External Solid State Drive for iMac: A Comprehensive Guide

For individuals looking to back up their personal collections of photos and family videos, it's essential to consider the total GB of data you have and opt for an external solid state drive (SSD) that's at least 50 percent higher in capacity. This ensures your backup is future-proof.

When it comes to choosing the right SSD, the amount of capacity needed depends on the type of backups you plan to make. For full-system backups of a computer with a 1-2TB internal SSD, a 1TB external storage drive should be adequate. This is because imaging software like Acronis uses compression, which reduces the required storage space.

While faster speeds like 20 and 40 Gbps may seem appealing, they are only worth considering for creative professionals who require high-speed data transfer. For most users, a 10 Gbps SSD will suffice, especially if your PC has at least one 10 Gbps port. Upgrading to 10 Gbps is recommended for those with compatible ports.

In terms of USB connections, you have options ranging from up to 5 Gbps (USB 3.x), 10 Gbps (USB 3.1/3.2 Gen 2), 20 Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 2x2), or 40 Gbps (Thunderbolt or USB 4). However, the higher speeds come at a higher cost.

If you require enormous amounts of external storage, a hard drive may be a better option for most users. While multi-terabyte external SSDs can be expensive, 4TB portable hard drives are available for under $100 ($90). Portable SSDs are also much faster when reading and writing large amounts of data. However, they are more fragile than solid-state drives.

When deciding between a portable hard drive or SSD, consider your needs. If you don't require terabytes of storage and often travel with your drive, a portable SSD is worth paying extra for. On the other hand, if you prioritize affordability and don't mind slower speeds, a portable hard drive may be the better choice.

In conclusion, choosing the right external solid state drive for your iMac depends on your specific needs and preferences. By considering factors like capacity, speed, and portability, you can find the perfect solution to back up your important files and data.

External solid state drive for imac