Choose SSD capacity from the data you actually plan to keep: add your photo and video library, the installed games you want available at once, and any backup copy stored on that drive. Then allow for expected growth and working room. There is no universal photo or game size that makes a particular SSD right for everyone.
Estimate the capacity you need
Start with the files and uses that will share the drive, rather than relying on a headline such as “thousands of photos” or “dozens of games.” Use your device’s storage view and the actual installed sizes of the games you want to keep.
- Measure your photo and video collection. Add the files you want stored on this SSD. Include videos if they are part of the collection; their size can vary substantially.
- Choose the games you want installed concurrently. Add the installed size shown for each title on your platform. If you regularly uninstall and reinstall games, you may need less space than someone who wants a large library ready to launch.
- Define the backup being stored. Identify the files being copied and whether this drive holds a working copy, a local backup, or another copy in a broader backup plan.
- Allow for growth and ordinary use. Estimate what you will add before your next upgrade and leave room for files beyond the three categories above. Advertised capacity is not all available for your files: some space is used for formatting and other purposes.
Crucial’s X10 Portable SSD flyer illustrates the limits of generic counts: its estimates assume 6 MB per photo and 200 GB per AAA game. Those are the manufacturer’s calculation assumptions, not universal averages or measured sizes for your collection; the flyer also notes that formatting and other uses reduce available capacity. Crucial X10 product flyer.
Is 1 TB enough for games and photos?
It can be, if your measured files, concurrently installed games, backup copy, and expected additions fit within the usable space. It may not be enough if you keep many large games installed or store a substantial photo and video library plus its backup on the same drive. Add your own totals first; a capacity label alone cannot answer this reliably.
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#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.
How many games fit on a 1 TB SSD?
There is no dependable fixed count. Game installations differ, and the space available also depends on what else is stored on the drive. For a useful estimate, add the installed sizes of the specific games you want available at once, then subtract the space needed for photos, backups, growth, and other files. Crucial’s 200 GB-per-AAA-game figure is an assumption used in its flyer, not a general game-size average.
How much space should you reserve for backups?
Count a backup as data that needs storage, not as space you can disregard because the original files exist elsewhere. If you want a local copy of your photos on the SSD, include that copy’s size in the estimate. If the same drive is also the only place the originals live, it is not a separate backup of those files.
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.
Crucial describes the 3-2-1 approach as keeping three copies of data, on two types of media, with one copy offsite. A single SSD can serve as one storage location in that approach, but by itself it is not a complete backup plan. Crucial: What is the 3-2-1 Backup Rule?
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check device compatibility before choosing capacity
The right capacity is useful only if the drive works with the intended device and storage role. An internal expansion drive, a portable drive for files, and a backup destination can have different interface, physical, cooling, and usage requirements.
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
PS5 M.2 expansion requirements
For PS5 internal expansion, PlayStation’s New Zealand support page specifies a PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe SSD with Key M, capacities from 250 GB to 8 TB, and supported form factors 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, and 22110. The maximum width is 25 mm, and the SSD needs effective heat dissipation; the page lists cooling-structure thickness limits. PlayStation recommends sequential read speed of at least 5,500 MB/s and does not support M.2 SATA SSDs. It also cautions that not all games necessarily perform identically to the console’s internal SSD, even when an added drive exceeds the recommended read speed. Check the full, current fit and cooling specifications for your console before buying. PlayStation: How to add an M.2 SSD to a PS5 console.
PS5 game storage and system backups are different uses
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 difference matters when deciding whether an external drive will be a game library, a place to move games, or a backup destination. PlayStation: How to manage PS5 console storage space.
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 PS5 system backups, PlayStation’s Philippines support page says USB drives must use FAT32 or exFAT and that USB extended storage used for game data cannot be used for system backup data. A drive suitable for one role should not be assumed suitable for the other. PlayStation: How to back up and restore PS5 console data.
Quick Recap
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
A practical decision checklist
- Use the actual size of the files and game installations you plan to store, not a universal per-photo or per-game estimate.
- Decide whether the drive is for active use, portable storage, or a backup copy; these roles may call for different device compatibility.
- Include duplicated backup data in the capacity total, and decide where any additional or offsite copy will live.
- For a device-specific expansion such as PS5 M.2 storage, verify interface, capacity range, dimensions, cooling, and play behavior against the official 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.
