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    New Pi4 build - 512gb micro sd, external usb 3.0 spinner hd or SSD?

    Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved General Discussion and Gaming
    ssdhddmicrosd
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    • chubstaC
      chubsta
      last edited by

      Am getting the bits ready for a bartop build using the Pi4 and am wondering about what storage I should use, so can someone point out the pitfalls and advantages for each type for me please, such as is it worth going externally SSD as it still gets bottlenecked at the USB 3.0 I would imagine?

      Raspberry Pi 400 - overclocked to 2.3GHz
      Theme - Comic book
      Emulators: All of them...
      Roms: Pretty much all of them...
      Favourite games: Circus Charlie, Gorf, Gauntlet Legends
      Controllers: Mayflash F101

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      • matchamanM
        matchaman
        last edited by matchaman

        If you get an external SSD, make sure it's not powered by the USB port. External power is always required on removable drives when used with the Pi.

        As for high capacities, in my experience, I'm indeed not very fond of microSDs, they're a bit sensitive. Use them only for RP, art data, themes, videos, etc as well as cartridge ROMs.

        If you find an externally powered SSD with a USB 3.0 interface, go for it, its' a good option for disc image material.

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        • George SpiggottG
          George Spiggott
          last edited by

          Interesting reading. Which systems that the Pi4 can emulate would actually be affected by the read speed that USB2 or SD cards can deliver?

          I usually transfer new games from my phone or my PC so my WI/FI and Ethernet speeds would probably be the limiting factor for writing speed for me.

          Currently running:
          Retropie 4.8.9 on a Pi Zero 2W (Overclock Settings: CPU 1400Mhz)
          ES-DE on a GMKtec K6 (Windows 11, 32GB RAM)

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