How Much Storage Do I Need On My Laptop?

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Storage space is a big headache to many who have laptops. It’s difficult to update the storage of a laptop compare to PC. There are many options on how to get the best storage space. But at first you need to figure out ‘ how much storage do I need on my laptop in the first place’. Do you have enough or do you require more options? How to choose these options? Let’s get the answers below!

Contents

RAM and Laptop Storage: Are They Same?

People often get confused about laptop storage spaces, even though it is pretty straight forward and written on the specs. The confusion people have is about RAM. RAM stands for Random Access Memory.

When you load a computer program – say Microsoft Word, it will be transferred from your storage to the RAM. Just know that RAM space is not actually the storage space of your laptop. RAM is volatile, this means it clears up when you turn the computer off. So, RAM will not save your files!

How Much Storage Do I Need On My Laptop?

The storage space you’d need will depend on bunch of things. For instance, the laptop brand matters a lot here. Premium brand like MacBook, Lenovo and Dell- they all start with 256 GB of storage.

Now, most people get by with these specs but you might need more if you are working with some heavy software. If all you are using the laptop for just listening to songs or watching Netflix- then you don’t really need to get any more storage.

To be frank, simple operations as such doesn’t need even half of this storage space. For storing larger files, you’d need 1.5 to 3 GB of space. Now, this requires you to get more storage space than usual. If you are using software such as Adobe Photoshop or such, these will take 20 GB or so.

So, getting a secondary storage space is recommended for smooth operation. Optimize te storage space to get a total around 512 GB or a TB.

Types of Laptop Storage

Now that you know the typical storage space in your laptop, let’s check out just how many options are there to optimize the storage space. There are many types of laptop storages that exist. Each have different capacities and different purpose or set-up.

1. SSD (Solid State Drive)

If you’ve got a laptop, chances are it has an SSD. SSD is much quicker and reliable. The data in an SSD is stored as flash memory. This makes it weightless and fast. MacBook Pros since 2012 use an SSD, although they used HDD before.

2. EMMC (Embedded Multimedia Card) Storage

Some brands use these cards instead of SSD cards too. This one is soldered directly on to the motherboard of your computer. The problem? You can’t upgrade it. This is a bummer. Though it’s now primarily used in phones and tablet, you can find them in smaller laptops and notebooks.

If you are someone who doesn’t need a ton of storage and not working on anything heavy, then you can definitely go and buy a laptop that uses EMMC. Like SSD, this one also uses flash memory and very quick and lightweight.

3. HDD (Hard Disk Drive)

When we think about storage, this is what we actually refer to – hard disk drive. The problem is, hard disk drive slows down the modern laptop a lot. If you want, you can get portable hard disk as well. But, these tend to be slower than SSD memory, so bear this in mind before buying one.

4. Hybrids: The Best of Both Worlds

Of course, you can just use both! An SSD and HDD can be used at the same time, if you require a lot of space for your work or projects. This is actually the best option for those looking for a fast responding laptop.

What About Memory?

How much RAM do you need? Well, this depends. You need just as much your laptop needs. People must focus on both storage and memory space- these both are important for running a laptop smoothly.

RAMs tend to be a bit more expensive, so tread carefully here. Only buy one if your laptop is performing extra bad. Speaking generally, 4Gb to 8 GB RAM is the minimum requirement for your laptop. If you can manage it up to 8 GB to 10 GB- that’s the sweet spot.

Is 256 GB SSD Enough for a Laptop?

Perhaps the most asked question when it comes to buying laptop and fusing about the storage spaces. But, it should be more than enough unless you are trying to download the whole universe- then it’s not enough. Laptops with SSD usually have 128 and 256 GB, depending on the model.

SSD vs HDD – Which One is The Best?

SSD has taken over HDD now and it goes without question that your also get one. As mentioned earlier, SSD uses the flash memory and hence really fast. SSD also happened to use less power than HDD.

They don’t really have any moving parts; hence the usage of power is also very less. The average SSD passed the Laptop Battery Tests with flying colors- they will keep your laptop less stresses while you use it to whatever purpose.

Final Words

Knowing the specs of your laptop is very important, especially knowing answers to “how much storage do I need on my laptop?” and how much one might require. To sum it up, if you are not using any heavy software, then the 256 GB storage space is just enough for you.

But, if you are working with heavy software and files, then you need a bigger storage space so that your laptop can run smoothly. There are plenty of options in the market but SDD is the best option as it is very lightweight.

Hope this article can help you decide how to figure out the storage space you’d need, In case if you feel a bit pressure while taking screenshot on laptops, here we have written articles for you.