Initially, floppy disks were quite large, with the first models having a size of 8 inches. The storage capacity was also quite abysmal by modern standards, with 80 kilobytes being the total capacity of the initial models. However, they were still far better than any alternative.

By 1986, IBM had developed the floppy disk in its modern form, with a capacity of 1.44 megabytes and a size of 3.5 inches. Eventually, floppy disks would be replaced by flash drives and other external devices. Sony stopped manufacturing floppy disks in 2011, and that was the supposed death of the disk.

However, a small number of people still have floppy disks lying around and wonder whether they are still viable. Here, we take a look at whether that is the case, and how you can access floppy disks if you have them lying around.

What is a Floppy Disk?

First, let’s go through what is a floppy disk. A floppy disk is a small piece of equipment that can be inserted into a floppy disk reader. The disk itself is encoded magnetically. What that means is that there is a read/write head that passes through the disk to access and edit data stored on it.

For decades, almost every single personal computer came with a floppy disk reader built in. Even if it wasn’t built in, you could easily find a reader quite cheaply and install it into one of the slots in the tower.

Eventually, floppy disks were replaced due to the availability of better alternatives. As the size of files grew, users began to switch to external hard drives and other similar media.

Are Floppy Disks Still Viable?

The simplest answer to this question is no. No matter which way you look at it, using a floppy disk is no longer viable. Floppy disks simply do not have enough space, nor are they fast enough, for modern computing standards.

Furthermore, pretty much all modern PCs do not even come with floppy disk drivers. Getting drivers that support modern Operating Systems is also next to impossible. As such, it is pretty much guaranteed that you won’t be able to read floppy disks even if you manage to install an old reader into your PC.

On top of that, since the drives are no longer being produced, it is quite difficult to find floppy drives as well. It is perhaps fitting that there are probably more people using floppy disks as drink coasters than there are using them for data storage nowadays.

Where Floppy Disks Still May Be Useful

Despite considering everything mentioned above, there are still a handful of cases where a floppy disk still could be useful:

• Recovering old files that are stored on floppy disks (although we can’t imagine how old the files would have to be).
• Restoring and backing up data on older systems.
• Updating really old systems with no other compatible I/O.
• As mentioned previously, as coasters or collectible items.

How to Read a Floppy Disk

Luckily, it is still possible to read floppy disks if you have a use for them. However, it is way too difficult to get a proper floppy disk reader installed in your CPU. This is, as mentioned previously, due to the difficulty of finding drivers.

The good news is that you can use an external floppy disk reader. As long as it is a 3.5-inch floppy reader, you should be able to read most floppy disks that are still around. There are a lot of cheaply made floppy disk readers that can be bought on any online store.

The only thing that you need to watch out for is that the reader has good reviews. Once you have the reader, you can connect it to your PC using the USB port. Then, insert the floppy disk into the reader and your PC should be able to read it.

In rare cases, you may need to install a driver for the floppy disk, in which case you will need to read the manual to see how to install them. However, most external floppy disk readers will work right out of the box.

Conclusion

Although floppy disks are no longer viable as a storage device, it is still possible to access old disks that you have lying around. The only thing to remember is that the disks may be damaged due to their age. Unfortunately, there is not a lot you can do in this regard. Hopefully, all the disks that you have lying around do work.

RAM is a device’s second engine. Higher the RAM, the higher its performance. This is extremely important for users who want to play games with high graphics or execute high-end tasks like editing videos or images.

However, RAM is a costly component of a PC or a laptop, and high-performance RAM with the latest tech will set you back several dollars. But did you realize there’s a clever method to save this cost by just utilizing a USB drive as RAM on a Windows laptop or PC?

The tech world is moving forward fast with innovations. You can keep up by following the methods in this article to use a USB flash drive as RAM.

How to use a USB drive as RAM

It is simple to use a USB flash drive as RAM; all you need is a USB flash drive, and the crucial thing to remember is that a single file larger than 4 GB cannot be stored on a FAT32-formatted USB device. If you want to save data larger than 4GB on this USB flash drive, you must format it using the NTFS file system.

In this next section, we will look at two ways to use a USB device as RAM. Adhere to the standards listed below.

Virtual RAM Method

The first method is the Virtual RAM method. Virtual RAM, often known as virtual memory, is a built-in feature of the Windows PC. To begin, perform the instructions below:

• Plug your USB flash drive into any available USB port.
• After that, Right-click on the My Computer or This PC icon (depending on the OS).
• Then, choose Properties from the drop-down menu.
• Next, From the left side of the Properties box, select Advanced system settings as shown in the image below.
  
• At the top of the System Properties window, select the Advanced option.
• Underneath the Performance tab, click the Settings option.
• At the Performance Options box, select the Advanced option once more.
  
• Under the Virtual memory area, click the Change button.
• Then, Uncheck Manage the paging file size for all drives probably automatically, and then pick your USB stick from the device list displayed.
• Under the Custom Size option, enter the value in MB. This number must be at least 200 MB smaller than the value displayed against available space.
  
• Finally, restart your computer or laptop. You will notice the effects of more RAM in demanding tasks.

Ready Boost Method

The second method is the ready boost method to use a USB flash drive as RAM. Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Format the USB Flash Drive

• Attach the USB flash drive to your system.
• Launch the File Explorer program on your PC.
• Next, here on the left-hand side of the File Explorer window, click on “This PC.”
• Then, right-click on the USB drive and choose Properties. Then, select “Format” to begin formatting the drive.
• When the Format box displays, select the File system option.
• Then, click “Start” to begin the formatting process. The formatting procedure will take some time to complete.
• Once formatted, proceed to the Step 2 given below:

Step 2: Use ReadyBoost to increase the RAM

After formatting your USB drive, it’s time to ready boost your USB flash drive. Follow the below steps to do it.

• To begin, press the Windows key and E key at the same time.
• Next, to see all of your laptop’s discs, click on “This PC.”
• When you find your USB device, right-click it and select “Properties.”
• Just go to the “ReadyBoost” option in the Properties box.
• Choose the “Use this device” option.
  
• You can now tweak the slider to increase or reduce the quantity of RAM (For example– the maximum limit for this computer is 4094 MB).
• To save the changes, click “Apply” and then “OK.” And restart your PC.

That’s all there is to it! You’ve successfully upgraded the RAM on your laptop or PC. This will significantly accelerate the system and boost its performance.

Disconnect your USB Flash Drive

Remove the USB flash drive only after you’ve removed the Ready Boost settings. Because if you remove your USB drive and your system shuts down directly, it can corrupt your Windows because there are cache files in the flash drive, so do not eject the flash drive directly.

If you want not to use the flash drive as extra RAM, perform the following methods to eject your USB drive safely.

• Launch File Explorer & navigate to “This PC.”
• Then right-click on the flash drive.
• Then, select “Properties.”
• Then, select the “ReadyBoost” tab.
• You must choose “Do not use this device” here, and ReadyBoost will not utilize this device.
• To save these updated modifications, click “Apply” and then “OK.”
• You can now remove the USB from your laptop or PC and use it as a standard drive on other PCs.

Conclusion

Generally, using a USB flash drive as RAM on Windows is simple. However, you must disconnect your flash drive carefully, or the device may be damaged. Create a system restore point from a safety standpoint as well.

Remember that you can only use a USB drive as RAM in Hard Disk Drive (HDD). If the above steps are not working in your system, then you have a Solid-State Drive (SSD) in your PC or Laptop, or you may have no more RAM capacity in your system.

SD cards and eMMC storage have a lot in common. It’s all flash memory, yet eMMC storage can’t compete with an SSD, just as an SD card can’t compete with a fast solid-state drive.

Are you deciding between an eMMC or SSD laptop or simply want to learn more about the advanced technology? This post will teach you all you need to know about eMMC vs SSD.

The article begins with a comprehensive overview of eMMC. After that, it goes into SSD and its characteristics. Finally, the features of eMMC and SSD are compared. Read on to find out!

What is eMMC?

In reality, four major storage kinds spring to mind when it comes to laptop PC storage: SSD, HDD, Hybrid hard drive (link here) and eMMC. But, how well do you know them?

In principle, eMMC is a variation of MMC, which is a memory card standard for solid-state storage. MMC comes in a variety of forms, including DV-MMC, MMCplus, RS-MMC, and MMCmobile, MMCmicro, MiCard, SecureMMC, and eMMC, among others.

Mobile devices such as cellphones, entry-level computers, digital cameras, tablets, and even some removable devices employ eMMC.
Although corporations rarely create MMC slots (SD cards are more prevalent), eMMC is still commonly utilised in consumer electronics as the primary form of integrated storage in portable devices.

The eMMC flash memory system is a low-cost flash memory system. Its built-in controller is compatible with Android and Windows phones, as well as low-cost PCs. Rather than a more expensive solid-state storage device, such as a solid-state drive, it can be presented as a bootable device in the host interface.

The flash memory and flash memory controller are both integrated on a similar silicon chip in eMMC. It’s made up of an embedded storage system that includes a MultiMediaCard interface, a master controller, and flash memory. In addition, the eMMC pricing is low, making it a cost-effective storage device.

What is SSD?

SSD is the abbreviation for a solid-state drive. It’s also known as a solid-state disk or a solid-state device.

A solid-state drive (SSD) is a type of storage device that uses integrated circuits to store information permanently. SSDs have the best performance and the highest price when compared to other storage formats. Furthermore, SSDs are more resistant to physical damage.

SSDs also have a quicker read/write speed, a quieter working mechanism, and reduced power consumption. As a result, people who have high needs for computer performance and suitable money are more likely to choose an SSD laptop.

Despite the fact that the price of SSDs is falling over time, the cost of each unit of storage (up to 2018) still outweighs hard drives. It is expected that this cost advantage will last for another ten years.

eMMC vs. SSD

This section contrasts the essential features of a storage device to understand eMMC vs SSD further.

Storage Size Range

The first and most crucial SSD vs eMMC comparison is that eMMC storage has a lesser storage range than SSDs. For instance, eMMC storage is available in 32GB and 64GB capacities. There are also 128GB and 265GB eMMC storage options.

This means that devices using this form of storage don’t have a lot of storage alternatives.

SSD storage, on the other hand, comes in considerably bigger capacities. SSD storage typically ranges from 128 GB to many terabytes.

Price

The pricing difference between eMMC and SSD is the ultimate comparison. eMMC-equipped devices, phones, desktops, and tablets are significantly less expensive than those with SSD drives.

On the other hand, SSD drives make up for the price difference with their vastly speedier performance.

Expansion or Replacement Options

Another essential feature to consider when comparing eMMC vs SSD is expansion or replacement with a bigger disc.

If you recall, we explained that eMMC is embedded directly to a device’s or computer’s motherboard in the eMMC explanation. This makes replacing or upgrading it extremely difficult, if not impossible.

However, most devices with eMMC storage, on the other hand, may include a microSD card port. This slot may be used to expand the device’s external storage.

Data Transfer Speed

The data transfer speed of SSD vs eMMC is the next significant comparison.

eMMC storage is divided into multiple standards, the most recent of which is 5.1A. It has a maximum transmission rate of 400MB/s.

It is not awful in terms of average transfer speed for other forms of storage. Nevertheless, there are additional elements that influence the performance of a storage device than data transmission speed.

SSDs, on the other hand, may transport data at speeds ranging from 400MB/s to over 3,000MB/s. SATA SSDs have a data transmission rate of roughly 400MB/s, which is comparable to eMMC storage.

Conclusion

To summarize, eMMC has a lower price point and a smaller footprint than SSD, but its performance is significantly lower. SSDs, on the other hand, are more expensive but offer substantially higher performance and better durability.

If your budget permits, a solid-state drive (SSD) for your laptop is advised for a better user experience.

While eMMC is ideal for low-level computing, such as browsing the web or watching videos, it is insufficient for more demanding tasks.

If you’re a power user in need of a faster computer and don’t mind paying a little more, SSD is the way to go. It’s excellent for gaming as well. SSD prices are steadily decreasing, making them more appealing to most users.

Hard Disk Drive – HDD

The HDD has been around for a long time. IBM was the first to deploy it in 1956. It features a mechanical arm that moves to read and write data to a specific spot.

If the user requires any info, HDD must go around that location and retrieve the data, which increases the time it takes to retrieve any necessary information using HDD. To summarise, recovering data from an HDD necessitates physical movement.

Since HDDs have the ability to write data to any spot on the plate at any moment, there is a risk of data overwriting, which might cause problems for particular events. The HDD has a distinct benefit in that it can store a large quantity of data.

Pros of HDD

• The most cost-effective storage drive.
• More storage space is available.
• In the read/write cycle, it has a long lifetime.
• Data recovery is significantly more manageable since it works across magnetization and demagnetization.

Cons of HDD

• Moving parts are less trustworthy, putting HDDs at risk of being damaged in the event of an accident.
• The speed of reading and writing is slower.
• It makes a lot of noise.
• Bulky and large.
• It is inefficient in terms of energy and generates noise.

How does it work?

One platter is used in a hard disc drive, and both sides of the platter are magnetized. The platter is one of its components. There are millions of tiny little regions on this plate. This platter’s magnetizing and demagnetizing zones act in tandem.

To read and write data, a read or write head travels above the platter. There are two reads or write heads on each plate. One is for upper surface reading, while the other is for bottom surface reading.

To begin, the HDD retains a map of sectors, indicating which sectors have data and which are empty. The new data is then written over the free sectors when it has found them. If the data must be read from the HDD, the same procedure will be followed but in reverse.

Solid State Hybrid Drive – SSHD

A hybrid of the two worlds, with a quick SSD cache and greater HDD storage.

SSHD is the abbreviation for Solid State Hybrid Drive. SSHD is a hybrid of SSD and HDD storage. You may use SSHD as the optimum storage and performance option while staying within your budget. SSHD gives you the storage capacity of a hard drive with the performance of a solid-state drive.

It has a combination of compact and fast NAND flash memory. For lightning-fast performance, the SSHD takes advantage of SSD. It incorporates the HDD’s great capacity and stability. In addition, in SSHD, the Adaptive Memory technology is added.

Pros of SSHD

• It has a strong speed-to-storage capacity ratio.
• There are fewer moving parts than on a hard disc drive.
• It contains NAND flash storage, which allows for quicker access to frequently used data through caching.
• More read and write cycles than a solid-state drive (SSD).

Cons of SSHD

• The HDD portion is prone to dropping or exposure, causing the entire SSHD to malfunction.

How does it work?

A small quantity of high-performance NAND flash memory is used by SSHD. This flash memory is used to store the most frequently utilized data. Files can be accessed fast with SSHD since it features an SSD section of the disc that is 8 GB in size.

It includes a memory manager built into the hard drive that will recognize which data and files are accessed the most frequently and store them in the flash memory, which is the solid-state component of the drive. As a result, accessing such files is a breeze since your system remembers all of your regularly used data and files.

Solid State Drive – SSD

SSD is the abbreviation for a solid-state drive. SSD vs. HDD has been compared a lot. It’s similar to USB memory sticks, except that you can use larger SSDs and more complex USB memory sticks.

SSDs can’t be moved because they don’t have any moving parts. Microchips hold the memory in SSDs.

If you want any data, SSD does not need to wander about looking for it; it can obtain it immediately from within. It’s a lot faster than using a hard drive because hard drives have to travel around to retrieve the information they need.

SSDs are available in three standard sizes: 1.8 inches, 2.5 inches, and 3.5 inches.

Pros of SSD

• Fast read and write rates are available.
• Since there are no moving parts, it is more dependable.
• The best power efficiency and the least amount of noise. Good for gaming.
• It’s small and light.

Cons of SSD

• It is more expensive than HDD and SSHD.
• The read and write speed cycles are shorter, and the lifetime is relatively small as well.
• It has a small amount of memory.

How does it work?

A controller functions as a processor in SSDs and performs all reading and writing actions. SSDs employ flash memory like RAM. However, the memory is not cleared when the power is turned off; it stays in the SSD.

To receive and deliver data fast, SSDs employ a grid of electrical cells. Pages are used to separate these grids. Pages are the storage locations for data. A block is made up of several pages.

SSDs only write if there is a blank page available; otherwise, they do not write on previously written pages. As a result, there is no risk of data overwriting in SSD.

HDD vs. SSD vs. SSHD – Which is better?

When it comes to upgrading laptop storage, deciding between HDD, SSD, and SSHD technologies might be difficult.

Perhaps the most important thing to consider is: how can you have a maximum capacity that is almost as quick as solid-state while remaining within your budget?

Solid-state hybrid drives, in general, can give the most refined mix of performance features and cost considerations to satisfy your requirements.

There can’t be a magic fix that will work for everyone. It is due to the fact that each person has unique requirements. Budget, performance, use case, and other factors might influence people’s responses.

You can go through the pros, cons, performance, and other features of each storage drive and choose the one that best meets your needs. The most critical issue is your budget, and if you’re short on cash, you should hunt for the finest offer possible.

Conclusion

To summarise the SSHD vs. HDD comparison, if you want both storage space and speed, you should choose an SSHD. It’s perfect for a laptop, and mainly if you use it to start Windows, it’s a game-changer.

If you’re on a budget and need extra storage space, an HDD is the way to go.

If you only want storage space, a combination of SSD and HDD can be used as a secondary drive. The SSD stores system data and apps, while the HDD stores backups such as images, media files, and other things.

SSHD is the most recent technology, so if you want to try new things and see what’s new, go with SSHD.

The partition style determines how Windows accesses the data on the present drive and is selected during the disk’s setup. As a result, each disc must have its own partition style. It would help if you first had a fundamental grasp of MBR vs. GPT before deciding which partitioning technique to use.

The comparisons between an MBR vs. GPT partition are self-evident. However, there is a plethora of background material available to assist you in understanding each sort of partition and why you should use one over the other.

When you initially launch a drive in Windows, you may be prompted whether to use MBR vs. GPT. Many PC users are unsure which to select because Windows does not give further information about them. But don’t be concerned.

Here, we’ll go over the differences between MBR vs. GPT in detail to help you make an informed decision.

What is MBR?

Master Boot Record (MBR) is an older disc type that was initially released in 1983 with IBM PC DOS 2.0. It’s termed after the MBR boot sector, which is found at the very start of a disc, the first sector. An MBR disk’s structure is seen here in simplified form.

Image Source: IONOS

The MBR sector is the first sector on both an MBR and a GPT disc. It contains the master program code (440bytes), the disc signature (4 bytes), the disc partition table with four entries (DPT, 64bytes), and the MBR signature (2bytes), which marks the end of the MBR sector, and in total takes up 512bytes.

This sector contains information on how the partitions on the present storage device are arranged. As a result, if it becomes corrupted, you won’t be able to use the disc until the MBR is rebuilt.

You must divide a disc into partitions in order to use it for data storage. On an MBR disc, partitions are divided into two types:

1. Primary partitions: Primary partitions are those on which the operating system may be installed and made active so that the machine can boot from them. The space remaining on a disc after primary partitions are removed referred to as an extended partition.
2. Extended partitions: Unlike a primary partition, an extended partition is a solid storage unit with a drive letter and file system. To make the most of the space, you can only use the expanded partition to construct several logical drives.

Even though the disc partition table is 64 bytes in the count and each partition’s data is 16 bytes, you can only create four primary partitions. Suppose you want more than four partitions on the disc. In that case, you may construct logical partitions by making one of the primary partitions an extended partition.

Note: the expanded partition allows you to construct numerous logical drives within.

Main Drawback: The most obvious drawback of an MBR disc is that it can only handle discs up to 2TiB. That implies that if your disc is more extensive than 2TiB and you utilize the MBR partition type, you can only use up to 2TiB of it.

What is GPT?

In comparison to MBR, which was initially presented as part of the UEFI project, GPT, or GUID Partition Table, is a newer standard. It provides more flexibility and compatibility with contemporary hardware than the MBR partitioning technique.

Here we will explain all the components shown in the picture above:

1. The Protective MBR sector is the first sector on a GPT drive. The protected MBR on a GPT disc, unlike the one on an MBR disc, aims to avoid tools that only support MBR discs from misrecognizing and overwriting GPT drives.
2. The primary GPT partition table header is stored in the second sector of a GPT disc. It specifies the size and location of the partition entries that make up the partition table and the cyclic redundancy check (CRC32) checksum needed to ensure the GPT header’s validity. When CRC identifies data corruption, it attempts to restore the information using backups saved at the disk’s end.
3. The partition entries are located from the third to the thirty-fourth sectors (a total of 32 sectors). On a GPT disc, you can theoretically create an endless number of partitions. The operating system, on the other hand, will limit the number of partitions you may create. For example, each partition entry in Windows is 128 bytes long, allowing you to build a maximum of 128 partitions. This is what sets a GTP disc apart from an MBR disc.
4. There are no extended partitions or logical partitions on a GPT disc since the number of main partitions is unlimited.
5. GPT drives automatically back up the primary GPT header and partition entries on the disk’s final sectors. As a result, GPT discs are more secure and dependable than MBR discs. These backups will be helpful in restoring data if the GPT header or partition table is damaged.

MBR vs. GPT Partitions. What is the Difference?

There are many differences between MBR and GPT partitions, but we’ll go through the most important ones here.

To begin with, MBR partition tables have a maximum capacity of just around 2 terabytes. With MBR, you can utilize a disc with more than 2 terabytes, but only the first 2 terabytes will be used. The remaining space on the drive will be thrown away.

GPT partition tables, on the other hand, have a maximum capacity of 9.7 zettabytes. You’re unlikely to run out of space very soon, as 1 zettabyte is around 1 billion terabytes.

The maximum number of partitions in an MBR partition table is four. One of those partitions, however, may be set up as an extended partition, which is a partition that can be divided into 23 further partitions. As a result, the exact maximum number of partitions in an MBR partition table is 26.

GPT partition tables support up to 128 different partitions, which is plenty for most practical uses.

MBR is generally associated with older Legacy BIOS systems, whereas GPT is associated with modern UEFI systems. You can understand the difference between UEFI vs. BIOS. This implies that MBR partitions are more compatible with software and hardware while GPT is catching up.

Conclusion

You should now have a working knowledge of the MBR vs. GPT partitioning methods. You might be able to make a better selection the next time you need to start a drive or choose a computer if you keep this knowledge in mind.

Understanding the differences between MBR and GPT partitions is like peeling an onion, but perhaps you made it through without crying.

Before you tinker with your partitions, make sure you have a backup. Make two copies of everything to avoid issues later.

The latest phones, tablets, and PCs demand higher-capacity flash storage. At the same time, data centers keep more data as more people resort to cloud backup services.

There is a lot to talk about when it comes to solid-state drives and storage media in general. A lot of technical terminologies are tossed around, mainly from M.2 to SATA to PCIe to NVMe.

As a result, it causes a sense of uncertainty when it comes to identifying the best option for your storage requirements. NVMe is a transfer technology that works on top of PCIe-based transfer interfaces.

The read/write speeds are all comparable, especially when using a SATA link. But what if you require something more urgently?

As data centers feed the need for data to be accessible and processed at increasingly faster rates, the demand for performance is definitely growing.

So, how can you achieve faster speeds? The answer may be found in the user interface. SATA 3 has long been and will continue to be the standard for SSD interface technology.

Now, more industry is focusing on the next generation of interface technology, known as PCIe. Read our comparison of PCIe vs. NVMe, the alternative interfaces in this post.

What is PCIe?

PCI Express or PCIe stands for Peripheral Component Interconnect Express, which is a high-speed standard bus interface for high-performance SSDs. It is different from PCI, and the difference is shown in the picture below:

It’s the interface that allows contemporary expansion cards to be plugged into modern systems and motherboards. PCIe is, in fact, at the core of a lot of server I/O and connection solutions. It is a standardized bus interface that allows CPUs and I/O networking devices to interact with one another.

PCIe is compatible with a wide range of devices, such as video cards, sound cards, Wi-Fi cards, Ethernet cards, and solid-state drives (SSDs). Unlike the previous PCI bus design, which employed shared parallel bus architecture, it handles point-to-point connections for non-core components.

PCIe is beginning to replace SATA as the current high-bandwidth interface due to SATA 3.0’s 600MB/s limit.

One or more data transmission channels are linked serially in a PCIe connection. A single PCIe slot can contain one, four, eight, or sixteen lanes, indicated by the symbols x1, x4, x8, or x16. Each lane is made up of two wire pairs, one to receive and the other to transfer data.

PCIe 3.0 technology allows for interface rates of up to 1GB/s per user lane, compared to 600MB/s for SATA technology today (SATA 3.0). SATA bandwidth can be scaled up to 16 lanes on a single device, whereas PCIe bandwidth can be scaled up to 16 lanes on a single device.

PCIe is the typical internal interface, despite the fact that PCs may include a mix of other sorts of expansion slots. Because many system motherboards currently only have PCIe slots, the transition to PCIe is pretty much inevitable.

What is NVMe?

NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) is a communication transfer protocol that was created specifically for accessing high-speed storage devices like flash and next-generation SSDs.

NVMe is a new technological standard explicitly designed for accessing PCIe SSDs at lightning speeds. It’s a new protocol that competes with SATA and SAS’s SCSI standards.

The NVM Express Workgroup, which includes more than 90 firms, established NVMe as an open collection of standards. The standard was created to aid in the widespread adoption of PCIe-based SSDs and to provide a scalable interface that will allow SSD technology to fulfill its full potential in the future.

NVMe, like SATA, is created to control the use of the transmission-rich, random access memory-based storage’s inherent characteristics. It also highlights advancements in data delay reduction technologies since the introduction of SATA. Vendors may focus on taking full advantage of NVMe-based storage by not supporting older protocols.

NVMe can also access more data in a single CPU cycle as opposed to a cycle for each access, as with SATA, making it more appealing to use right away. Here we have compared the speeds of SATA vs. NVMe.

NVMe not only provides superior performance, but it is also extremely compatible. Manufacturers no longer have to create their own software interface standards because there is now only one.

Manufacturers and IT professionals in charge of implementation do not need to vet vendors based on compatibility with a specific operating system. Instead, they can look at the card’s specific capabilities and cost to determine which is best for their setting, resulting in a win-win situation for end-users.

Relational databases, artificial intelligence, and high-performance computing are ideal use cases for NVMe.

PCIe vs. NVMe

Difference in Protocol/Interface

PCIe is a standard bus interface for high-speed SSDs. Sound cards, Ethernet cards, video cards, raid cards, and solid-state drives are all compatible with PCIe (SSDs).

NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) is a communication transfer technology that works on top of PCIe-based transfer interfaces. NVMe is a new technological standard that was created with the goal of providing lightning-fast access to high-speed storage media devices like flash and next-generation solid-state drives.

Difference in Applications

PCIe is a high-bandwidth interface that allows contemporary expansion cards to be inserted into the latest computers or motherboards. It’s utilized in everything from consumer computers to business servers, communication networks, and industrial applications. Many server I/O and connection solutions are built around PCIe.

High-performance computer applications, such as high-frequency trading, employ NVMe SSDs. The NVMe protocol was created with non-volatile storage in mind, such as high-speed SSDs and NAND flash.

Conclusion

With their blistering speeds and compact physical size, SSDs have completely altered the storage media landscape.

Smart solutions will let IT enablers monitor the health of PCIe SSDs, including reliability, use, remaining life, wear leveling, and temperature, so that any early problems can be recognized and addressed with little downtime.

The future of NVMe vs. PCIe technology appears to be bright, notably as 3D NAND makes its way into industrial and commercial storage. Given the industry’s rapid pace, you can almost definitely expect capacity and speeds to continue to rise.

The rapid surge in storage space has resulted in a plethora of new terminologies like NAND vs. NVMe, V-NAND or 3D NAND that can be confusing to potential customers, leading them to settle for things they hear are excellent or that were good at one time but are now outdated.

Everything SSDs offer significantly outweighs whatever benefits HDDs had previously, and there’s a reason for that.

SSD manufacturers employ V-NAND and 3D NAND technologies to lower the cost per bit while also increasing maximum chip capacity, allowing them to compete with HDDs in terms of pricing effectively.

HDDs are big and employ loud rotating magnetic discs that are not as energy efficient as we would want. The omission of these moving components is perhaps the genius of SSDs.

As a result, OEM manufacturers will be able to design progressively smaller form factors that are much smaller than an average RAM chip.

You should already know that SSDs make no noises and consume far less power than their HDD equivalents. The V-NAND flash memory technology is the cause of this magic.

How can one comprehend NAND flash, specifically V-NAND vs. 3D NAND, with so many names for distinct terms? Here are some explanations to help you better understand NAND, especially 3D NAND vs. V-NAND.

V-NAND vs. 3D NAND

If you look back before 2015, the history will reveal that there is no difference between 3D NAND and V-NAND and that they both relate to the same thing.

It’s just that the first one has a little more “3D” to it. The term V-NAND, or 3D Vertical NAND, simply refers to the fact that NAND cells are stacked vertically to make use of the three-dimensional nature of space. They both relate to NAND memory that is stacked vertically on top of each other.

As it’s known, V-NAND is a marketing term for 3D NAND established by Samsung in 2013, when they were the first to put functional 3D NAND cells on devices, indicating the end of the SSD storage pricing war.

This was a pivotal milestone in the development of fast storage devices because vertically stacking the cells allowed for more storage at a cheaper cost, resulting in the benefits we experience today.

Even the cheapest SSDs may now have up to 2TB storage capacities, allowing users to build PCs with quick and dependable storage.

3D V-NAND SSD Technology

Multiple flash memory cell layers are layered vertically and three-dimensionally on a single NAND chip in V-NAND, also known as 3D V-NAND. The chips in question have 36, 48, 72, 64, and now 96 layers of flash cells vertically stacked.

The technique employs either 3D charge trap flash (CTF) cells with vertical channel holes, constructed in a pyramid or stair-step-edged structure, or more traditional floating-gate MOSFET technology.

Vertical stacking allows for a higher cell density in a given volume than 2D design. A word of clarification: the cell layers are stacked, not the chips themselves.

As a result, we can have larger capacity SSDs without having to increase the RAM.

This also reduces the amount of power used by linked memory cells. It allows for the production of more efficient SSDs with increased storage capacity.

All of this is accomplished without incurring the usual adverse effects of NAND lithography shrinking to fewer process nodes, such as interference, durability, and performance.

Modern SSDs Are Vertically Stacked

All SSD manufacturers now use vertical stacking mainly because of the efficiency that is associated with 3D NAND. It allows both producers and end consumers to have larger storage capacities at cheaper costs.

SSDs prices vary, some are cheaper than the others, but this is due to the kind of NAND cell used; some varieties are more efficient at reading and writing, but they’re more costly.

The truth is that it is the best SSD for the use case and price range, but not the best SSD overall. Vertically stacked SSDs improve storage capacity, but performance and reliability suffer from more bits per NAND cell.

3D NAND and V-NAND Are the Same

For consumer devices, most SSDs are now vertically stacked to maximize storage capacity. Some drives are smaller, quicker, and more costly, but they employ a different type of NAND cell (SLC, for example).

Typically, these drives are utilized as enterprise solutions, such as server drives that require continual read/write access.

For the ordinary user, who now understands that V-NAND and 3D NAND are the same thing, a cheap, fast SSD will suffice for everyday usage unless a professional utilizes an SSD often for reading/writing operations, such as audio and video editing pros.

Keeping up with technological developments and deciding what works best in particular applications is a never-ending effort for engineers and OEMs. NAND vs NVMe is a topic that comes up frequently—what are these two technologies, and how do they compare?

NAND vs NVMe, it turns out, aren’t in competition with one another. Instead, when used together, they may provide data-intensive applications with lightning-fast read and write rates.

Here we look at NAND and NVMe and see if there is a comparison between the two.

What is NAND?

The most prevalent option of flash memory is NAND. It may be found in SSDs, USB flash drives, and SD cards, among other storage devices. NAND memory is non-volatile, which means it keeps its data even if the power is switched off.

NAND Flash is everywhere in our cellphones, modern TVs, and our home and office PCs and laptops. Outside, it may be found in a variety of devices, including traffic lights, digital advertising panels, passenger announcement systems, and displays.

NAND Flash is likely to be found in anything that has artificial intelligence (AI) and needs to store data. There are two types of NAND Flash: industrial and consumer.

Since there are substantial variations between industrial and consumer-grade NAND, it’s critical to examine how these differences affect reliability, durability, compliance, and total cost of ownership (TCO) before choosing the right NAND Flash for your application.

3D NAND

3D NAND is a new player on the NAND Flash scene. Despite the fact that the concept of 3D NAND is not new, it has only recently gained traction in the market.

It’s the most significant advancement in NAND since its conception in the 1980s, but getting 3D NAND to operate reliably has been a challenge. These obstacles have already been addressed, and 3D NAND will undoubtedly continue to be the NAND Flash of choice for many years to come.

This is referred to as V (vertical) NAND by certain manufacturers. 3D NAND is the layering of memory chips on top of one another. This NAND aims to help applications and devices function quicker and more effectively while also storing more data and using less energy.

Samsung, a household name and the world’s largest NAND Flash producer, with over 40% of the worldwide NAND market, was the first to introduce 3D NAND.

What is NVMe?

NVMe, a non-volatile memory express, is new storage access and file transfer protocol for flash and next-generation solid-state drives (SSDs). It provides the best bandwidth and response times for all sorts of corporate workloads.

Users demand quicker response times in both consumer and commercial apps today, even as the programmes themselves grow more complicated and resource-intensive.

The NVMe protocol allows users to access flash storage by a PCI Express (PCIe) bus, which can support tens of thousands of parallel command queues and is therefore much quicker than HDDs and traditional all-flash architectures, that are restricted to a single command queue to help deliver a high-bandwidth, low-latency user experience.

The NVMe standard allows non-volatile memory to be used in a variety of computer settings. It’s also future-proof, as it can be extended to operate with yet-to-be-developed persistent memory technologies.

NVMe a SATA Alternative

The transition from hard disc drives, or HDDs, to solid-state drives, or SSDs, was the first in the evolution of mechanical storage systems.

SSDs have the advantage over HDDs. They don’t have any moving components that might fail or slow them down, making them quicker and more dependable.

The SATA interface, or Serial ATA, became the most prevalent interface used alongside SSDs as they evolved. Advanced Host Controller Interface, or AHCI, is the mechanism that connects SATA to the CPU.

The issue with AHCI is that it was designed for HDD systems that include moving components. Latency is significant when SATA and AHCI are used together. Furthermore, the SATA transfer rate is restricted at a lower level than what today’s systems can handle.

The Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) standard was created to bridge this gap. In order to achieve transfer speeds that are adequate for today’s SSD technology, NVMe employs PCI Express, or PCIe, rather than AHCI.

When compared to SATA, NVMe offers quicker input and output speeds, faster data access, and lower latency.

NAND vs NVMe isn’t the Main Question; Its NVMe vs SATA

SATA and NVMe operate with NAND flash memory, which is the most common flash memory used in SSDs.

Because NVMe was built mainly for SSDs, NAND that uses it performs quicker than SATA-based alternatives. On the other hand, SATA is still widely used and appreciated for its dependability and interoperability with a wide range of applications.

When evaluating flash storage alternatives, developers should evaluate a variety of variables, including cost and product availability.

They are all distinct kinds of file systems with various purposes. This article compares the three, examining their advantages and risks, compatibility, and application in depth.

So, what is the real difference between FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS? Let’s have a look!

What is a File System?

A file system is a collection of data structures and algorithms that translate logical file operations into actual physical storage of data. Thus, a file system determines how data is saved and accessed in computing.

Data stored in a storage device without a file system would be one massive body of information with no way of knowing where one piece of data ends, and the next begins.

A file system employs a set of rules to manage how data is stored and retrieved on a storage device. For example, FAT32, NTFS, and exFAT are three file systems that are extensively used in Windows and other operating systems.

Each file system has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. You can select the appropriate file systems for various needs if you are familiar with them.

There is no need to be stressed if you do not understand the difference between NTFS, FAT32, and exFAT file systems; this article will explain what you need to know about each and provide a brief comparison.

What is FAT32?

The File Allocation Table, better known as the FAT32 file system, is the oldest of the three file systems. It came into the picture with Windows 95.

FAT32 is the most compatible file system in terms of portability, and this is due to the fact that it has been around for so long. In addition, there are multiple ways to format FAT32.

One of the most significant benefits of FAT32 is that it is compatible with anything that has a USB connector, such as Mac, Windows, Linux, game consoles, and so on.

However, it has some drawbacks, the most significant of which is that you can only keep files under 4GB on a FAT32 system. In addition, the partition size should be smaller than 8TB.

It’s old and not well suited to internal drives. A FAT32 drive cannot be used to run the most recent versions of Windows. Instead, they require NTFS-formatted storage since it provides higher security and permissions.

What is exFAT?

In 2006, the exFAT file system was introduced. Extended File Allocation Table is the abbreviation for exFAT, and it is the modern version of FAT32. The primary goal of this file system is to provide a lightweight file system similar to FAT32 while avoiding the extra features of NTFS.

It is ideal for use with USB flash drives. While there is no comparison between exFAT and FAT32 in terms of compatibility, exFAT still has a significant compatibility advantage over NTFS.

On Mac OS X, the NTFS file system is read-only, whereas exFAT provides full read-write support, and Linux with the right software may access exFAT volumes. You can format a drive in exFAT, so it works on both Mac and Windows.

When opposed to FAT32, the advantage of exFAT is that it may be utilized to hold larger files, extending the 4GB capacity limit. It also has no restrictions on partition sizes.

As a result, you can store files more significant than 4GB, which FAT32 does not allow.

What is NTFS?

The default file system for everything in Windows is the New Technology File System termed NTFS. When you install Windows 10, it formats your hard drive with the NTFS file system by default. Remember that it is essential to know when and how to partition your hard drive.

NTFS has a lot of advantages over FAT32 and exFAT.

For security, NTFS includes file permissions. It also features a changelog, which is extremely useful for retrieving errors if your machine fails.

Other features include backup shadow copies, encryption, disc capacity limits, hard links, and more. For system discs, file permissions are crucial. As a result, the system drive (on Windows) should usually be formatted in NTFS.

Its sole drawback is that it is less compatible than other file systems. However, it is compatible with all versions of Windows, although it is read-only by default on Mac OS X.

Although specific Linux versions allow you to write to NTFS devices, the majority of them are read-only. NTFS isn’t supported by Sony PlayStations, and Xbox 360 consoles can’t read NTFS drives. The Xbox One is known to read NTFS drives, however.

NTFS vs. FAT32

FAT32 is more compatible with older operating systems and all types of external storage media than the NTFS file system. However, it has file and partition size limitations, which can be inconvenient if you need to store enormous data.

In terms of security, partition size, and file permissions, NTFS outperforms FAT32. Internal hard drives should be formatted to NTFS if you are using a modern Windows operating system. Aside from current Windows system partitions, the NTFS file system must be formatted.

exFAT vs. NTFS

Internal drives benefit from NTFS, while flash drives benefit from exFAT. There are no realistic file or partition size limits in either of them.

If your storage devices aren’t NTFS compatible and you don’t want to be confined by FAT32, you can use the exFAT file system.

FAT32 vs. exFAT

Because of their compatibility, both of them are excellent for detachable devices. In addition, FAT32 is compatible with older operating systems. FAT32, on the other hand, has file and partition size constraints, but exFAT does not.

ExFAT is an optimized FAT32 file system that can be commonly utilized for portable devices with enormous capacities as compared to FAT32.

Conclusion

The current file system used by Windows as the default file system is NTFS, whereas exFAT is the new updated file system for FAT32.

The NTFS file system is the best for internal drives because it offers many security features. ExFAT, on the other hand, is ideal for flash drives because it is incredibly light.

If the device you plan to use it with doesn’t support exFAT, you might need to format an external drive with the FAT32 file system.

What Is a Partition?

Before moving on to when and how to partition a hard drive, let’s figure out ‘partition’, a critical term, we will use throughout the text. Partition is a separate section on a hard drive disk available to the operating system.

It simply means dividing your hard drive into one or several parts. And it is essential to make partitions of your hard drive to restore files on it and reformat your PC before using it.

A hard drive disk is only valuable for your PC’s operating system when you make a partition in it to develop further understanding.

Partitioning the hard drive sometimes helps the system run efficiently. It makes the operating system treat all the partitions as a different drive, but when does it become necessary to partition your hard drive disk? Is it indispensable, and are there potential issues to be worried about? Let us discuss.

When Should You Partition a Hard Drive?

When you install a standard Windows, it generally has a single partition containing all your data, important files, installed programs, etc.

Some PCs and laptops might also have a small secondary partition for recovery purposes. It is separate from the primary section. Even if your Windows installation becomes corrupted, you can still get access to your data.

But keeping all the data in one place can be extremely risky, and you could end up losing all the data with a solitary hard drive partition. Let’s weigh up the pros and cons of using a hard drive partition and see where we stand in our discussion of when to partition a hard drive.

Pros of Partitioning a Hard Drive

There are several good reasons to partition your hard drive. Let us look at them one by one.

• It Makes Windows Reinstallation Much Easier: You should keep the system files of Windows separate from your user data containing personal files, movies, games, etc. It makes it easier to perform Windows operations.
• An Organized Setup: Maybe you’re an organized person who loves to put everything in a specific place. A single partition makes the organization of data difficult. Partitioning lets you create several data types like games, studies, movies, music, etc.
• Simpler Backups: It is essential to keep backing up your data. While putting files on a separate partition isn’t an actual backup, it can make your backup scheme much simpler. Like with your Windows installation, you can clone the entire partition to have an exact copy of its data. You can point to your backup app to protect the whole drive instead of picking and choosing individual folders for a more straightforward approach.
• Multiple Operating Systems and Improved Security: Partitioning allows you to install multiple operating systems. It can keep your drive safe from malware attacks. And even if your operating systems get infected by malware, the personal files in the other partition will remain potentially unharmed. You can easily reinstall Windows again.

Cons of Partitioning a Hard Drive

On the flip side, there are multiple things you should know about that have an adverse effect.

• False Sense of Security: You can get in trouble with a data loss disaster if you are not careful with multiple partitions. There can be any reason that can lead to it, like a sudden hard drive failure.
• Wasted Space of the Hard Drive: You do not necessarily have to worry about the disk space that much apart from storing all the files in one partition of the hard drive. But with at least 2-3 partitions, you might be cramped for leeway on one partition but have plenty of free space on another. A new update of the operating system can take up a lot of space, leaving your device cramped for room.
• Complexity and Chances for Errors: If you decide to make more than three to four partitions, it won’t be easy to keep them straight, and you can lose track. You can merge the partitions, but having too many hard drive partitions will potentially destroy the organized setup you were aiming to build.

So these were some of the pros and cons of using a partition(s) in your hard drive. Next, we will see how to partition a hard drive in Windows 10.

How to Partition a Hard Drive

There are situations where you have to partition a hard drive. Whether you bought a new hard drive or you want to change current disk volumes, you need an answer on how to partition an external hard drive or the existing one.

There are a few ways that we will cover in this article:

1. Windows Disk Management
2. EaseUS Parition Master Free
3. Mini Tool Partition Wizard Free
4. GParted

Method 01 – Using Windows Disk Management

It is a more straightforward method to partition your hard drive. Windows disk management is a built-in utility tool that comes with the version of your Windows OS. You can partition your new hard drive as well as the older one with it. Follow the below steps to partition your hard drive:

Step 01: Click on the search box in the taskbar of Windows and type “disk management.”

Step 02: Locate the hard drive that you want to partition from the Disk Management interface screen. Before creating the partition on the hard drive that has files on it, make some unallocated free space. After that, right-click and click Shrink Volume from the drop-down menu.

NOTE: DO NOT DO THIS STEP FOR A NEW DRIVE. FOR THAT, SKIP TO STEP 04

Step 03: Now, your OS will calculate the unallocated free space you can make. You can free the space yourself by entering a specific bit-size or click on the Shrink button and free up all of it automatically.

After clicking the Shrink button, your system may take a while before creating the free space.

Step 04: Right-click on the unallocated space. After that, Select New Simple Volume from the menu.

Step 05: Select the volume size and the drive letter you want to assign to your new partition.

Step 06: Choose the filing system for your new partition. Choose NTFS for a hard drive. ExFAT is preferred for portable devices, e.g., USB.

Step 07: Click the Next button and then click Finish. It will create a new partition of your hard drive.

Method 02 – EaseUS Partition Master Free

Windows disk management may not be a feasible solution for everyone. You may prefer another option. EaseUS is a simple UI-based tool that you have to install in your Windows OS. It has simple features that allow you to make new partitions, resize them, or even perform defragmentation. The best thing about EaseUS is that it will enable partition recovery and help you recover lost data and partitions.

Method 03 – Mini Tool Partition Wizard Free

It is another essential UI tool that helps you partition the hard drive in Windows OS. Along with the partitioning feature, it also allows you to test your hard drive’s health. You can see the vulnerable sectors of your hard drive and backup your data accordingly.

Method 04 – GParted

GParted is another tool to partition your hard drive. It has fewer features as compared to the other tools explained in this article. But its core feature of making and resizing partition makes it worthy of mentioning here.

Conclusion

It is essential to recognize the need for making the hard drive partitions. Weigh up the pros and cons of partitioning the hard drive, and if it seems favorable to you, only then go for it.

If you decide to partition the hard drive, there is multiple software available online that you can use.

Since your primary concern for getting a USB is to transfer files, images, and videos, etc., you probably won’t think twice about which file system to select. However, choosing the right file system can have a major impact on your overall experience of the USB drive.

Our guide below will walk you through the process of choosing a filesystem for your USB Drive. So, let’s get straight into it!

Choosing a Filesystem for Your USB Drive – Everything that You Need to Know!

What is a File System?

A file system is essentially a piece of software that monitors the storage and extraction of data. In other words, operations such as copying, moving, and deleting files on a drive fall under the scope of a file system.

The file system that you choose for your bootable USB flash drive makes it possible for your Operating System to read the data of your USB.

Each of the three major operating systems – Windows, Linux and macOS support or can be made to support a variety of file systems.

Things to Consider While Choosing a File System

When picking a file system for your USB flash drive, you need to take into account two things – the portability of the file system and the size of the files that you are most likely to transfer.

As you will find out ahead, only certain file systems are optimal for a specific operating system. On top of that, there is also a file size limitation attached to each of them.

So, if you have the aforementioned things figured out beforehand, you will have a much easier time picking out the finest file system for your USB drive.

Best File Systems For USB

There is an array of file systems to choose from when you format your USB. Amongst the best ones are FAT32, exFAT, NTFS, HFS, and EXT 2,3 and 4. Let’s go ahead and take a detailed look at each one of them!

NTFS

NT File System (NTFS) is the default file system for modern Windows’ versions and also, runs on Linux.
Its most salient features include journaling, large file sizes, file compression, long file names, and access control.

If you are a Windows user, then NTFS is a very safe option to opt for. It is also a decent option for Linux and macOS. However, for NTFS to work on macOS, you will require third-party tools as MacOS only reads NTFS from default.

The individual file size limit for NTFS is greater than commercially available drives while the single volume size limit is 16 TB.

FAT32

Short for File Allocation Table 32, FAT32’s standout trait is its wide recognition amongst all the common operating systems.

FAT32 is usually preinstalled in the USB flash drive and before NTFS, it was the default file system for Windows.

Despite being supportive on all major operating systems, FAT32 is slower and less secure than NTFS and has a 4 GB size limit on each file. That explains why NTFS has replaced it as the new standard file system for Windows.

The single-volume size limit of FAT32 is 8 TB.

exFAT

Extended File Allocation Table (exFAT) is the newer iteration of FAT32. It weighs much less than FAT 32 and unlike its older counterpart, it does not have a 4 GB size limit per file. However, it does not allow journaling.

As far as its compatibility goes, both Windows and macOS can run it while to use it on Linux, you will need some extra tools.

The individual file size limit for NTFS greater than commercially available drives while the single volume size limit is 64 ZB.

HFS+

The Hierarchical File System (HFS+) is the standard file system for macOS but it is supported in Linux and Windows as well.

If your work mainly revolves around Mac devices, then HFS+ is your choice.

The individual file size limit for NTFS greater than commercially available drives while the single volume size limit is 8 EB.

APFS

The Apple File System (APFS) is an alternative to HFS+ that mainly deals with flash drives, SSD, and encryption.

APFS came out with MacOS 10.13 and hence, is the mandatory file system for that version of macOS.

The individual file size limit for NTFS greater than commercially available drives while the single volume size limit is 16 EB.

EXT 2, 3, and 4

The Extended File System (EXT) is the default file system for Linux but like NTFS and HFS+, runs on other operating systems too.

It is certainly not the ideal choice if you own multiple operating systems devices. However, if you have Linux PCs, then don’t hesitate in choosing this file system as this is the best Linux filesystem for your USB flash drive.

For EXT 2 and 3, the individual file size limit 16 GB (up to 2 TB on some systems) while the single volume size limit is 32 TB.

On the other hand, for EXT 4, the individual size limit is 16 TiB while the single volume size limit is 1 EiB.

Which File System Should You Choose for your Console?

For Xbox 360, you can choose between FAT32, HFS+, and EXT 2,3, and 4. For Xbox One, you have a much greater range to choose from – NTFS, FAT 32, exFAT, HFS+, and EXT 2,3 and 4.

As for Playstation 4, you are restricted to the file systems of FAT32 and exFAT (with MBR, not GUID).

What File System to Choose for Your USB?

If you are someone who needs to work on devices with multiple operating systems and a file size limit of 4 GB is not an issue for you, then you should go with FAT32.

However, if you like to stick with the same operating system, then there are better options for you in the likes of NTFS, HFS+, and EXT 2, 3, and 4.

Furthermore, if you are also interested in playing blockbuster games on your console, then the file size limit should be your concern as most of the high-end games are extremely hefty.

Formatting of Your USB Flash Drive

After you have made up your mind, the only thing left is for you to practically select your desired file system and format your USB flash drive.

For Windows, after plugging in your USB to your PC, head to the icon named My Computer/This PC. Right-click on your USB drive and choose format.

This will prompt a dialog to pop up, looking something like this:

 
Next, choose the file system that you want and then click the start button to begin the process of formatting (all the data on your USB will be lost so make sure that you back up everything before you proceed).

Once the process is done, you can initiate the transfer of files from your USB to your PC and the other way around.

The process of formatting is more or less the same for both Linux and macOS as well except that it begins in the Disk Utility.

For Playstation, head to Settings > Devices > USB Storage Devices. Click on the options of your USB Drive, select your desired file system, and proceed to format.

For Xbox, press the Guide button on your controller and then, head to Settings > System Settings > Storage > USB Storage Device. Tap on the file system of your choice and select either Configure or Customize to format your USB flash drive.

Our guide below will get you up to speed with everything that you should be aware of before you purchase a hard drive for your computer.

How Much Storage Do You Need On Your Laptop/PC?

SSD or HDD – Which to Choose?

Choosing between a Solid State Drive and a Hard Disk Drive is the first step in determining your storage requirement. You need to take into account the pros and cons of both the hard drives before you can make the right decision.

SSD

• The Operating System has an average of 10-13 seconds of Boot-Time.
• It is 3 times faster than an HDD.
• There’s no noise since there are no moving parts.
• It is protected from magnetic effects.
• It has a writing speed of 200-500 MB/s.
• It is more Costly than HDD ((Around $0.20/GB).

HDD

• The Operating System has an average of 30-40 seconds of Boot-Time.
• You can hear it operate due to moving parts.
• There’s a chance of data erasure by magnets.
• It has a writing speed of 50-120 MB/s.
• It is more economical than SSD (Around $0.03/GB).

Whichever option you go with depends upon your budget and requirement. If your budget is somewhat tight and you need something for storing documents, pictures, and lightweight games, then go for an HDD.

However, if you have some flexibility in your budget and you want to run demanding games and software on your PC, then SSD is the best available option.

Light Usage

Documents and Files

If your use of computer centers around storing documents in software like Word or Excel, then you won’t be needing a lot of space.

Most of the documents with raw data take only a few kilobytes of your storage and if you add pictures and videos into them, they’ll still just be a few megabytes in size (usually less than 10 MB).

Since HDD and SSDs come in gigabytes, you wouldn’t have a problem as far as storing the documents is concerned.

Music

The size of an MP3 file varies depending upon the length of the song. However, an average MP3 file is approximately 5 MB.

Considering this, you can store a whopping 200 songs in just 1 GB of space.

Picture and Images

Pictures and Images, too, deal in KBs or a few MBs. Taken together, hundreds of pictures may amount to only a gigabyte or two, nothing that poses a storage threat to your HDD/SSD.

Recommendation

If your computer usage pertains to any of the above, then, strictly speaking, it comes under the tier of light usage and, HDD of 250 to 500 GB should work just fine for you.

Medium Usage

Photography

If you’re a passionate photographer who likes to take high-quality pictures, then you should consider upgrading your storage.

A high-quality photo can be upwards of 50 MB. Keeping in mind that you take more than one picture of an item for perfection, do the math and you’ll find that the size of a folder containing at least 50 of your photographs is in GBs.

Higher Quality Music

A better alternative to .mp3 format is the .flac format. However, this difference in quality comes at a price: a .flac file is about 3 to 4 times larger than a .mp3.

So, if you intend to download a handful of music albums in .flac format, then be ready to give up a decent chunk of your storage.

Movies and TV Shows (in SD)

Movies and TV Shows that come in SD variant (resolutions from 240p to 480p) can also be your area of interest.

On average, a two-hour movie or two one-hour episodes of a TV Show can take up around 1.5 GB of your space. This means that if you possess say, 256 GB HDD, you’ll be able to store about 130 movies or 260 one-hour episodes on it.

Lightweight Games

If you’re into gaming a bit, then you’re probably aware that games can take up some hefty space.
However, if you’re not interested in big blockbuster game franchises out there, then it’s likely that whichever game you go for has a relatively small size.

This means that you can have a bunch of such games within your PC without having to worry too much about the hard drive space.

Recommendation

If you need a hard drive for any of the aforementioned reasons, then a 500-1000 GB HDD is your best bet.

Heavy Usage

Larger Games

Most modern AAA games these days easily exceed the 50 GB mark.

If you’re an avid gamer with a deep interest in modern multiplayer RPGs or intense action games, you should consider upgrading your storage capacity!

HD Movies and TV Shows

Unlike the SD variant, HD movies and TV shows can quickly run your storage dry.

While a two-hour movie or two one-hour episodes of a TV show in SD takes roughly 1.5 GB of your space, they take around 6 to 8 GB in their HD variant.

This means that if you have a 256 GB drive solely for movies and TV shows, you will only be able to store about thirty-one movies or sixty-two hour-long episodes before the storage space runs out.

Heavy Software

Graphic Designing Software like Photoshop and After Effects and Programming Software like Visual Studio can take quite a bit of your storage space.

So, if your niche requires you to have such software, then aim for no less than a 500+ GB hard drive.

Author’s Recommendation

For either HD movies and shows, bulky software, or high-end games, a 1 TB SSD can get the job done.
But if you’re looking to compile some serious collection of games, movies, or software, then you should go with no less than 2 Terabytes of space.

Conclusion

All in all, the amount of storage you need depends on your requirement. In any case, if your storage space becomes scarce, consider using an external hard drive for files that you do not access on a regular basis.