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In What Disk Should I Put My Games? The Ultimate Guide

The short answer: Always install your games on an SSD (Solid State Drive) if you have one. Now, let’s dive deeper into why, and explore all the nuances surrounding game storage.

An SSD offers significantly faster load times, smoother gameplay, and sometimes even improved graphics due to faster asset streaming compared to a traditional HDD (Hard Disk Drive). While HDDs are cheaper per gigabyte, the performance difference is so significant that it’s worth prioritizing an SSD for your gaming library.

The SSD vs. HDD Debate: Why SSD Wins for Gaming

The core advantage of an SSD lies in its speed. Unlike HDDs, which rely on spinning platters and a moving read/write head, SSDs use flash memory to store data. This allows for virtually instantaneous data access, dramatically reducing loading times and improving overall game responsiveness.

Load Times: A Game Changer

Imagine waiting several minutes for a game to load a level. With an SSD, that wait can be reduced to seconds. This isn’t just a convenience; it’s a fundamental change to the gaming experience. You spend less time waiting and more time playing.

Smoother Gameplay: Stuttering Be Gone

Games often need to load assets (textures, models, sounds) on the fly as you move through the game world. If your storage drive is slow, this can lead to stuttering or pauses as the game struggles to keep up. An SSD’s speed minimizes these interruptions, resulting in a smoother and more immersive experience. Stuttering can greatly be improved by the use of SSDs.

Graphics and Asset Streaming

Some games, particularly open-world titles with vast landscapes and intricate details, rely heavily on asset streaming. A faster SSD allows the game to load these assets more quickly, which can sometimes translate to improved visual fidelity and less pop-in (where objects suddenly appear in the distance).

Is it okay to put it in the C or D drive?

Placing games on a separate drive (like D:) from your operating system (typically C:) can be a matter of preference and organization. If your C: drive is an SSD with limited space, using a secondary SSD or HDD for games can prevent your primary drive from filling up too quickly. Some argue that keeping your OS and games separate can isolate potential system crashes, but this is more of a theoretical benefit than a common occurrence in modern systems. The most important thing is that the drive you’re putting your games on is an SSD.

NVMe vs. SATA: Understanding SSD Types

Not all SSDs are created equal. The interface they use to connect to your motherboard plays a crucial role in their performance.

SATA SSDs: These are the older type of SSDs, using the same interface as traditional HDDs. While significantly faster than HDDs, they are limited by the SATA III bandwidth.
NVMe SSDs: These utilize the PCIe interface, which offers much higher bandwidth and significantly faster read/write speeds compared to SATA III. NVMe SSDs are the gold standard for gaming and other demanding applications.

Choosing the Right SSD: Key Considerations

When selecting an SSD for gaming, keep the following factors in mind:

Capacity: How many games do you want to store? AAA games can easily take up 50GB or more, so choose a capacity that meets your needs. 1TB is generally considered a good starting point for a gaming SSD.
Read/Write Speeds: Look for SSDs with high sequential read/write speeds, as these indicate how quickly the drive can transfer large files.
Interface: Opt for an NVMe SSD for the best possible performance.
Form Factor: Common SSD form factors include 2.5” (for SATA SSDs) and M.2 (for NVMe SSDs). Make sure the SSD is compatible with your motherboard.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to address common concerns about game storage:

1. Does putting my games on an SSD increase FPS (Frames Per Second)?

No, an SSD does not directly increase FPS. FPS is primarily determined by your CPU and GPU. However, by reducing loading times and minimizing stuttering, an SSD can contribute to a smoother and more consistent gaming experience, which can indirectly feel like an improvement in performance.

2. Will RAM improve FPS in games?

Yes, RAM can significantly improve frame rates and frame pacing, especially in games that are memory-intensive. 16GB of RAM is generally recommended for modern gaming, and more is always helpful if you multitask or play demanding titles.

3. Is 32GB of RAM overkill for gaming?

For most gamers in 2024, 32GB of RAM is still considered overkill, but it is slowly becoming more recommended in high-end systems. However, if you stream, edit videos, or run multiple applications simultaneously, 32GB can be beneficial. It’s a good investment for future-proofing your system, particularly when paired with high-end components.

4. Is 16GB of RAM enough for gaming in 2024?

Yes, 16GB of RAM is currently enough for the vast majority of games in 2024. However, some newer and more demanding titles may benefit from 32GB, especially if you plan on multitasking. It’s a good starting point for most gamers.

5. Does an SSD reduce lag in online games?

An SSD can help reduce lag related to loading times and asset streaming, but it will not directly affect network lag. Network lag is caused by issues with your internet connection or the game server.

6. Does it matter what drive letter my games are on (C:, D:, etc.)?

No, the drive letter doesn’t affect performance. What matters is the type of drive (SSD vs. HDD) and its speed.

7. Is it okay to install games on the same drive as my operating system?

Yes, it’s generally fine to install games on the same drive as your operating system, especially if that drive is an SSD. However, if your OS drive is small, you may want to install games on a separate, larger drive to avoid running out of space.

8. How much storage do I need for gaming?

This depends on how many games you want to install and the size of those games. A 1TB SSD is a good starting point for a gaming PC, allowing you to store a decent number of AAA titles. If you have a large game library, consider a 2TB or larger drive.

9. How many games can a PS5 hold?

The number of games a PS5 can hold depends on the size of the games. Many of the best PS5 games require between 40-60 GB of storage. Even if you mix in some PS4 games and smaller indies, you can realistically store 10-15 games on the internal drive at a time.

10. Is 1TB enough for a PS5?

While the PS5 comes with an 825GB SSD (of which around 667GB is usable), 1TB is generally considered insufficient for serious gamers who plan on playing many large titles. Expanding the storage with an additional SSD is highly recommended.

11. What type of SSD is best for PS5?

The best SSDs for PS5 are NVMe PCIe Gen4 drives with high read speeds (5500MB/s or higher is recommended). Sony provides specific requirements for compatible SSDs on their website.

12. Can an SSD fix stuttering in games?

Yes, an SSD can significantly reduce or eliminate stuttering in games caused by slow storage drives. By loading assets more quickly, an SSD prevents the game from pausing or stuttering as it streams data from storage.

13. Is 64GB of RAM overkill for gaming?

Yes, 64GB of RAM is generally considered overkill for gaming in 2024. It’s primarily beneficial for professional content creators, video editors, and users who run multiple virtual machines. For gaming alone, 32GB is typically the upper limit of what’s needed.

14. Should I put my games on an external SSD?

Yes, you can put games on an external SSD. Modern external SSDs that connect via USB 3.2 Gen 2 or Thunderbolt can offer performance close to internal SATA SSDs, though still slower than NVMe drives. This is a great option for laptops or consoles with limited internal storage.

15. Can I move games between drives without reinstalling them?

Yes, most game launchers (like Steam, Epic Games Store, and Origin) allow you to move games between drives without reinstalling them. You can usually find the option to move the installation directory in the launcher’s settings.

Beyond the Basics: Optimizing Your Gaming Setup

Beyond choosing the right storage drive, there are other steps you can take to optimize your gaming setup:

Keep your drivers updated: Regularly update your graphics card drivers for the best performance and compatibility.
Optimize your game settings: Experiment with different graphics settings to find the best balance between visual quality and performance.
Monitor your system temperatures: Ensure that your CPU and GPU are not overheating, as this can lead to performance throttling.
Defragment your HDD (if you still use one): Regularly defragmenting your HDD can improve its performance. This is not necessary for SSDs.

Conclusion: Embrace the SSD Revolution

In conclusion, choosing the right storage drive is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. While HDDs may still have a place for mass storage, SSDs are the clear winner for gaming. By investing in an SSD, you’ll enjoy faster loading times, smoother gameplay, and a more responsive overall experience. So, ditch the HDD for your OS and Games and embrace the SSD revolution! You can also learn more about how games are made and the technology behind them at sites such as the Games Learning Society found at GamesLearningSociety.org.

In what disk should I put my games?