Internal SSD or External SSD? (When both are available)

[Guitar Binge]

Hi, I've been watching videos on optimization for my new PC. I currently have 2 internal SSD's (C: 1tb & D: 2tb)... When it's suggested to add an external drive, whether for samples or backup, is it better for external? or is it being said under the impression you don't have space to add another internal?... If I add a 3rd SSD someday, should it be internal or external? (I don't need to travel with it).... Thanks for the help

[dellboy]

Hi, I've been watching videos on optimization for my new PC. I currently have 2 internal SSD's (C: 1tb & D: 2tb)... When it's suggested to add an external drive, whether for samples or backup, is it better for external? or is it being said under the impression you don't have space to add another internal?... If I add a 3rd SSD someday, should it be internal or external? (I don't need to travel with it).... Thanks for the help

You do not say whether you have a desktop or laptop? Not many laptops have space for internal drives, but where they do then I guess its always better to have it internal to avoid all the clutter of hubs, external drives etc. If you have a thunderbolt port then I doubt it matters much with regard to speed of access if you use an external drive. If its a desktop with space available inside,and you do not travel, then internal is the best place for it. On the other hand,there is an argument for having your data in portable form. On balance it does not seem to matter much any more with the advent of fast data ports.

[newjunkcity]

If I add a 3rd SSD someday, should it be internal or external?

Depends entirely on the circumstances, your requirements, and the expansion possibilities that your PC affords you.

It's like openly asking whether you should buy a mountain bike or a road bike - no-one can reliably answer your question. Tell me you want to compete in the Tour de France, and you might get another answer.

[Guitar Binge]

My computer is a 'Dell Precision 3440 sff' desktop. It has 2 internal SSD's (1 nvme & 1 sata)... There is another nvme port for an additional ssd if I want, but I'd have to buy an adapter to make it fit. The PC has plenty of 'USB 3.0/3.1' ports. Though inside may be ideal, I may try an external w/ the current speeds. Not for accessibility, but for the ease of not having to buy the adapter and make the inside of the PC more packed. It's already so packed and so small. With all that being said, any suggestions on an 'external' or 'internal'?

[Shabdahbriah]

There is another nvme port for an additional ssd if I want, but I'd have to buy an adapter to make it fit.

How so? There are clearly two NVME adapters present.

Precision 3440 Small Form Factor.png

[Guitar Binge]

I'm not near the PC now, but I know when it's opened it is covered and you can't see the other 'M.2 port'... It may be covered by the larger rectangle SSD (my 'D:' that is 'SATA') or something else... Either way, here's what the seller told me from "PC Parts & Service"
"You could use 2x 2.5" SSD's if you have the dell 3.5"-2.5" adapter that has space for 2x 2.5" drives (1 on each side). picture for reference. The opposite side you can't see has a spot for another 2.5" drive."

[Shabdahbriah]

Ah... cool tray.

[BertKoor]

Usually an "adaptor" has to do with cables. That had me confused for a bit.
I think the "adaptor" you are showing is to mount a 2.5" drive in a 3.5" bay.

Cross that bridge when you get there. Time to fill them drives up!

[Shabdahbriah]

Usually an "adaptor" has to do with cables. That had me confused for a bit.
I think the "adaptor" you are showing is to mount a 2.5" drive in a 3.5" bay.

Indeed.

[Guitar Binge]

Okay, sorry I don't know crap about this... So that would only be needed if I wanted to add another one of the larger rectangle SSD's? So, I can add another M.2 NVME drive (small looks like RAM) in the slot, I'd just have to take off whatever's covering it, put it in, then put back whatever I moved? Sound about right?

[Shabdahbriah]

^^^ Yes.Yes. And yes.

[Kalamata Kid]

I use internal drives but keep the drives outside the case.
viewtopic.php?p=7777146&hilit=plextor#p7777146

[Guitar Binge]

Okay, thank you... I'll have to decide if I should add that internally (nvme) or just get a fast 'usb3.1' externally... Are they about equally rough on the PC, or would it be easier on the PC 'wear & tear' if it were an external drive? Making it not 3 internals

[BertKoor]

If you don't need to take the drive anywhere, then pick internal if possible. Connectors of external drives will be the weak point.

[Shabdahbriah]

That ^^^