When it comes to Solid State Drives (SSDs), the standard capacity has changed over time. While 1TB was once considered sufficient for most users, the landscape has shifted, and now, a 2TB SSD is often a better value proposition. Here’s why.
Firstly, SSDs fill up quicker than expected due to how storage capacity is displayed on operating systems. Although vendors define 1TB as one trillion bytes, in reality, you’ll get around 930GB of usable space after formatting and accounting for overprovisioning. This can lead to reduced performance as your drive fills up.
To avoid this, it’s recommended to keep around 10% to 20% of your SSD free to prevent write amplification, which can slow down your system. This means you’ll need more storage capacity than the actual size of your SSD suggests. For example, if you’re using a 1TB drive, aiming for only 80% usage will leave you with around 740GB of usable space.
However, even with these precautions, buying a larger SSD can still provide better value in terms of price per terabyte. Currently, 2TB SSDs are more affordable than their 1TB counterparts, making them a smart choice for many users. Additionally, newer models have improved speeds and longer endurance ratings, which can be beneficial for heavy users.
That being said, there may be situations where a smaller SSD is sufficient. If you only use your PC for basic tasks like browsing, watching Netflix, or office work without resource-intensive programs, a 1TB drive will likely suffice. Thin-and-light laptops often come with less storage capacity than larger drives, and using a separate drive for storage can also be an option.
Ultimately, the decision to choose a smaller SSD or upgrade to a larger model depends on your specific needs and budget. When selecting an SSD, think ahead and consider how you’ll use it in the future to ensure you get the right capacity for your requirements.
Source: https://www.howtogeek.com/please-stop-buying-1tb-ssds-when-they-just-dont-cut-it