Should I buy a laptop with 256GB SSD or 1TB HDD? Which is better, a laptop with 256GB SSD or 1TB HDD + 128GB SSD? Is a 256GB SSD better than a 1TB hard drive? Nowadays, many people ask these questions online. In this post, MiniTool explains 256GB SSD vs 1TB HDD to you.

As we all know, SSDs are better than HDDs. Its biggest advantage is the faster speed, especially the random read and write speeds. This makes SSDs perform better than HDDs in booting up computers, starting programs and games, loading maps in games, etc.

However, when it comes to 256GB SSD vs 1TB HDD or 256GB SSD vs 1TB HDD + 128GB SSD, many people can’t make a decision. Is a 256GB SSD better than a 1TB hard drive? This depends on your demands and budget. Please read the following content and then you can know what you really need.

SSD VS HDD: What’s Difference? Which One Should You Use in PC?

Speed VS Storage Space

Are you after speed or storage space? The SSD’s biggest advantage is the speed while HDD’s advantages are the large storage and low cost. When you use the computer, do you need the faster responding speed or lager storage space?

If you plan to program, play games, edit video or pictures, consume internet content without saving, etc., you may need an SSD and 256GB SSD may be capable of these jobs. But if you want to install several games, edit and storage lots of videos and pictures, an HDD with large storage may be suitable for you.

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The Number of Drive Bays

Some people may ask whether they should buy a laptop with 256GB SSD or a laptop with 1TB HDD, while some people may ask whether they should buy a laptop with 256GB SSD or a laptop with 1TB HDD + 128GB SSD. The two questions indicate different number of drive bays.

The former indicates there is only one drive bay in the computer. The operating system, programs, and personal files are installed on one drive. If you choose 256GB SSD, you may be lack in storage space. If you choose 1TB HDD, your computer may be slow. In this case, you may consider SSHD.

The latter indicates there are two drive bays. You can install the operating system, programs, and games on the SSD (it serves as C drive) and save personal files on the HDD. In this case, I recommend you to choose the 1TB HDD + 128GB SSD, if you have no special need.

Of course, if you think 128GB is too small, you can choose 256GB SSD and then purchase an extra HDD. Then, insert the HDD into your computer.

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Budget

Is there a cost issue? This is the last question. If your budget is limited, you should choose the HDD. But if you want to balance cost, performance, and storage space, small SSD + large HDD may be your choice.

After reading the above content, you may know how to choose between 256GB SSD and 1TB HDD.

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