Why buy an external hard drive?
A external hard drive has become essential for backing up files, transporting data or freeing up space on your PC or console. But should you choose a HDD, A SSD or a NVMe SSD Let’s take a look at the available options and their advantages.
External hard drives HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
THE HDD remains the most economical solution for storage.
✅ Benefits :
- Affordable price (best capacity/price ratio).
- Large storage capacity (up to 20 TB).
- Ideal for backing up movies, photos or large folders.
❌ Disadvantages:
- Slower than an SSD.
- Sensitive to shocks and mechanical wear.
- Heavier and noisier.
👉 Recommended use : data archiving and mass storage.
External SSD (Solid State Drive) hard drives
THE External SSD is based on flash memory, which makes it much faster than an HDD.
✅ Benefits :
- High transfer speed.
- More durable and quieter.
- Lightweight and portable.
❌ Disadvantages:
- Higher price per gigabyte.
- More limited capacities than HDDs.
👉 Recommended use : gaming, video editing, fast transfers.
NVMe external SSDs: the new generation
THE External NVMe SSD is the most powerful version. Connected in USB-C Or Thunderbolt, it reaches record speeds.
✅ Benefits :
- Ultra-fast transfers (up to 5 to 7 times faster than a traditional SSD).
- Compact and modern format.
- Ideal for content creators.
❌ Disadvantages:
- High price.
- Requires a compatible port (USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 or 4).
👉 Recommended use : professionals, 4K/8K video editing, large projects.
2.5 inch HDD vs 3.5 inch HDD
🔹 2.5 inch drives
- Self-powered by USB.
- Easy to carry.
- Available in HDD and SSD.
🔹 3.5 inch drives
- Larger ones require external power.
- Huge capacities (up to 20TB).
- Often used in business.
👉 Recommended use :
- 2.5 inches for mobility.
- 3.5 inches for bulk home storage.
Specialized external drives
- Multimedia hard drive → connects to a TV.
- NAS hard drive → accessible from multiple devices via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
- Secure hard drive → protected by encryption or password.
- Rugged hard drive → shock, water and dust resistant.
External hard drive connectors
- USB 3.0/3.1/3.2 → fast standard.
- USB-C → modern and reversible.
- Thunderbolt 3/4 → maximum speed (ideal for NVMe SSD).
- Wi-Fi/Network → convenient for NAS and shared storage.
How to choose the right external hard drive?
Before you buy, ask yourself these questions:
- What ability do I need (500GB, 1TB, 10TB+)?
- What speed is needed (HDD for archiving, SSD/NVMe for speed)?
- Do I need to mobility or a fixed disk for massive storage?
- What is my budget ?
🎯 Conclusion
- For economic safeguarding → 3.5 inch HDD.
- For quick everyday use → External SSD.
- For professional performance → NVMe SSD with Thunderbolt.
- For security and collaborative work → NAS or encrypted disk.
👉 In 2025, the best choice will depend on your real needs: capacity, speed, robustness and budget.
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