When it comes to gaming, the PS4 continues to be a well-loved console.
However, as time goes on the games continue to grow in size, which means they take up quite a bit of space. For the average gamer, this might not mean a lot, but to those who are passionate about their saves, it’s important to be aware of different storage options.
This goes beyond what is found on the PS4 itself.
Due to this, it is common for gamers to ask, do games run slower on an external hard drive on a PS4?
Certain elements of a game run slower on an external hard drive when using a PS4. For example, the loading screens will run slowly, while the gameplay is going to remain untouched. It’s recommended to only use a hard drive that’s greater than 5400 rpm to maintain or exceed performance.
For the most part, you will have to be ready for a slowdown.
This is going to happen because the external hard drive is not integrated into the PS4 ecosystem. This means it is not going to be as free-flowing as the original storage.
If you are willing to sacrifice certain elements such as the load times, you will see decent performance using an external hard drive. You can even push things to the next level by going with something higher than 7200 rpm.
Here is a look at how an external hard drive impacts games on a PS4.
Table of Contents
Impact Of An External Hard Drive On PS4
1. Loading Screens Are Slower
Using an external hard drive for a PS4 is common.
The only issue is you are going to need to understand which type of external hard drive is being used. If you have the right one, you are going to see good performance over the long term.
For the most part, the only element of the game that is going to be affected would be the loading screens.
Any loading screen that comes might slow down due to the external hard drive. This is something to keep note of when you are looking to improve the performance of a PS4 or want to increase the storage space.
2. Gameplay Remains Unaffected
What about the actual gameplay on the PS4?
The external hard drive is not going to impact the gameplay at all. This is going to be reserved for different components inside the PS4, which means it will continue to run as it should.
Most people are not going to notice any change in this regard as soon as the external hard drive is in place. The game will run the way you would assume it should.
3. Only 5400+ RPM Is Worthwhile
You will always want to get the right type of external hard drive for a PS4.
This is where mistakes are made.
The speed will matter, which means you need to get something faster than what is already in place. Most people cheapen out and go with something that is near 5400 RPM, which is similar to what is already inside the PS4.
At best, you are going to maintain performance. There will be no improvements.
On the other hand, you can increase performance by going with something that is closer to 7200 RPM.
4. Not Optimized For PS4
It’s important to note that an external hard drive is not going to be optimized for a PS4.
This means anything that is connected to the console is still an external solution. It might work but it could also lag at times. This is simply due to not being integrated into the PS4 setup.
This is why going with something renowned for working with gaming consoles is a good starting point. You also want to make sure it is set at the right speed for maximum output.
Final Thoughts
Do games run slower on an external hard drive when using a PS4?
Games are not going to run slower on an external hard drive when using a PS4. The only element within a game that might see a speed reduction would be the loading screens. The gameplay will remain untouched. It is highly recommended to invest in an external hard drive that is greater than 5400 RPM for good value.
This is how you are going to enjoy the hard drive’s performance as soon as it is connected to the console.
Always go with something that is compatible and will not slow down the gameplay. As soon as you get closer to the 7200 RPM mark, you will see an increase in speed.
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