Memory & storage

More space and more speed

A slow computer doesn't always need replacing — often a fast drive and extra memory are enough. An internal SSD makes an old machine boot in seconds, and adding RAM is the cheapest laptop upgrade there is. For files on the go there are external SSDs and USB flash drives, for big archives and backups external hard drives, and for camera cards card readers. For a desktop or home server there are internal hard drives and high-capacity 3.5″ external HDDs, while a NAS unit builds your own home cloud.

Which drive for what

• M.2 SSD — the system drive: NVMe speeds transform how responsive the whole computer feels; 1 TB is today's sensible standard.
• External SSD — work files on the go: fast, shock-resistant, pocket-sized.
• External HDD — the cheapest gigabyte for backups and photo archives; 3.5″ models offer the largest capacities.
• Internal HDD and NAS — a home for big collections: a NAS turns drives into a home cloud reachable from every device.
• USB flash drive — quick file exchange; pick USB 3.2 for large files.
• RAM — check the type (DDR4/DDR5) and maximum supported capacity before buying.

FAQ

SSD or hard drive? For the system and apps — always an SSD, the difference is dramatic. A hard drive makes sense where price per terabyte matters: archives, backups, camera recordings.

Can I add RAM to my laptop? Often yes — check the maximum capacity and free slots; some thin models have soldered memory.