Can External Hard Drives Be Used For Gaming Storage?

External hard drives can be used for gaming storage, and they offer a convenient solution for expanding storage capacity, especially when internal storage is limited. These drives can store and run games, allowing users to free up space on their internal drives. The performance of games stored on an external hard drive depends largely on the connection type, with USB 3.0 or higher providing faster data transfer rates and better gaming experiences. While external hard drives are generally adequate for gaming, they may not match the speed and performance of internal solid-state drives (SSDs), which can lead to longer load times in some cases. However, for many gamers, the trade-off between speed and additional storage capacity is acceptable, and an external hard drive becomes an effective addition to their gaming setup.

Best External Hard Drives of March 2025

1

Rating is 5 out of 5

WD 5TB My Passport, Portable External Hard Drive, Black, backup software with defense against ransomware, and password protection, USB 3.1/USB 3.0 compatible - WDBPKJ0050BBK-WESN

• Slim durable design to help take your important files with you
• Vast capacities up to 6TB[1] to store your photos, videos, music, important documents and more
• Back up smarter with included device management software[2] with defense against ransomware
• Help secure your important files with password protection and hardware encryption

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2

Rating is 4.9 out of 5

WD 5TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive for Windows, USB 3.2 Gen 1/USB 3.0 for PC & Mac, Plug and Play Ready - WDBU6Y0050BBK-WESN

• High capacity in a small enclosure – The small, lightweight design offers up to 6TB* capacity, making WD Elements portable hard drives the ideal companion for consumers on the go.
• Plug-and-play expandability
• Vast capacities up to 6TB[1] to store your photos, videos, music, important documents and more

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3

Rating is 4.8 out of 5

Western Digital 8TB Elements Desktop External Hard Drive, USB 3.0 external hard drive for plug-and-play storage - Western DigitalBWLG0080HBK-NESN, Black

• High-capacity add-on storage.Specific uses: Business, personal
• Fast data transfers
• Plug-and-play ready for Windows PCs

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4

Rating is 4.7 out of 5

SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD, 2TB External Solid State Drive, Speeds Up to 1,050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Reliable Storage for Gaming, Students, Professionals, MU-PC2T0T/AM, Gray

• 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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5

Rating is 4.6 out of 5

Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD — USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, PlayStation, & Xbox -1-Year Rescue Service (STGX2000400)

• Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
• Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
• To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required

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6

Rating is 4.5 out of 5

Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB Portable External Hard Drive USB 3.0, Black - HDTB520XK3AA

• Sleek profile design with a matte, smudge-resistance finish
• Plug & Play - Easy to use with no software to install
• Quickly add more storage capacity to your PC and other compatible devices
• USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 compatible with no external AC power cord needed

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7

Rating is 4.4 out of 5

YOTUO Portable External Hard Drive 1TB Storage Expansion HDD USB 3.0 USB-C for PC, Mac, Desktop, Laptop, Phone, PS4, PS5, PlayStation, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Xbox Series X/S, Android, Office & Game

• 【Plug and play for home and office equipment】YOTUO HDD01 USB 3.0 external hard drive. Suitable for Windows XP/2003/Vista/7/8/10/11, Linux, Mac OS system. As well as laptops, desktop computers, PS4, PS5, XBOX 360, XBOX ONE, XBOX series X/S and other office equipment and gaming equipment. The product is plug-and-play when used in Windows. For Mac users, first format the drive and select the ExFat format.
• 【The first time you use this product in your gaming device, you will need to install an external hard disk into your gaming device】XBOX Simply follow the steps prompted by the system pop-up window to use it in the device. PlayStation may receive the message "This USB drive's file system is unsupported" when plugging in an external hard disk and may display an incorrect storage capacity. There is no need to worry. You can simply find "USB Storage Device" in the "Settings" screen, follow the steps prompted by the system to install the drive and format it, and it will be ready for use. PlayStation 4, please find "USB Storage Device" in "Device" interface in "Settings".
• 【Gaming device manufacturer restrictions for different generations of games】Due to restrictions imposed by gaming device manufacturers, the PS5 can read and run PS4 games directly from an external hard drive, but cannot run PS5 games directly from an external hard drive; PS5 games on the external hard drive need to be moved to the device in order to run. Similarly, the Xbox X Series and Xbox S Series can only run Xbox One games directly from an external hard drive.
• 【Patented silicone sleeve protects hard drive】 The patented silicone sleeve inside wraps around the hard disk. It protects the hard disk more effectively against shocks and drops.
• 【About the discrepancy between the nominal capacity and the actual capacity】The actual capacity of the hard disk is not the same as the nominal capacity because the measurement method (binary) used by the hard disk manufacturer is different from the measurement method (decimal) used by the computer system. This is normal.

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8

Rating is 4.3 out of 5

Toshiba Canvio Advance 1TB Portable External Hard Drive USB 3.0, Green - HDTCA10XG3AA, Backup 2.0

• Compact design with stylish, textured finish and color options to fit your lifestyle.
• Automatic backup software to easily back up your content (free download, for Windows PC only).
• Password protection software to help prevent unauthorized access to your data (free download, for Windows PC only).

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What is the best external SSD for gaming storage?

As of the most recent information, selecting the best external SSD for gaming storage involves considering several factors, such as speed, capacity, durability, and compatibility. While personal preferences and specific needs may vary, a few external SSDs are commonly recommended for gaming storage based on performance and features:

1. Samsung T7 Portable SSD: Offers fast read and write speeds (up to 1,050 MB/s and 1,000 MB/s, respectively). Available in various capacities (up to 2TB). Compact and durable design with optional password protection.
2. Western Digital My Passport SSD: Features USB 3.2 Gen 2 technology for speedy transfers. Offers read speeds up to 1,050 MB/s. Available in a range of capacities with hardware encryption for security.
3. SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD V2: Supports high-speed data transfer rates (up to 1,050 MB/s read speed). Rugged design with water and dust resistance (IP55 rated). Compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around.
4. Seagate FireCuda Gaming SSD: Designed specifically for gamers with high-speed USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 technology. Offers read/write speeds of up to 2,000 MB/s. Eye-catching RGB LED lighting and customization options available.
5. Crucial X8 Portable SSD: Delivers read speeds up to 1,050 MB/s. Compatible with a variety of devices, including game consoles. Durable design with shock and drop-resistance features.

When choosing an external SSD for gaming, consider the speed for quick load times, storage capacity to hold your games, and any additional features like encryption or rugged design. Make sure the SSD is compatible with your gaming device, whether it's a PC, console, or other platforms. Always check for the latest models or updates in the market to ensure you get the best performance for your needs.

How to format an external hard drive for gaming?

Formatting an external hard drive for gaming involves selecting the right file system to ensure compatibility and performance suited to your gaming setup. Here are the general steps for formatting an external hard drive for use with a PC, PlayStation, and Xbox:

For PC Gaming:

1. Connect the External Hard Drive: Plug the external hard drive into your computer via an available USB port.
2. Backup Data: Ensure that you have backed up any important data on the drive, as formatting will erase all contents.
3. Open Disk Management: On Windows, right-click on This PC or My Computer on the desktop or in File Explorer. Select Manage, then go to Disk Management. On macOS, open Disk Utility from the Applications > Utilities folder.
4. Select the Drive: In Disk Management (Windows) or Disk Utility (macOS), locate your external hard drive.
5. Choose Format: Windows: Right-click on the drive and select Format. Choose a filesystem: NTFS: Best for Windows systems. exFAT: If you want compatibility between Windows and macOS. macOS: Click on the drive and press Erase. Choose a filesystem: APFS/HFS+: Best if you are only using the drive on a Mac. exFAT: For compatibility with both Windows and macOS.
6. Allocation Unit Size: You can generally leave this at the default setting unless you have specific requirements for optimizing performance for certain types of games.
7. Label the Drive: Give your drive a name so you can easily identify it.
8. Format the Drive: Click OK or Erase to begin the formatting process.

For PlayStation Gaming (PS4/PS5):

1. Connect the External Hard Drive: Use a USB 3.0 port on your PlayStation console.
2. Navigate to Settings: Go to Settings > Devices > USB Storage Devices.
3. Format as Extended Storage: Select the external hard drive and choose Format as Extended Storage. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the format.

For Xbox Gaming (Xbox One/Series X|S):

1. Connect the External Hard Drive: Insert the drive into a USB 3.0 port on the Xbox console.
2. Format the Drive: The Xbox should automatically detect the drive and prompt you to format it for game storage. If not, go to Settings > System > Storage Devices. Select your external hard drive and choose Format for Games & Apps.
3. Confirm and Name: Follow the prompts to confirm and name the drive.

Tips:

• Transfer Rates: For gaming, especially AAA titles, it’s recommended to use a drive with fast transfer rates, such as those provided by SSDs.
• USB 3.0 or Higher: Always use a USB 3.0 port or higher because it provides faster data transfer rates compared to USB 2.0, which is crucial for gaming.
• Check Compatibility: Ensure that the external HDD is compatible with your console or PC's operating system and supports the games you wish to store.

Following these steps will help ensure your external hard drive is ready for storing and running games effectively.

How to encrypt game data on an external hard drive?

Encrypting game data on an external hard drive is a great way to secure your files. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can encrypt your data, with a focus on methods available for Windows, macOS, and Linux systems:

Windows - Using BitLocker:

1. Connect the External Hard Drive: Plug your external hard drive into your computer.
2. Access BitLocker: Go to Control Panel > System and Security > BitLocker Drive Encryption.
3. Turn On BitLocker: Find your external drive in the list and click Turn on BitLocker.
4. Choose Encryption Method: Select between using a password, a smart card, or both to unlock the drive.
5. Save or Print Recovery Key: Save the recovery key to a file or print it. This key is crucial for recovering access if you forget your password.
6. Choose Encryption Mode: For Windows 10 and later, choose the new encryption mode (XTS-AES) for better security, especially if you plan to use the drive with only Windows 10 or later. Choose the compatible mode if the drive might be used with older Windows versions.
7. Encrypt the Drive: Choose whether to encrypt used disk space only or the entire drive (recommended for new drives).
8. Start Encryption: Click Start encrypting. The time taken will depend on the drive size and amount of data.

macOS - Using FileVault (for APFS formatted drives) or Encrypted Disk Image:

FileVault (if using APFS):

1. Connect the Drive: Attach your external drive to your Mac.
2. Enable Encryption: Open Finder, right-click the drive, and select Encrypt [Drive Name].
3. Set a Password: Enter a password and a hint. Make sure to remember this password.
4. Encryption Process: Wait for the encryption process to complete. You can track the progress in Finder.

Encrypted Disk Image (for HFS+ formatted drives or additional security):

1. Open Disk Utility: Navigate to Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility.
2. Create New Image: Click File > New Image > Blank Image.
3. Configure Image Settings: Choose a name, encryption type (like 128-bit or 256-bit AES), and set a password.
4. Save Image: Save the disk image to your external drive and ensure Read/Write is selected if you want to add files.
5. Mount and Use: Mount the image when you need to use the data, entering the password to access it.

Linux - Using LUKS (Linux Unified Key Setup):

1. Install LUKS: Most distributions have LUKS included, but ensure you have cryptsetup installed.
2. Connect the Drive: Attach your external hard drive.
3. Initialize LUKS: In the terminal, enter sudo cryptsetup luksFormat /dev/sdX1 (replace X1 with your device identifier).
4. Open LUKS: Use sudo cryptsetup open /dev/sdX1 encrypted_drive to open and create a mapping.
5. Format the Drive: Format it with mkfs.ext4 /dev/mapper/encrypted_drive or any file system of your choice.
6. Mount and Use: Create a mount point sudo mkdir /mnt/encrypted_drive and mount it sudo mount /dev/mapper/encrypted_drive /mnt/encrypted_drive.
7. Unmount and Close: When done, unmount with sudo umount /mnt/encrypted_drive and close with sudo cryptsetup close encrypted_drive.

Tips for Encryption:

• Backup the Recovery Key/Password: Ensure you have a secure way to recover the encryption key or password if you forget it.
• Regular Backups: Maintain backups of your data in different forms to prevent data loss.
• Drive Labeling: Clearly label your encrypted drives for easy identification.

By following these steps, you can effectively encrypt game data on your external hard drive, enhancing its security.

How to choose between different external hard drive brands for gaming?

Choosing the right external hard drive for gaming involves considering several factors to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and capacity. Here are some key points to help you select between different brands:

1. Performance and Speed: Interface Type: Look for drives with USB 3.0, USB 3.1, or USB-C interfaces, as they offer faster data transfer speeds compared to USB 2.0. SSD vs. HDD: Solid State Drives (SSDs) offer significantly faster load times and data access speeds compared to traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). While more expensive, they are worth the investment for gaming. Read/Write Speeds: Check the read and write speeds listed by the manufacturer. Higher speeds will result in quicker game load times.
2. Storage Capacity: Assess your storage needs based on your game library size. Common capacities range from 1TB to 8TB or more. Consider future-proofing by selecting a larger capacity than you currently require.
3. Brand Reputation and Reliability: Research brand reputation for durability and reliability. Brands like Western Digital, Seagate, and Samsung are well-known for producing reliable external drives. Read customer reviews and tech reviews to gauge long-term performance.
4. Build Quality and Design: Consider the physical durability, especially if you plan to transport the drive frequently. Some drives offer rugged builds with shock resistance. A compact and lightweight design may be preferable for portability.
5. Compatibility: Ensure the drive is compatible with your gaming platform, whether it be a PC, Xbox, PlayStation, or other console. Check for any potential software requirements or incompatibilities.
6. Additional Features: Look for features like auto-backup and encryption if they are important to you. Consider drives with customizable RGB lighting if aesthetics matter to you.
7. Warranty and Support: A longer warranty period is a good indicator of the manufacturer's confidence in their product. Evaluate the brand's customer support for potential troubleshooting and service needs.
8. Price: Compare prices, but avoid compromising on essential features for a lower price. Keep an eye out for seasonal sales and discounts.

By considering these factors, you can make an informed choice about which brand and model of external hard drive will best suit your gaming needs. Always strive to balance between performance, capacity, and cost to find the most suitable option.

What is the recommended read/write speed for gaming on an external hard drive?

When considering an external hard drive for gaming, the read/write speed is a critical factor as it impacts game load times and overall performance. Ideally, the recommended speeds will vary based on the type of external drive you choose:

1. External Hard Disk Drive (HDD): Typical read/write speeds for HDDs range from 80 to 160 MB/s. For gaming, it's better to lean towards the higher end of this range, though HDDs may still result in slower load times compared to solid-state drives.
2. External Solid-State Drive (SSD): SSDs are significantly faster, with read/write speeds generally between 200 and 550 MB/s for SATA SSDs connected via USB 3.0. NVMe SSDs using USB 3.1 Gen 2 or Thunderbolt 3 can offer speeds up to 1000 MB/s or more, providing a much better gaming experience.

For optimal gaming performance, especially if you're playing large and modern games, an external SSD is recommended over an HDD due to its superior speed. Additionally, ensure that the connection interface on your device supports the drive's maximum data transfer rate, such as USB 3.0 or higher, to fully utilize the drive's capabilities.

How to improve the performance of a gaming console with an external hard drive?

Improving the performance of a gaming console with an external hard drive can be achieved by following a few key steps. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Choose the Right External Hard Drive: SSD vs HDD: Solid-State Drives (SSDs) offer faster load times compared to traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). An SSD can significantly improve game loading times and overall responsiveness. USB Compatibility: Make sure the external hard drive supports the USB version compatible with your console, such as USB 3.0 or USB 3.1, for faster data transfer speeds. Storage Capacity: Select an appropriate storage size based on your gaming needs. A larger capacity (like 2TB or more) allows more games and data to be stored.
2. Formatting the Drive: Most consoles require the external hard drive to be formatted to work correctly. Follow your console’s specific instructions to format the drive. This process usually wipes the drive, so ensure there’s no crucial data on it before proceeding.
3. Install and Transfer Games: New Installations: Install new or frequently played games directly onto the external SSD to take advantage of faster load times. Transfer Existing Games: Move existing games from the internal storage to the external drive. This can often be done through the console’s settings menu.
4. Manage Storage Efficiently: Regularly check your storage to delete unnecessary files, such as old save data or games you no longer play, to free up space. This helps maintain optimal performance. Consider using the external drive primarily for game installations while using the internal storage for system files and less demanding tasks.
5. Maintain the Hard Drive: Keep the external hard drive firmware updated to ensure compatibility and performance. Avoid disconnecting the drive while in use to prevent data corruption.
6. Cooling and Placement: Place the external hard drive in a well-ventilated area to prevent overheating, which can affect performance. Ensure your console itself has good ventilation to prevent thermal throttling, which can also impact game performance.
7. Software Updates: Keep your console’s system software up to date, as updates often include improvements and optimizations that can boost performance.

By using an external SSD and managing your storage and updates effectively, you can significantly enhance the gaming experience on your console.