An external hard drive is a storage device that connects to your computer or gaming console through a USB port. It can be used to store files, games, videos, and other digital content that you may want to keep safe or free up space on your internal hard drive. In this article, we will focus on external hard drives for PS4 consoles.
Interface type:
Any USB 3 drive of almost any size will work; 250GB is the minimum capacity and a whopping 8TB is the maximum. Neither the PS4 nor PS4 Pro support USB 3.1 gen 2 or USB Type C, so don’t worry about spending extra on a drive that sports these newer interface standards.
Usage:
You can use a USB storage device as extended storage to install your applications. You can also move applications from PS4™ system storage to extended storage. Use a USB storage device that meets the following conditions. The first time you use a USB storage device, you’ll need to format it.
Top external hard drives for PS4:
1. Seagate Portable 2TB
2. WD 2TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive
3. Seagate Game Drive for PS4 Systems
4. Maxone 320GB Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive
5. WD Black 2TB P10 Game Drive
6. Toshiba Canvio Gaming 1TB Portable External Hard Drive
7. Silicon Power 1TB Black Rugged Portable
Benefits:
A big benefit of using an external hard drive with your PS4 is that it’s likely faster than your PS4’s internal one, and this will also be a drive that will go incredibly well with the new-gen PS5 console when and if folks upgrade. Additionally, it allows you to store more games and media without worrying about running out of space.
An external hard drive for PS4 is a great investment for gamers who want to store more games and media without worrying about running out of space. With a variety of sizes and brands to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect one for your gaming needs.
Using External Hard Drives with PS4
You can use any external hard drive for your PS4 as long as it is a USB 3.0 drive with a minimum capacity of 250GB and a maximum capacity of 8TB. It is important to note that the PS4 and PS4 Pro do not support USB 3.1 gen 2 or USB Type C, so there is no need to spend extra on a drive that has these newer interface standards. Additionally, make sure that the external hard drive is formatted to FAT32 or exFAT file systems to ensure compatibility with the PS4. You can also use the external hard drive as extended storage to store games, apps, and other data.
Using a USB as an External Hard Drive for PS4
You can use a USB storage device as an external hard drive for PS4. However, there are certain requirements that the USB storage device must meet in order to be compatible with the PS4 system. Firstly, the USB storage device must have a minimum capacity of 250 GB and a maximum capacity of 8 TB. Secondly, it should use a USB 3.0 or larger interface and have a sustained data transfer rate of at least 60 MB/s.
To use a USB storage device as an external hard drive for PS4, you need to format it with the FAT32 or exFAT file system. It’s important to note that formatting the USB storage device will erase all the data stored on it, so make sure to back up your data before formatting it for use with PS4. Once the USB storage device is formatted, you can use it to install and run games and applications on your PS4, as well as to store media files such as music, videos, and photos.
In addition, you can also move applications from the PS4 system storage to the USB storage device to free up space on the system. To do this, go to Settings > Storage > System Storage > Applications, select the application you want to move, and then choose Move to Extended Storage.
Using a USB storage device as an external hard drive for PS4 is a convenient and cost-effective way to expand your storage capacity and improve your gaming experience.
Compatible Hard Drives for PS4
There are several external hard drives that are compatible with PS4. Some of the most popular and reliable options include the Seagate Portable 2TB, WD 2TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive, Seagate Game Drive for PS4 Systems, Maxone 320GB Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive, WD Black 2TB P10 Game Drive, Toshiba Canvio Gaming 1TB Portable External Hard Drive, and Silicon Power 1TB Black Rugged Portable. These hard drives offer ample storage space and fast data transfer speeds, making them ideal for use with PS4 gaming systems. It is important to note that the hard drive must be USB 3.0 compatible and have a minimum capacity of 250GB to be compatible with the PS4. Additionally, the hard drive must be formatted to either exFAT or FAT32 file systems before it can be used with the PS4.
The Benefits of Using an External Hard Drive for PS4
It is better to use an external hard drive for PS4. There are several benefits to using an external hard drive with your PS4.
Firstly, it will provide you with additional storage space for your games, game saves, and other media files. This is especially useful if you have a large game library, as the internal storage of the PS4 can quickly become full.
Secondly, using an external hard drive can improve the performance of your PS4. The external hard drive is likely to be faster than the internal one, which can lead to faster load times and smoother gameplay.
Additionally, using an external hard drive with your PS4 can make it easier to transfer your games and data to a new console. If you upgrade to a PS5 in the future, for example, you can simply transfer your external hard drive to the new console and have all your games and data readily available.
Using an external hard drive with your PS4 is a smart choice as it provides additional storage space, improves performance, and makes it easier to transfer your data to a new console.
Conclusion
An external hard drive is an essential accessory for any PS4 or PS4 Pro owner. It provides ample storage space for game downloads, updates, and saves, allowing gamers to enjoy their favorite titles without worrying about running out of space. When choosing an external hard drive, it’s important to consider factors such as capacity, interface type, and speed. The Seagate Portable 2TB, WD 2TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive, and Seagate Game Drive for PS4 Systems are all excellent options that offer fast transfer speeds and reliable performance. With an external hard drive, gamers can maximize their PS4’s potential and enjoy a seamless gaming experience.