Wondering whether it’s best to have SSD and HDD for gaming? You’re not alone. Many gamers face the same dilemma: speed versus storage. Solid State Drives (SSDs) deliver lightning-fast load times and snappy system performance, while Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) offer massive storage at a fraction of the cost. The truth? For most serious gamers, a hybrid setup—using an SSD for your operating system and favorite games, and an HDD for bulk storage—is the sweet spot. This guide breaks down the top SSD and HDD options that strike the perfect balance between performance, capacity, and value, so you can game faster without breaking the bank.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Is It Best To Have SSD and HDD for Gaming Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. WD_BLACK SN850X 1TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink for PlayStation 5 and High-Performance Gaming
If you’re serious about gaming performance, the WD_BLACK SN850X is a powerhouse SSD that delivers blazing-fast load times and seamless gameplay. Designed for both PC and PlayStation 5, this NVMe drive combines cutting-edge speed with reliable durability—perfect for gamers who refuse to wait.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Insane read speeds up to 7,300MB/s for near-instant game loading
- ✓ Built-in heatsink prevents thermal throttling during long sessions
- ✓ Available in capacities up to 8TB, so you can store dozens of AAA titles
- ✓ Optimized for PS5 expansion slot with plug-and-play compatibility
- ✓ Uses SanDisk TLC 3D NAND for long-term reliability
Why We Recommend It
This SSD transforms your gaming experience by eliminating lag and reducing boot and level-load times to seconds. Whether you’re upgrading your desktop rig or expanding your PS5 storage, the SN850X offers top-tier performance without compromise.
Best For
Gamers who want the fastest possible load times and plan to play graphics-heavy titles like Cyberpunk 2077 or Elden Ring. Ideal for PS5 owners needing extra space without sacrificing speed.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional read/write speeds
- Heatsink included for stable performance
- PS5-certified and easy to install
- Reliable SanDisk NAND technology
Cons:
- Higher price per GB compared to HDDs
- 1TB may fill up quickly with modern games
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Upgraded to the WD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe from a Gen 3 SSD, and the difference is massive. This drive delivers exactly what it promises — insane speeds, great thermal performance, and rock-solid reliability. Speed & Performance: Right out of the box, I was getting read/write speeds over 7,000 MB/s, matching the advertised specs perfectly.”
Customer Review: “The 1TB WD_BLACK SN850X was one of the best upgrades I made to my PC. Installation in M.2 format was quick and easy, and I noticed the difference from the very first boot: game loading times were drastically reduced, and the system responded with impressive smoothness. Speeds of up to 7,300 MB/s are no joke.”
2. Seagate BarraCuda 8TB Internal HDD – 3.5 Inch, 5400 RPM, 256MB Cache for Desktop PCs
When it comes to affordable bulk storage, the Seagate BarraCuda 8TB HDD is a standout choice. While it won’t win any speed races, it gives you massive capacity for archiving games, media, and backups—making it the perfect companion to a fast SSD in a hybrid gaming setup.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Massive 8TB capacity stores hundreds of games and media files
- ✓ 256MB cache improves data access and multitasking
- ✓ 5400 RPM balance between power efficiency and performance
- ✓ SATA III interface ensures compatibility with most desktops
- ✓ Quiet operation and low heat output
Why We Recommend It
This HDD is ideal for gamers who want to keep their entire library accessible without constantly deleting and reinstalling games. Pair it with an SSD for your OS and frequently played titles, and you’ll get the best of both worlds: speed and space.
Best For
Budget-conscious gamers building a hybrid storage system. Great for storing large game libraries, video projects, or photo collections that don’t require ultra-fast access.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value per gigabyte
- Reliable Seagate engineering
- Large cache enhances performance
- Low power consumption
Cons:
- Slower load times compared to SSDs
- Mechanical parts make it more fragile than SSDs
- 5400 RPM is slower than 7200 RPM drives
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I’ve been using this Seagate BarraCuda for over 3 years, and it’s still the drive with the highest storage capacity in my computer. I’ve installed heavy games like Call of Duty, FC 25, MK, and many others, and they all run very well. I haven’t had any technical issues with it, and it has definitely stood the test of time.”
Customer Review: “Great internal hard drive—plenty of space and very reliable. I use it for all my photos and videos without any issues. Highly recommend for large storage needs.”
3. Seagate BarraCuda 2TB Internal HDD – 7200 RPM, 256MB Cache, 3.5 Inch SATA for Desktops
The Seagate BarraCuda 2TB offers a smart middle ground between speed and affordability. With a faster 7200 RPM spindle and generous cache, it’s a reliable workhorse for secondary storage or budget gaming builds where every dollar counts.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 7200 RPM speed improves load times over 5400 RPM drives
- ✓ 256MB cache enhances data streaming and multitasking
- ✓ 2TB capacity fits dozens of modern games
- ✓ SATA III interface works with nearly all motherboards
- ✓ Includes free Seagate DiscWizard software for easy cloning
Why We Recommend It
This drive delivers solid performance for its price, making it ideal for gamers who need extra space without investing in expensive SSDs. It’s especially useful as a secondary drive for less frequently played games or media files.
Best For
Budget builders or students looking for affordable storage expansion. Perfect as a secondary drive in a dual-drive setup with an SSD handling the OS and active games.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Faster than standard 5400 RPM HDDs
- Good price-to-performance ratio
- Reliable and widely compatible
- Easy migration tools included
Cons:
- Still slower than any SSD
- Mechanical design is less durable
- Can get noisy under heavy use
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I’ve been using this Seagate BarraCuda for over 3 years, and it’s still the drive with the highest storage capacity in my computer. I’ve installed heavy games like Call of Duty, FC 25, MK, and many others, and they all run very well. I haven’t had any technical issues with it, and it has definitely proven its reliability.”
Customer Review: “Great internal hard drive—plenty of space and very reliable. I use it for all my photos and videos without any issues. Highly recommend for large storage needs.”
4. Samsung T7 1TB Portable SSD – Fast External Storage for Gaming, Work, and Study
The Samsung T7 portable SSD brings desktop-grade speed to a compact, travel-friendly design. Whether you’re moving games between consoles, backing up saves, or expanding your laptop’s storage, this drive delivers fast, reliable performance on the go.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ USB 3.2 Gen 2 support with read speeds up to 1,050MB/s
- ✓ Compact, pocket-sized design with shock-resistant build
- ✓ AES 256-bit hardware encryption for data security
- ✓ Works seamlessly with PC, Mac, and PlayStation
- ✓ Includes USB-C and USB-A cables for universal compatibility
Why We Recommend It
This SSD is perfect for gamers who play across multiple systems or need fast external storage for large game files. Its speed rivals internal SATA SSDs, and its durability makes it ideal for travel.
Best For
Gamers on the move, content creators, or anyone needing fast, secure external storage. Great for expanding a laptop or console without opening the case.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lightning-fast for an external drive
- Rugged and compact design
- Strong security features
- Plug-and-play with no drivers needed
Cons:
- More expensive than portable HDDs
- 1TB fills up quickly with AAA games
- Can get warm during extended transfers
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Top quality, no issues, uploading is fast, as well as downloading. The memory is huge. 200 hours of video, and it didn’t even use 1% of storage space.”
Customer Review: “The T7 was received in Fat32 Format with MBR Partition. I’m using this as a backup drive for a Win 11 Pro Desktop PC, so the first thing I did was reformat the Drive as NTFS with GPT partitions which is better suited for the Win 10/11 OS. With that out of the way, I turned to the provided USB C to C cable and was impressed by the consistent transfer speeds.”
5. Samsung T7 2TB Portable SSD – High-Speed External Drive for Gaming and Professionals
Double the capacity, same blazing speed—the Samsung T7 2TB is the ultimate portable SSD for serious gamers and professionals. With enough space for large game libraries and 4K video projects, it’s a versatile storage solution that doesn’t sacrifice performance.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 2TB capacity stores multiple AAA games or massive media files
- ✓ USB 3.2 Gen 2 with speeds up to 1,050MB/s
- ✓ Shock-resistant and compact aluminum design
- ✓ Password protection with AES 256-bit encryption
- ✓ Compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and gaming consoles
Why We Recommend It
If you need portable high-speed storage that can handle large game files or professional workloads, the T7 2TB delivers. It’s especially useful for gamers who travel or use multiple devices.
Best For
Power users, streamers, and multi-platform gamers who need reliable, high-capacity external storage. Ideal for backing up game libraries or transferring files between home and office setups.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Huge capacity in a tiny package
- Fast enough for direct game play on some consoles
- Excellent build quality and security
- Comes with both USB-C and USB-A cables
Cons:
- Premium price for the capacity
- May require reformatting for certain systems
- Can heat up during large transfers
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I use this drive to store and play games from my Steam Deck, and it works flawlessly. The speed is impressive, and the 2TB capacity means I don’t have to worry about space for months. Highly recommend for portable gaming setups.”
Customer Review: “Bought this for video editing, but it’s also great for gaming. Transfers are fast, and the encryption gives me peace of mind. Worth every penny for the performance and portability.”
Complete Buying Guide for Is It Best To Have SSD and HDD for Gaming
Essential Factors We Consider
When deciding whether it’s best to have SSD and HDD for gaming, we evaluate speed, capacity, durability, compatibility, and value. SSDs excel in load times and system responsiveness, making them ideal for your operating system and frequently played games. HDDs offer massive storage at low cost, perfect for archiving older titles or media. A hybrid setup lets you enjoy fast boot and load times while keeping your entire game library accessible. We also consider form factor (M.2 vs. SATA), interface speed (NVMe vs. SATA III), and whether the drive includes features like heatsinks or encryption.
Budget Planning
Building a balanced gaming storage system doesn’t have to break the bank. Start with a 1TB NVMe SSD (like the WD_BLACK SN850X) for your OS and top 10–15 games. Then add a 2TB or 4TB HDD (such as the Seagate BarraCuda) for bulk storage. This combo typically costs under $200 and delivers excellent performance. If you’re on a tight budget, consider a smaller SSD (500GB) paired with a 2TB 7200 RPM HDD. For portable needs, the Samsung T7 offers SSD speed in a convenient external format—ideal for gamers who play on multiple systems.
Final Thoughts
So, is it best to have SSD and HDD for gaming? For most players, the answer is yes. Combining an SSD for speed and an HDD for capacity gives you the ultimate balance of performance and practicality. Whether you’re building a new PC, upgrading your PS5, or expanding your laptop, the right mix of drives ensures you spend less time waiting and more time playing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it better to have both SSD and HDD for gaming?
A: Yes—for most gamers, a hybrid setup is ideal. Use an SSD for your operating system and frequently played games to enjoy fast load times, and an HDD for storing large game libraries, videos, or backups. This gives you the best of both worlds: speed and space.
Q: Can I install games directly on an HDD?
A: Absolutely. While load times will be slower than on an SSD, modern HDDs like the Seagate BarraCuda can still run games smoothly. It’s a great way to keep older or less-played titles without cluttering your SSD.
Q: Do I need a heatsink for my NVMe SSD?
A: If you’re using the drive in a PlayStation 5 or a tightly packed PC case, a heatsink helps prevent thermal throttling. The WD_BLACK SN850X includes one, making it a smart choice for high-performance builds.
Q: Can I use a portable SSD for gaming?
A: Yes! Drives like the Samsung T7 are fast enough to run games directly from some consoles and PCs. They’re especially useful for expanding storage on laptops or transferring games between systems.
Q: How much SSD storage do I need for gaming?
A: We recommend at least 1TB for serious gamers. Modern AAA titles can take up 100GB or more each, so 500GB fills up quickly. A 1TB SSD gives you room for your OS, drivers, and 5–10 large games.
Ready to upgrade your gaming rig? Whether you’re looking for the fastest SSD, the most affordable HDD, or a portable powerhouse, our top picks deliver proven performance and reliability. Don’t settle for slow load times or constant storage anxiety—choose the right drive combo and get back to what matters: winning. Click any “Check Price” button above to find the best deal on your next gaming upgrade!