Are you a gaming enthusiast looking for the best budget storage for your gaming PC? You’re in the right place. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the world of gaming PC storage. We’ll explore what storage is, why it’s essential for gaming, and what factors you need to consider when buying. We’ll also list the top 5 budget storage options for gaming PCs in 2023 and guide you on how to install your new storage device. So, let’s get started!
Understanding Storage for Gaming PCs
The Basics of Gaming PC Storage
So, you’re interested in gaming PCs. Specifically, you’re eager to understand more about storage. To start, there are two main types of storage: Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) and Solid State Drives (SSDs). Generally, HDDs offer larger storage capacities at a lower price. Conversely, SSDs are faster, quieter, and more durable, but they come with a higher price tag.
Why Storage Matters in Gaming
Why should you care about storage? In short, storage affects game load times. Additionally, it can impact the overall performance of your PC. For instance, if you’re playing a game with a large open-world environment, a slow storage device could result in longer load times. Consequently, this might disrupt the immersion of your gameplay.
HDDs: Pros and Cons
Let’s delve into HDDs in detail. As stated earlier, HDDs provide a lot of storage at a lower cost. However, they’re not without their drawbacks. For one thing, they tend to be slower and noisier than SSDs. Moreover, they’re more likely to fail due to their mechanical nature. In other words, they’re not the best choice if speed and reliability are your top priorities.
SSDs: The Speedy Solution
Now, let’s turn our attention to SSDs. Unquestionably, SSDs are the faster option. They use flash memory, which means there are no moving parts. Therefore, they’re quieter and more reliable than HDDs. Furthermore, SSDs have faster read and write speeds, which can significantly reduce game load times. Nevertheless, the major drawback of SSDs is their higher cost per gigabyte compared to HDDs.
Hybrid Storage: The Best of Both Worlds?
What if you want the speed of an SSD and the storage capacity of an HDD? In this situation, a hybrid storage solution might be the answer. A hybrid drive, or SSHD, combines the technology of both SSD and HDD. It offers a balance between speed, capacity, and cost. To be sure, it won’t be as fast as a pure SSD, but it will typically be faster than a standalone HDD.
Choosing the Right Storage for Your Gaming PC
In conclusion, the right storage for your gaming PC depends on your specific needs. If you require lots of space and are on a budget, an HDD might be your best bet. If speed is your top priority, then you should consider an SSD. On the other hand, if you want a balance between the two, a hybrid drive could be the perfect solution. In the end, the choice is yours. But remember, the goal is to enhance your gaming experience, not just to buy the most expensive hardware.
In the next part of this guide, we will discuss how to install and manage these storage devices. Until then, happy gaming!
Factors to Consider When Choosing Budget Storage for Gaming PC
Your Budget
Firstly, let’s talk about budget. It’s a crucial factor to consider when choosing a storage device. After all, you don’t want to overspend on storage and neglect other important components. Therefore, it’s essential to have a budget in mind before you start shopping.
Storage Capacity
Secondly, consider the storage capacity. How much storage do you really need? For casual gamers, a 1TB HDD might be enough. On the other hand, serious gamers might need 2TB or more. Moreover, if you’re into creating content, like streaming or video editing, you’ll need even more space. So, evaluate your needs carefully.
Speed and Performance
Next up is speed and performance. Remember, a faster storage device can improve game load times. Consequently, it can enhance your gaming experience. SSDs are faster than HDDs, but they’re also more expensive. If speed is a top priority for you, it might be worth investing in an SSD.
Reliability and Longevity
Reliability and longevity are also crucial factors. After all, you don’t want your storage device to fail suddenly. With reference to reliability, SSDs have an edge over HDDs. That’s because SSDs have no moving parts. But this doesn’t mean HDDs are unreliable. Many HDDs can last a long time if handled properly.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
Finally, consider the reputation of the brand and reviews from other users. To clarify, some brands are known for their high-quality storage devices. Others may not have the same reputation. So, do some research. Read reviews. Look for brands that other gamers trust and recommend.
Finding the Balance
In conclusion, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when choosing a storage device. You need to find a balance between budget, capacity, speed, reliability, and brand reputation. The best budget storage for your gaming PC is the one that meets your specific needs and fits within your budget.
In the next section, we’ll explore some of the best budget storage options available on the market. Stay tuned!
Top 5 Best Budget Storage Options for Gaming PC in 2023 (SSD)
When it comes to gaming PC, SSDs are highly recommended over HDDs due to several key advantages. Firstly, SSDs offer significantly faster read and write speeds, resulting in reduced load times and faster game installations. This translates to a smoother gaming experience with minimal waiting times. Additionally, SSDs have no moving parts, making them more resistant to physical damage and less prone to mechanical failures. This increased reliability ensures that your gaming PC stays functional and your game data remains safe. Furthermore, SSDs provide improved random access times, enabling quicker retrieval of game assets and enhancing overall game performance. While HDDs may still offer higher storage capacities at a lower cost, the unparalleled speed and reliability of SSDs make them the ideal choice for gamers looking for optimal performance and responsiveness.
Hence, we recommend the top three budget SSDs for your gaming PC.
The Samsung 970 EVO Plus 500GB
The Samsung 970 EVO Plus 500GB is a budget-friendly SSD option for gaming PCs that doesn’t skimp on performance. It stands out with its impressive sequential read speed of up to 3,500 MB/s, which ensures quick game loading and file transfers. This SSD operates on the NVMe PCIe M.2 interface, which provides high-speed data transfer and efficient performance. It comes with the Silicon Motion SM2263XT flash memory controller, contributing to its excellent performance.
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Samsung 970 EVO Plus NVMe PCIe Gen.3 500GB$115.00 w/GST
The Samsung 980 NVMe PCIe Gen.3 500GB SSD
The Samsung 980 NVMe PCIe Gen.3 500GB SSD is another fantastic budget storage option for your gaming PC. This SSD is built using Samsung’s V-NAND technology, which provides higher capacity and efficiency. The storage drive comes with a 500GB capacity, which is a decent size for storing games, applications, and files​.
The Samsung 980 NVMe PCIe Gen.3 500GB SSD boasts impressive performance. It provides a sequential read speed of up to 3,500 MB/s and a sequential write speed of up to 3,000 MB/s. This translates to faster game load times and smoother gameplay. Moreover, this SSD also delivers random read/write IOPS of 400k/470k, further enhancing its performance for gaming tasks​.
However, there’s one aspect where the Samsung 980 NVMe PCIe Gen.3 500GB SSD differs from its pricier counterparts: it doesn’t come with a DRAM cache. Samsung omitted this feature as a cost-cutting measure. Despite this, the drive’s performance remains robust for most gaming and general use scenarios​.
- Samsung 980 NVMe PCIe Gen.3 500GB$135.00 w/GST
The GIGABYTE GP 256GB
The GIGABYTE GP GSM2NE3256GNTD is a 256GB NVMe SSD with PCIe 3.0 x4 interface. NVMe SSDs generally offer faster performance compared to SATA SSDs, and the PCIe 3.0 x4 interface means that it can take advantage of faster data transfer rates.
Regarding its storage capacity, while 256GB can be enough for an operating system and a few games or applications, it might be limiting if you plan to install many large games or store a lot of data. According to a 2023 article from PC Gamer, most recommended SSDs for gaming are at least 1TB, as anything smaller tends to suffer a drop in speed. Additionally, with games becoming larger, a 256GB SSD might run out of space quickly. However, if this SSD is being used as a secondary storage device or if your storage needs are modest, 256GB could be sufficient​
In conclusion, any SSD will be a huge upgrade over a hard drive. Each SSD on this list has gone through intensive benchmarking. It includes real-world game loading tests and synthetic speed tests. This ensures that they’re doubly worth your money​. So, treat yourself and upgrade your gaming experience with the best budget storage for gaming PCs in 2023.
How to Install Your New Storage Device
Let’s start with preparations. Before you begin, make sure your PC is unplugged. Safety first, after all. You’ll also need a Phillips head screwdriver.
Firstly, locate the screws on the back of your PC case. Remove them and slide off the side panel. Now, you have access to the inside of your PC.
Next, find the storage slot. It’s often located near the bottom of the PC case. Once you’ve found it, you’re ready to install your new SSD.
Hold your SSD carefully. Align it with the storage slot. Push it gently into place. Be sure not to force it. If it doesn’t fit, check the alignment again.
Once the SSD is in place, secure it. Use the screws that came with your SSD. Tighten them, but not too much. You don’t want to damage your new storage device.
Now, it’s time to connect the SSD. You’ll see two cables: a power cable and a data cable. Connect the power cable first. It’s the larger of the two. Then, connect the data cable. It’s the smaller one.
Finally, put the side panel back on your PC. Secure it with the screws you removed earlier. Plug in your PC and power it up. Your new SSD should appear in the “This PC” section of Windows. If it does, congratulations! You’ve successfully installed your new storage device.
In conclusion, installing a new storage device isn’t as daunting as it might seem. With a little patience and the right tools, you can give your gaming PC the storage upgrade it deserves. So, why wait? Upgrade now to one of the best budget storage options for gaming PCs in 2023. Happy gaming!
Conclusion
In conclusion, upgrading your gaming PC with the best budget storage can significantly enhance your gaming experience. A good SSD not only provides ample space for your games but also ensures faster load times and smoother gameplay. Remember, the right storage can make a big difference in your gaming experience.
But if you’re still unsure about what to get or how to install it, don’t worry. As a gaming PC Expert VOLTA PC in Singapore, we’re always ready to help. We offer a range of budget storage options for gaming PC and provide expert advice to help you make the right choice. Moreover, we can also assist you in installing your new storage device. So, why wait? Contact us today and let us help you upgrade your gaming PC.