Is a 1 TB External HDD Big Enough?

I plan on backing up my entire HDD (which in total is about 600 gb) the OS and the content on it. I'm might become a big gamer, so I might end up downloading loads of Steam games onto my computer. I am not a huge downloader of movies and music, but I do occasionally download movies. Should I stick with a 1tb external HDD or should I get a 2tb instead?

 

I would get one with at least twice the capacity of the one I'm backing up.

 

I would go with 2TB or larger. It doesn't sound like what you're backing up is going to compress well and 1TB isn't that much space anymore.

 

well, 2TB is better since the size of your files will bloat up in coming future.

 

Depends.

1. How much content do you wish/need to backup?
- Games and movies take up lots of space.

2. How much would the 1TB vs 2TB cost you?
- Is the price difference worth it? Are you on tight budget?

If the price difference is less or equal to 50% of the cost of 1TB HDD, (e.g $100 vs $150) then you might want to fork up the extra cash and future-proof your investment.

OTOH, if you can reasonably expect the 1TB to fit your usage scenario in the near-future (let's say 1-2 years time), you might want to keep your cash 1st.
Within that time-span, technology improves and generally prices drop (except for certain circumstances). In the event your 1TB HDD fails and goes out of warranty, you may get a replacement at a better deal. If it still works, you can still treat yourself a new HDD and split the risk.

 

ComputersRock,

Do you already own a 1 TB external HD?

 

Drives fill up much faster than you think, particularly if you're downloading movies.
My two 1TB Samsung HDDs are at roughly two-thirds capacity after about one year of use.
So if you are at all in doubt, go for the 2TB. You will use the space eventually.