Internal or external SSD?

Hi,

I already have a 256 Gb internal SSD which came built-in when I bought my PC.

I plan to buy a new 256 Gb SSD.

I'm not a DYI guy and don't like wiring, etc.

So I plan to buy an external SSD.

Is there any drawback to buy an external SSD vs internal SSD, especially in terms of performance?

It will be bottle-necked by a USB connection, especially if it's USB 2.0, ideally you'd connect it internally, via say SATA, PCIe etc.

Thank you ouPhrontis, much appreciated.

I understand.

If you can connect it via USB 3.0, (not counting an adaptor) then it'll be reasonably quick, not as quick as SATAIII or through a PCIe lane, but much faster then USB 2.0 (which also has the issue of half-duplex which will harm figures further).

Thanks, I think I'll try to make the effort to learn to install an internal SSD.

Thanks, I think I'll try to make the effort to learn to install an internal SSD.

Unless you can use Thunderbolt which uses PCIe lanes any other external option induces a latency you might not want to tolerate.

If you plan to game or work from that SSD, put it in the machine with Sata cables, if it is "only" for fast access to movies and alike USB3.x will be OK.

Thanks Bit, the SSD is to install FSX and games on it so I'll go for an internal SSD.

One last quick question: is it OK to install a program on a second SSD?

What I mean is that Windows 7 is on my first SSD. And so is the C:\Program Files directory.

Is it OK to installe Flight Simulator X and other programs / games on the new SSD, let's say D:\ ?

Thanks Bit, the SSD is to install FSX and games on it so I'll go for an internal SSD.

 

One last quick question: is it OK to install a program on a second SSD?

 

What I mean is that Windows 7 is on my first SSD. And so is the C:\Program Files directory.

 

Is it OK to installe Flight Simulator X and other programs / games on the new SSD, let's say D:\ ?

Yes, I've done that with several; DCS, Star Citizen, and also Steam directory.

Thanks Bit, the SSD is to install FSX and games on it so I'll go for an internal SSD.

 

One last quick question: is it OK to install a program on a second SSD?

 

What I mean is that Windows 7 is on my first SSD. And so is the C:\Program Files directory.

 

Is it OK to installe Flight Simulator X and other programs / games on the new SSD, let's say D:\ ?

You bet buddy, it'll work fine. I have my O/S on one SSD, and then two other SSD's for games and VR stuff.

You'll do fine with your install! :thumbup:

USB 3.0 External would be better. Currently use it for steam games with no problems. Never tried it with DCS or Flight Simulators.

If you go external Thunderbolt drive would be the best if you motherboard supports TB. But honestly try to get another Internal SSD if you have the Sata spots.

USB 3.0 External would be better.[snip]

So as to not have that comment misunderstood and confuse matters for Simicro; better than USB 2.0 for sure, but not better than SATAIII or via PCIe.

As long as you use USB 3.0 or higher, you should be fine. I rarely see my sata ssd utilized at 100% by DCS, even loading times are mostly limited by CPU.

Thank you all, and ouPhrontis for caring to clarify the USB 3.0 for me.

I made my decision: internal SSD.

Next step: open my PC to see if I have a free SATAIII or PCIe connector + electrical connector.

By the way, nice to see you again javelina1 and Bit ;)

Thank you all, and ouPhrontis for caring to clarify the USB 3.0 for me.

 

I made my decision: internal SSD.

 

Next step: open my PC to see if I have a free SATAIII or PCIe connector + electrical connector.

 

By the way, nice to see you again javelina1 and Bit ;)

It's very easy. Some cases have ready made slots to hold the 2.5" SSD drives. But others (older cases) may only have 3.5" slots. If so, you'll need an adapter like: Corsair SSD Mounting Bracket Kit 2.5" to 3.5" drive bay(CSSD-BRKT1).

SATA III are notched so you can only put them in one way.

Or you can get EVERYTHING You need with a kit like: Inateck 2x 2.5 Inch SSD to 3.5 Inch Internal Hard Disk Drive Mounting Kit Bracket (SATA Data Cables and Power Cables included) (ST1002S)

Easy peasy so you have nothing to worry about..

Great points, hansangb.

I know it can seem quite daunting to open a PC and start plugging in cables and so on, you've probably already got a spare bay and connectors waiting inside for a new drive, though if not; there's usually a rank of SATA connections on the motherboard, a SATA storage device will have two cables going to it, power and data, a buddy of mine has demonstrated just how ghetto you can get and still get away with it and all things work, by not even having somewhere tidy/designed for stowing the SSD or HDD, he'd just have them loose in the case, or duct-tape them to the inside somewhere.

SATA data;

You might even already have somewhere in your case to install a new drive without resorting to extra bays etc. Hope it goes smoothly, feel free to ask more questions if unsure.

Unlike HDD's, SSD's can be oriented any way and don't vibrate, so you can really put the thing loose or attach it with single screw just to be sure, even if your case does not have dedicated space for a second drive.

Each modern motherboard has several SATA connectors and each PSU has several SATA power connectors available, so you should be safe. The motherboard should have been shipped with serveral SATA DATA cables.

Simicro,

shoot me a PM if you get stuck, I am on vacation but online and check my mail etc.. .

Send us your Motherboard specs, then it is easy to tell you EXACTLY where to plug things in.

You do so much for the community, glad to help you man !

Thank you all guys!

Please hold on.

I will open my PC, take pictures, gather information on my existing hardware and purchase project and I will update you.