Choose an external SSD if faster file access and shorter potential loading waits matter most; choose an external HDD if you want more storage for the money. Neither choice guarantees a particular game will load faster by a set amount: results depend on the drive, USB connection, and game. Steam supports storing games in an alternate library on an external drive, but recommends keeping the Steam client itself off external storage.
External SSD vs. HDD: what changes for Steam games?
| Factor | External SSD | External HDD |
|---|---|---|
| Access and transfer speed | Generally faster access and transfers; may reduce loading delays, but no universal game-time improvement is established. | Generally slower access and transfers than an SSD. |
| Storage cost | Usually costs more per gigabyte. | Usually offers more capacity per dollar. |
| Best fit | Games you play often, titles where waiting matters, and setups where portability is useful. | A large installed backlog or games you play less often. |
These are broad storage tradeoffs, not a controlled Steam game benchmark. Seagate says games can run directly from external HDDs or SSDs, while noting that performance can vary with drive speed and connection interface; that is manufacturer guidance, not an independent comparison test. Seagate’s PC gaming storage guidance
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Will an SSD make games load faster or improve frame rates?
An external SSD generally offers faster file access than an HDD, so it can reduce some loading delays. The exact difference varies by game, drive, and the connection between the drive and PC. Peak transfer rates should not be treated as equivalent to game loading times, and the available evidence does not establish a universal number of seconds saved.
Storage speed is not a promise of higher frame rates across games. This comparison concerns access and loading, not a guaranteed change in gameplay performance.
#1 Best Overall
- Customize your drive’s RGB lighting with the downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) to show off your style and make every play personal.
- Kick loading into overdrive with a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 interface and speeds up to 2,000MB/s. (Based on read speed. 1 MB/s = 1 million bytes per second. Based on internal testing; performance may vary depending upon host device, usage conditions, drive capacity, and other factors.)
- Compatible with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles. {Compatible with PlayStation 4 Pro or PS4 with system software version 4.50 or higher, PlayStation 5 (Play and store PS4 games; archive PS5 games), Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S (Play and store Xbox One games; archive Xbox Series X|S games).}
- Keep more of the latest and largest titles installed and ready to launch with capacities of up to 2TB. (1TB = 1 trillion bytes. Actual user capacity may be less depending on operating environment.)
- Built with WD_BLACK toughness thanks to a shock-resistant structure, this durable drive can survive a drop of up to two-meters.
Is an external SSD worth the extra cost?
Compare drives at the same capacity—or compare their cost per terabyte—rather than judging by headline price alone. SSDs generally cost more per gigabyte, while HDDs generally provide more space for the money. Exact prices vary by product and date, and no matched-capacity price comparison is established here.
- Consider an external SSD if you value quicker access, often play the games stored on it, or want a portable library.
- Consider an external HDD if your priority is keeping a larger collection installed at lower cost per gigabyte.
- Consider both if you want fast access for a smaller active set without paying SSD prices for the entire backlog.
How to split a Steam library across SSD and HDD
A mixed library can put frequently played or loading-sensitive games on an SSD and less frequently played games on an HDD. This is a practical allocation rule of thumb, not a guarantee that a particular genre will benefit more. Seagate recommends SSD storage for detailed open-world games and suggests some smaller-footprint games can remain on HDD; treat that as vendor guidance rather than a universal test result. Seagate’s PC gaming storage guidance
Rank #2
- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5). Non-Operating Temperature -20°C to 85°C
How to move Steam games to an external drive
- Back up the
steamappsfolder before moving an installation. Steam includes this precaution in its instructions for moving a Steam installation and games. - Connect the external drive and keep it available while playing games installed there.
- Open Steam Settings > Storage. Use the plus button to add a library location on the external drive.
- Move games with Steam’s Move option in Storage. Use the client’s library controls rather than treating the drive as a standalone copy of the Steam client.
See Steam Support’s “Moving a Steam Installation and Games” instructions for the official workflow. Steam says it does not recommend installing the Steam client on an external hard drive because of potential performance issues. That is a caution, not a claim that every external game drive is unsupported.
What to check before buying or moving a library
- Connection and port: The drive, cable, USB generation, and port all affect transfer performance. A faster drive cannot deliver its full potential through a slower connection.
- Capacity: Estimate the space your own installed games need and leave room for updates and other files; game sizes vary.
- Availability: Games on the external drive need that drive connected and accessible. Disconnects can interrupt access.
- Backup: Keep a separate backup of important game files before moving them; an external drive used for play is not itself a backup.
- Use case: Consider whether the drive will remain connected to one PC or travel with you, and whether keeping a large library installed is worth the slower access of an HDD.
Steam’s guidance identifies potential performance problems and disconnection as concerns with external storage, but does not establish that all external drives behave the same way. Seagate likewise notes that external-drive performance can vary by drive speed and interface. Steam Support · Seagate
Quick Recap
Best Value
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
Rank #4
- NONSTOP SPEED: Race through projects with our fastest SSD for creators; Load, edit and transfer with sustained read and write speeds of up to 2,000MB/s1; The T9 Portable SSD performs at high speeds even during longer processes
- DYNAMIC THERMAL GUARD: When you’re elbow-deep in a passion project, the T9 Portable SSD stays cool; Its advanced thermal solution withstands and controls heat to keep the SSD at ideal temperatures—even in heavy use2
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether you’re using a desktop, camera or a gaming console3, count on the T9 Portable SSD for extensive compatibility; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- STRONG. SOLID. STABLE: From concept to completion – the T9 Portable SSD gives you the longevity to last through heavy use with one convenient drive that dares to go the distance
- WORKS LIKE MAGIC: Your T9 Portable SSD performs like new with the always up-to-date Magician Software; With firmware updates, extra encryption and continual monitoring of your drive health, it works like a charm
Rank #3
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
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