Video games are continuously becoming more demanding in terms of system requirements, largely due to the inclusion of richer textures and expansive game worlds. Many modern games now recommend a minimum of 16 GB of RAM to ensure optimal performance. Additionally, the increasing size of games has made it highly advisable to have a minimum 1 TB SSD (Solid State Drive) for storage.
Fortunately, the prices of SSDs have significantly decreased in recent times due to a substantial reduction in demand. It is now possible to purchase a 1 TB SATA SSD for approximately 60-70 euros, while 1 TB M.2 PCIe SSDs are available for around 60-90 euros. For those in need of even more storage capacity, 2 TB SATA SSDs can be found in the price range of 100-130 euros, and 2 TB M.2 PCIe SSDs are typically priced between 120-170 euros.
Games getting fatter
Just as it has become established that the minimum RAM requirement is 8 GB, with 16 GB being the ideal, the same principle applies to storage. While the minimum capacity for an SSD is currently 512 GB, it is highly recommended to have a 1 TB drive for optimal performance.
The increasing capacities of SSDs are primarily driven by the growing size of video games. Developers are creating games that occupy larger storage space due to factors such as richer textures and suboptimal optimization.
To illustrate this point, let’s consider some noteworthy examples. FarCry 6 requires a minimum of 170 GB of storage, STAR WARS Jedi: Survivor demands approximately 155 GB, and Final Fantasy XV occupies more than 110 GB. Just these three games alone consume nearly 450 GB of storage, making it “impossible” to install them on a 512 GB SSD.
Naturally, it is unlikely that someone would have all of these heavy games installed simultaneously, but there are numerous other titles that also occupy significant storage space. For example, FIFA 23 requires 100 GB, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 surpasses 125 GB, and Red Dead Redemption 2 takes up over 120 GB.
It’s important to note that from a 512 GB SSD, we typically have around 480 GB of usable space. We need to account for partitioning and the fact that Windows 10 itself occupies approximately 30 GB, including the installation, updates, and cache.
Clearly, having an SSD with a capacity of at least 1 TB is becoming a necessity in today’s gaming landscape. Considering the current prices, they are an incredibly appealing option.
Very interesting 1 TB and more SSD drives
When considering SSD options, one of the most affordable and appealing choices is the Crucial BX500, which is currently priced at around 60 euros. It provides an economical solution for budget systems or breathing new life into an older laptop. Another alternative to consider is the Samsung 870 QVO, which offers additional features.
If you’re not interested in a SATA SSD and prefer an M.2 drive with a PCIe 4.0 interface, the standout option is the WD_Black SN770, boasting speeds of up to 5000 MB/s. Alternatively, there’s the Seagate FireCuda 520, which offers similar performance to the WD_Black model but at a slightly higher price.
If you’re considering upgrading to a 2 TB capacity, the Crucial MX500 is an excellent choice, providing a reliable solution. Additionally, there’s the WD Green SN350, which operates on PCIe 3.0, and the Kingston NV2, which supports PCIe 4.0. These three options offer high quality at a reasonable price point.
