Having a backup copy of your data, is quite essential in this day and age. This ensures that critical data, is easily accessible and safe, in case of loss of your computer. In addition, data stored in an external hard drive, can be accessed, even in cases where you don’t have internet connectivity for cloud storage. Here, we’ll look at factors to consider when choosing am external hard drive to buy.
Storage Space/ Capacity
This, is the most important factor, as far as selection of an external hard drive goes. Depending on the use case, different storage capacity, may be suitable for different people and uses. External hard drives, come in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB and so one.
128GB, 256, 512GB
This storage capacity is suitable if you’ll be storing mostly documents. Documents such as word files, pdf and excel, don’t take up much space. You can store and backup thousands of files without filling up an external hard disk of 512GB.
These external hard drives, are also suitable for transferring data from one computer to the other.
1TB, 2TB
With this storage capacity, you can store files for longer periods of time. It is suitable if you take lots of pictures and some video files. In addition, you can also store your music files easily with this storage capacity. 2TB, is also appropriate for future proofing your storage needs for the long term.
3TB, 4TB, 5TB
If you are a gamer, who plays several games, then this is the most appropriate storage space. As days go by, more games are becoming large in size due to the improvement in assets quality. Having a large storage space, enables you to download, and have games, without the need to delete some to make space for others.
8TB and Above
As far as multiple terabytes go, 8TB and above in storage space, provide a backup option for thousands of photos, files, and videos. This storage space, is suitable for video editors who store, and cut video files. You can edit and save 4k files easily without the worry of running out of space.
Transfer Speed
The rate of transfer of data, is another important factor when it comes to buying hard drives. This is crucial if you’ll be transferring large data files regularly to and from storage. Having a slow transfer speeds, can make you wait for a long time for your large files to move to and from the hard drive.
USB 2.0
This standard, is suitable for transfer of small files. With USB 2.0, you can only reach a maximum transfer speed of 480Mbps. It is not suitable for video editors and gamers.
USB 3.0
These, are usually color coded blue, and you can get transfer speeds of up to 20Gbps. Suitable for video and photo editors, in addition to gamers.
| USB 3.0 | Color Code | Transfer Speed |
|---|---|---|
| USB 3.0 | Blue | 5Gbps |
| USB 3.1 Gen 1 | Blue | 5Gbps |
| USB 3.1 Gen 2 | Red | 10Gbps |
| USB 3.2 Gen 1 | Blue | 5Gbps |
| USB 3.2 Gen | Red | 10Gbps |
USB-A
This is a common connector. However, it has been replaced by the newer USB Type C
USB C/ Thunderbolt
You can get speed of up to 40Gbps. This is a quick port, which makes it suitable for large data transfers.
Durability
A hard drive that comes with a rugged casing ensures that you are protected against data loss that arises from falls and damage.
Encryption
Software Encryption
If you prefer your data not to be accessed by people, then software encryption enables you to input a password for transfer and access to your data. Only the people that you give your password will be able to view the files on your drive.
Hardware Encryption
Some Hard drives also come with hardware encryption for even more security advantages.
Compatibility
This is a small issue since an external hard drive can be formatted to be compatible with a specific operating system. Mac OS, Windows and Linux, are the operating systems that a hard drive can be formatted for. However, changing this is fairly easy work.