Choose SSD capacity by adding up the photos and videos you want on the drive, the games you want installed at the same time, and any separate backup copy you plan to keep there. Then allow for new files and routine working space. There is no dependable universal photo or game count: actual file sizes vary, and advertised capacity examples rely on assumptions.
How to estimate the capacity you need
Start with the data you actually expect to store—not a generic estimate of how many photos or games fit. A useful planning total is:
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Current photos and videos + games installed concurrently + backup data stored on this drive + expected growth and working headroom.
- Measure your photo and video collection. Check the folder or device storage view for the total size of the files you intend to move or copy. Include videos, which can take substantially different amounts of space from still images.
- List the games you want installed at once. Look up each game’s current installed size on your platform or check the space it uses on your device. Add those actual sizes; do not assume every game is the same size.
- Define the backup job. Decide exactly which files will be copied to the SSD. A backup duplicates data, so count the copied set even if the originals remain on another drive.
- Allow for additions and day-to-day use. Estimate what you will add before your next upgrade and leave some room for updates, temporary files, and ordinary use. A drive filled to its advertised limit leaves little flexibility.
- Check the target device’s requirements. Capacity alone does not ensure that an SSD will work in a computer or console. Interface, physical dimensions, cooling, and supported use can matter.
How many photos or games fit on an SSD?
There is no reliable universal count. Crucial’s X10 portable SSD flyer illustrates capacity using an assumed average of 6 MB per photo and 200 GB per AAA game. Those are the manufacturer’s calculation assumptions, not measured averages that apply to every photo or game; the flyer does not state a publication year. It also notes that formatting and other purposes use some capacity. Crucial X10 Portable SSD product flyer.
#1 Best Overall
- Solid state performance with up to 800MB/s read speeds in a portable drive. (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Back up your content and memories on a storage solution that fits seamlessly into your mobile lifestyle.
- Take it with you on your adventures—up to two-meter drop protection means this durable drive can take a beating. (Based on internal testing.)
- Secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind thanks to the tough rubber hook.
- From Sandisk, a brand professional photographers trust to take on assignments.
For your own estimate, use the current size of the files and games you plan to keep. Photos differ by resolution, format, and editing; game installations differ by title and can change with updates or optional content. Treat any advertised “number of photos” or “number of games” as an illustration tied to its stated assumptions, not a promise about your library.
Is 1 TB enough for games and photos?
It can be enough if the combined size of your chosen photo and video collection, concurrently installed games, and any backup copy fits with room for growth and normal use. It may not be enough if you keep a large game library installed, include substantial video, or duplicate a large data set for backup. Add your own measured figures first; a capacity label by itself cannot answer the question.
Rank #2
- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Also distinguish advertised capacity from space available for files: formatting and system use reduce usable space. Crucial notes this qualification for the capacity illustrations in its X10 flyer.
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How much space should you leave for backups?
Count the backup as its own copy. If you want the SSD to hold a duplicate of your photos, videos, or other files, add the size of that copied data to the capacity estimate. The fact that the originals exist elsewhere does not make the duplicate take up less space.
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
Be clear about what role the drive plays:
- Working storage: the files or games you use directly from the drive.
- Local backup: a separate copy kept on a nearby drive. It can help if the working copy is lost, but a single SSD is not a complete backup plan.
- Offsite copy: another copy kept somewhere separate from the primary location, such as through an appropriate offsite service or storage arrangement.
Crucial’s 2025-07-17 educational summary describes the 3-2-1 approach as three copies of data, on two types of media, with one copy offsite. It is a planning framework, not a requirement that one SSD hold every copy. Crucial: What is the 3-2-1 Backup Rule?
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choosing SSD storage for a PS5
PS5 is a useful example of why device compatibility and storage location matter as much as capacity. The following specifications are PS5-specific, not general requirements for PCs, Macs, cameras, or other consoles.
Rank #4
- NEARLY 2X FASTER THAN OUR PREVIOUS GENERATION(8) – move 1,000 high-res photos in under 60 seconds(6) with up to 2000MB/s transfer speeds(2).
- IP65 RATING AND UP TO 3M DROP PROTECTION(3) – protects against spills and drops.
- POCKET-SIZED – fits easily in pockets and small bags.
- SPACE TO OWN YOUR AI CONTENT – speed and capacity to download your high-res clips and photo edits.
- 256-BIT AES ENCRYPTION(4) – helps keep private files secure with password protection.
For an internal M.2 expansion drive
PlayStation’s New Zealand support page lists these requirements for a compatible PS5 M.2 expansion SSD:
- PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe SSD (Key M); M.2 SATA is unsupported.
- Capacity from 250 GB to 8 TB.
- Supported form factors: 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, and 22110, with a maximum width of 25 mm and limits on cooling-structure thickness.
- Effective heat dissipation is required. PlayStation recommends a sequential read speed of at least 5,500 MB/s.
PlayStation cautions that games may not perform identically to the console’s internal SSD even when an added drive exceeds the recommended read speed. Check the full current dimensions and installation guidance before buying: How to add an M.2 SSD to a PS5 console.
Best Value
- Note: Magsafe is not available in this version
- High-speed Data Transfer: Lexar external SSD ES3 supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write to transfer files fast for more efficient work. (Performance may be lower if not supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2 on Mac and other systems)
- Wide Compatibility: Lexar Portable SSD ES3 compatibility with iPhone 17 series (Not supported on iPhone 14 and older models), Android mobile devices, laptops, cameras, Xbox X|S, PS4, PS5, gaming console, and more
- On The Go: Lexar external solid state drive ES3's thin, stylish, and durable design, weighs 42g and is only 10.5mm thick, making it smaller than a card and easily fits in your pocket. It comes with a Type-C cable for plug-and-play convenience
- Data Safety First: Lexar SSD ES3 includes Lexar DataShieldTM 256-bit AES encryption software to protect files
For USB extended storage
PS5 games can be stored and played from compatible M.2 SSD storage. A PS5 game stored on USB extended storage must be moved back to console storage or M.2 SSD storage before it can be played. That makes USB storage useful for keeping games, but it is not interchangeable with an internal M.2 expansion drive for playing PS5 titles. PlayStation: How to manage PS5 console storage space.
For a PS5 system backup
PlayStation says USB drives used for PS5 system backup must be formatted as FAT32 or exFAT. A USB extended-storage drive used for game data cannot also be used for system backup data, so plan separate storage if you need both functions. How to back up and restore PS5 console data.
Quick Recap
A quick decision checklist
- Have you checked the actual size of the photos and videos you want to store?
- Have you added the installed sizes of the games you want available at the same time?
- Have you counted every backup copy that this drive will hold?
- Have you allowed for future additions and routine working space?
- Does the drive meet the target device’s interface, size, cooling, format, and supported-use requirements?
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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