How to Add More Storage to PC for Gaming

When it comes to gaming, it is hard not to consider storage as a selling point. Remember when you tried to get that new game installed only to be informed by some ominous voiceover that “storage is almost full?” It’s frustrating, right? Games are getting bigger and more complex, so storage is important. With this guide, we will explain how to expand storage on your PC so that you never have to delete your favorite games. Everything from Understanding your storage requirements to installing and managing.

Understanding Your Storage Needs

Assessing Your Current Storage

Checking Available Space

How much space do we have right now, so lets check out the total of area? On windows, you can simply see this by going to “This PC”. It is as simple as right-clicking on your drive and selecting ‘Properties‘. The diagram shows a pie chart representing the space you have consumed and the rest of the available one.

Understanding Game Sizes

Some of the modern game are even larger taking more than 100GB. Even if you are a casual mobile gamer though, games could gobble up that space more quickly than you think — especially for fairly large or sprawling (infinite world) titles. Write down some of your favorites games, and look up how much space they take to have a sense of the size you need.

Identifying Your Gaming Preferences

Besides, storage is also dependent upon your gaming style. For people who only play a handful of games, or for the triple-a-holic with an impressive collection? This will assist you in finding if you need just an upgrade, or a complete redesign.

Types of Storage Solutions

Hard Disk Drives (HDDs)

HDDs are reliable as a second alternative. They have ample amount of space alongside a reasonable price for gamers which make them quite popular. They are slightly slower (which could in turn slow game load times, depending on the baseline)

Solid State Drives (SSDs)

Choosing the faster SSD for quicker load times and a smoother gaming experience; For the best performance in the game, you should opt for an SSD.

NVMe SSDs

NVMe SSDs are the best choice for those that require cutting-edge performance. They are faster than standard SSDs too and can help decrease load times by a lot. Anyone considering a dedicated gaming build that wants the best experience possible would be well-served by looking at an NVMe based SSD.

How to Add Storage to Your PC

Upgrading Your Existing Drive

Backing Up Data

Before Proceeding to any Changes Backup your Data Use an external drive or cloud storage to back up all of your games and files.

Choosing the Right Drive

When choosing your next drive, have a good idea of how much space (both capacity and budget-wise) you might need to store the kind of games you play. Look into different models and read reviews to pick out the best one for your needs.

Installing a New Drive

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

• Bring The Right Tools:You will need a screwdriver and depending on the kind of drive, potentially a mounting bracket.
• Power Down: Firstly, you should switch off your PC and quickly remove it from the wall.
• Open the Case, Removing the side panel to be able to get at that sweet hardware inside.
• Follow Manufacturer Instructions : Installing a new HDD or SSD in your computer is an easy process. Install it right and make sure all the connections are secure and snug.
• Wrap Up and Power On: Now just close the case back up and boot your computer.

External Storage Options

Using External HDDs and SSDs

A great alternative is an external drive. Designed for flexibility, they are also device agnostic. Plug them via USB and enjoy.

Performance Considerations

External drives are normally slower than internal drives. For the above titles they are 100% recommended and possibly for storage of lower tier games.

Managing Storage After Upgrade

Organizing Your Games

Once you upgrade, consider rearranging your game library. Organize by categories or popularity in order to swiftly discover and play them — folders/editor.

Monitoring Storage Usage

Monitoring storage helps in not giving you trouble again. WinDirStat or TreeSize are tools that give you a clear insight what is taking up space on your drives and helps to keep control of the data.

Conclusion

The storage you put in your computer can change the way you game. Find out what you need, explore the ways to store that, and manage your games right from there on in: never worry about space again. Thus, irrespective if you are a casual player or hardcore gamer, hurry and replace your storage right now!

FAQs

• What’s the best type of storage for gaming?

When it comes to gaming, SSDs are typically the better option due to their speed, with NVMe SSDs providing even higher performance at the top of the range.

• How can I check how much space I have left?

Available disk space can be found by right-clicking This PC and selecting Properties from the context menu of local drive usage.

• Can I use a regular external HDD for gaming?

Yes, You can and probably SHOULD use an external, just know load times are going to be slower than on internal SSD.

• How do I move games from one drive to another?

Normally you can just drag over the games from one drive to another. That being said, be sure to redirect any shortcuts or game launchers.

• Is upgrading my storage worth it for casual gamers?

Casual gamers will even experience a boost in performance with storage upgrades, reducing load times and the need to delete games to install others.