What to store on SSD?

[Bob Grip]

Now that Apple has finally gone to SSDs, what kind of files should be stored on a one? Just the OS? Video files currently in use?

Reason I’m asking..I currently have a 3 TB Fusion Drive and I’m trying to figure out what size SSD to have in a new iMac.

TIA...

 

[PieTunes]

Now that Apple has finally gone to SSDs, what kind of files should be stored on a one? Just the OS? Video files currently in use?

Reason I’m asking..I currently have a 3 TB Fusion Drive and I’m trying to figure out what size SSD to have in a new iMac.

TIA...

Welcome to the forums! You would want to purchase what you are most comfortable spending, that’s for sure, but only you can determine where the value would lie. Would getting an SDD to match the capacity of your fusion drive be cost prohibitive? Then you would have to downsize internally and move some externally. But also give some thought as to if you already have or use an external drive, if you don’t then the need to buy one could be offset anyway by just going to a larger internal SSD.

If you must segment your data, the OS would definitely remain internally, as well as apps and programs you would install and use. Frequently accessed files determined by you can also stay local. If you don’t deal with photography often but have a large photo library, as well as any music or movies or videos you watch, those can easily stay on an external drive that will always remain attached and accessible.

 

[Bob Grip]

Thanks! I didn’t want to buy more SSD storage than needed.

 

[PieTunes]

Thanks! I didn’t want to buy more SSD storage than needed.

Indeed. It’s about trying to find a balance of needs versus wants because their SSDs aren’t cheap haha

 

[NewUsername]

From a cost perspective the answer is quite easy: get the 256GB internal SSD. This is more than you'll ever need for macOS and all your apps. You can put all your other files on an external SSD. A 2TB Samsung T7 will only cost you about $300. While not as fast as an internal SSD, these things are still really fast, and the difference will hardly be noticeable.

Personally, I'm not going that route though, because I'll also install Windows on it and I do like to keep most of my files on the internal drive. I'm getting the iMac with a 1TB SSD, so it's enough for nearly all my files (I still have an external SSD for a couple of films and TV series). Rationally, it's a bit of a waste of money, but I like to convenience.

Once you upgrade higher than 1TB though, prices skyrocket. 2TB is another $400, 4TB another $600, 8TB another $1200. For 99% of the users, that's just way too expensive for what is essentially just the convenience of having an SSD internally instead of externally. Don't forget an external drive also has benefits. You might get an ARM iMac in a few years. If you use an external SSD, you can just take it to the new iMac. If you spent all your money on an internal SSD, you'll lose all of that when you sell your iMac.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP wrote:
"Reason I’m asking..I currently have a 3 TB Fusion Drive and I’m trying to figure out what size SSD to have in a new iMac."

IMPORTANT QUESTION:
Of that 3tb of space, how much is actually being used right now?

 

[Bob Grip]

About 60%; documents, photos and music.

 

[wavesm]

You need to consider not only what you have but also future growth.

E.g in my case I do have about 750GB of docs, photos etc.

If I would go with the 1TB I would be short in less than one year. 2TB at Apple prices are too expensive so my plan is take standard 512GB from day one + external.

I already have a few SSD to make available.