In the digital age, data storage is crucial. While portable external hard drives are great for storing your data on the go, desktop external hard drives offer even more storage capacity and performance for those who need them. Whether you’re a professional who needs to store large files, a gamer with a massive library of games, or just someone with many photos and videos, external hard drives can provide a convenient and reliable way to store your data.
This article will provide you with all the information you need to decide, including the types of hard drives, the benefits, and critical considerations to remember when choosing the perfect one for your unique needs.
Benefits of Desktop External Hard Drives
Large storage capacity: These usually offer terabytes of storage, making them ideal for professionals who need to store large files, such as graphic designers or photographers, or gamers with an extensive library of games.
Improved performance: Often offer faster read and write speeds than portable external hard drives, making them ideal for those needing to access and work with large files quickly.
Easy file sharing: Can be easily shared among multiple users, making them ideal for small businesses or families who need to share data.
Cost-effective: Cost-effective per gigabyte of storage than portable external hard drives.
Types of Desktop External Hard Drives
Traditional hard drives: These Ones use spinning disks to store data and are often less expensive than other external hard drives.
Solid-state drives (SSDs): These hard drives are faster and more durable than traditional hard drives, making them ideal for those who need top-of-the-line performance and reliability. They are more expensive than conventional hard drives but worth the investment for high-speed data access.
Network-attached storage (NAS): NAS devices are essentially mini servers that can be used for data storage and file sharing. They often offer large storage capacities and advanced features such as automatic backups and media streaming.
RAID systems: RAID (redundant array of independent disks) systems are multiple hard drives that work together to improve performance, increase storage capacity, and provide data redundancy. They are ideal for professionals who require high-speed data access and data redundancy.
Choosing the Right Desktop External Hard Drive
When choosing the right desktop external hard drive, there are several factors to consider, including:
Storage capacity: Determine your required storage capacity based on your data storage requirements.
Performance: Consider how vital read and write speeds are to your work or usage requirements.
Connectivity: Decide which type of connectivity you prefer, such as USB, Thunderbolt, or eSATA.
Price: Determine how much you will spend on a desktop external hard drive based on your budget.
Brand reputation: Choose a reputable brand with a history of producing reliable, high-quality external hard drives.
Top Picks for Desktop External Hard Drives
Seagate Expansion Desktop: This desktop external hard drive is available in storage capacities ranging from 4TB to 18TB and features fast data transfer speeds and a simple setup. It is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems.
WD Black P10 Game Drive: The WD Black P10 Game Drive is a high-performance desktop external rugged drive ideal for gamers. It is available in storage capacities ranging from 2TB to 12TB and features fast data transfer speeds and a sleek design. It is compatible with multiple gaming platforms, including Xbox, PlayStation, and PC.
Synology DiskStation DS220+: The Synology DiskStation DS220+ is a powerful network-attached storage device ideal for small businesses or home users with advanced storage needs. It has a dual-core processor and can support up to 32TB of storage capacity.
G-Technology G-RAID: The G-Technology G-RAID is a high-performance RAID desktop external rugged drive ideal for professionals requiring high-speed data access and data redundancy. It features Thunderbolt 3 connectivity and is available in storage capacities ranging from 8TB to 28TB.
Conclusion
Desktop external hard drives are a must-have for anyone who needs to store and access large amounts of data. Whether you opt for a traditional hard drive, an SSD, a network-attached storage device, or a RAID system, a desktop external hard drive can meet your needs. With the many options available, it is essential to consider your storage needs, performance requirements, connectivity preferences, and budget when choosing the right one.
We hope this guide to desktop external hard drives has been informative and helpful. With the right desktop external hard drive, you can ensure that your data is always safe, secure, and easily accessible, no matter how much you have.