Memory & storage

Like to store files outside of your PC, smartphone, or console and like to take them with you? Choose an external SSD or USB flash drive. An SSD is faster and has more space than a USB flash drive. Choose an external HDD if you store large amounts of files or backups at home that you don't need on the go. An SD card or microSD card is a good choice if you're looking for storage for your camera, smartphone, tablet, or Nintendo Switch. Want a wireless home server? Go for a NAS. With this, you can store and share everything within your WiFi network and set automatic backups.

There are various types of memory cards. Which one you need depends on the device you're using the card in. You usually need an SD card for cameras. MicroSD cards are useful for appliances where an SD card doesn't fit, such as smartphones, tablets, e-readers, and the Nintendo Switch. A CF card is a good choice if you're looking for a memory card with high speeds for your professional camera.

First of all, it's important to check the size. Choose a desktop HDD if you store your HDD in 1 place, such as your desk. We also call these HDDs 3.5-inch HDD. A portable HDD (2.5 inches) is smaller, so it's a good choice if you sometimes take your drive with you. It's also good to know how many files you're going to store. For small amounts, 1 or 2 TB is enough, but you need more for large files.

All 3 are devices to store files on. An SSD is the fastest, has enough space for a lot of files, and is small and safe to take with you. A hard drive (HDD) often has the most storage space, but is less fast and often larger. An HDD can also withstand bumps less than an SSD, because it has moving parts. A USB flash drive is a small device you can put files on, so you can easily take them with you.

Determine first which type of NAS you need. You can use a standing NAS for working from home and small business use. A rack mount NAS is suitable for large backups and business data servers. It's also good to know how many slots your NAS needs to have. The more slots, the more storage space and RAID setups. Speed is also important. Check the processor and the RAM of the NAS for this. For example, for standard home use 2 to 4TB is enough, but you need more storage for large servers. Using Plex? Check if the NAS you want to buy supports this and in which resolution.

You need a microSD card for the Nintendo Switch. Which one you choose, mainly depends on how many games or gameplay content you want to store. For small amounts, 64 or 128GB is enough. Play many dfiferent or large games and do you store a lot of screenshots or videos? Go for at least 512GB. For the Nintendo Switch 2, you need a microSD Express card. They reach the high speeds you need for the Switch 2.