hard Drive? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, generally speaking, games will run worse on an external hard drive compared to an internal SSD. The primary reason boils down to data transfer speeds. While USB technology has advanced significantly, even the latest USB 3.2 or USB-C connections are typically slower than the SATA or NVMe connections used by internal drives. This speed bottleneck can manifest in several ways, impacting your gaming experience negatively.

Here’s a breakdown of why this happens:

Slower Loading Times: Games constantly need to load textures, models, and other assets as you play. An external hard drive, with its slower data access rates, will cause significantly longer loading times. Imagine waiting minutes for a level to load – not exactly the immersive experience you’re after.
Lag and Stuttering: Games streamed from an external HDD might experience lag and stuttering, especially in graphically demanding sections. The game struggles to access the necessary data quickly enough, resulting in choppy gameplay.
Reduced Texture Pop-in: Due to limited bandwidth, textures can appear blurry or low-resolution initially, only “popping in” to a higher resolution later. This visual distraction breaks the immersion and detracts from the overall aesthetic.

However, it’s not always a black-and-white issue. Factors like the type of external drive (HDD vs. SSD), the USB standard, and the specific game all play a role. An external SSD connected via USB 3.2 will perform far better than an older HDD connected via USB 2.0. Furthermore, some less demanding games might run acceptably well even on an external HDD.

Let’s dive deeper into specific scenarios and related questions.

FAQs: Gaming on External Drives

Here are fifteen frequently asked questions regarding gaming on external hard drives, covering different aspects and platforms:

1. Will Games Run Better on an External Hard Drive?

Generally, no. While it’s great for storing and backing up large games you aren’t actively playing, hosting games on a mechanical external hard drive will often lead to poor performance due to slow read/write speeds.

2. Will Games Run Better on an External SSD?

Yes, definitely! Switching from an external HDD to an external SSD (Solid State Drive) makes a significant difference. SSDs have much faster read and write speeds compared to traditional hard drives, translating to shorter loading times and smoother gameplay. Think of it as upgrading from dial-up to broadband.

3. Do Games Run Worse on an External Hard Drive on PS4?

Surprisingly, not necessarily. The original PS4’s internal hard drive was quite slow. While an external HDD won’t magically make your games run better, it likely won’t make them run worse either, as the internal drive is also a bottleneck. A fast external SSD, though, can provide a performance boost, particularly in loading times.

4. Does an External SSD Make Games Slower?

No, an external SSD will generally make games faster, not slower, compared to using an external HDD. It might not be as fast as an internal SSD, but it’s a definite upgrade over a mechanical drive. If you are using an external SSD, it will make your games smoother and provide better performance.

5. Do You Lose FPS with An External Hard Drive?

Potentially, yes. If the external hard drive is significantly slower than your internal drive, it can become a bottleneck, leading to lower frame rates, especially in games that frequently stream data from the storage device.

6. Is it Better to Store Games on SSD or HDD?

SSD is the clear winner for active games. Games launch faster, levels load quicker, and you’ll experience smoother gameplay. HDD is perfectly fine for storing games you don’t play often.

7. Can External Hard Drives Cause Lag?

Yes. If the external drive is slow or constantly spinning down to save power, it can cause noticeable lag in your games. The system has to wait for the drive to spin up and access the necessary data.

8. Do Hard Drives Make Games Slower?

Compared to SSDs, yes, hard drives can make games slower in terms of loading times and overall responsiveness. However, if your CPU and GPU are powerful enough, the impact may be less noticeable, depending on the game.

9. Is There Any Downside to an External SSD?

The main downsides are cost and convenience. SSDs are typically more expensive per gigabyte than HDDs. Also, external drives can be slightly less convenient than internal ones due to the need for cables and potential for accidental disconnection.

10. Is it Better to Use Internal or External SSD for Gaming?

An internal SSD is almost always better for gaming due to faster and more direct data transfer speeds. Internal SSDs are not limited by the USB interface, which can introduce some latency.

11. Do Games Run Slower on an External Hard Drive on PS5?

You can’t even run PS5 games directly from an external HDD. You can only store them. You need to move them to the internal SSD or a compatible NVMe SSD installed internally to play them. This is because PS5 games demand very high read/write speeds that external HDDs simply can’t provide.

12. What are the Disadvantages of External Hard Drives?

External hard drives are susceptible to physical damage, corruption, and data loss. Also, their performance can be significantly slower than internal drives, particularly SSDs.

13. Is it Better to Buy Internal or External SSD?

For gaming, an internal SSD is generally the better choice due to superior performance. However, an external SSD can be a good option for adding extra storage or moving games between different computers or consoles.

14. Are SSDs More Reliable Than External Hard Drives?

SSDs are generally more reliable than HDDs because they have no moving parts. However, external drives, whether HDD or SSD, are still susceptible to damage from drops, temperature extremes, and power surges.

15. How Long Do Hard Drives Last for Gaming?

SSDs typically last longer than HDDs due to the absence of moving parts. You can expect an HDD to last for 3-5 years under normal usage, while an SSD might last for 5-10 years or even longer. Of course, lifespan can vary depending on usage patterns and the quality of the drive.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Gaming Needs

Ultimately, the decision of whether to use an external hard drive for gaming depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you’re looking for the best possible performance, an internal SSD is the way to go. However, if you need extra storage space and are willing to accept slightly slower performance, an external SSD can be a viable option. Using a traditional external HDD is generally not recommended for active gaming due to the significant performance limitations.

Consider your budget, the types of games you play, and the storage requirements of your game library when making your decision. And always remember to back up your important data!

For more information on game-based learning and educational gaming resources, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ or visit GamesLearningSociety.org.

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