External SSD Tips - DIY in 6 Ep 266

Published on 11 Jan 2026, 14:01

External SSDs are highly versatile and far more efficient than hard drives for file transfers. They’re typically smaller and easier to transport too, even in the smallest of pockets.

Advantages of SSDs
Drives like Kingston’s XS2000 External SSD (kingston.com/en/external-ssd/x... are generally more compact and rugged than hard disk drives, as they care less about bumps, drops, or even minor spills. They’re designed for plug-and-play use, with few compatibility issues.

Uses for external SSDs
External SSDs work great as extra wings of your growing gaming library. PC gamers in particular can benefit from this, while PlayStation and Xbox gamers must remember that while external drives can store any game, they can only run games from the previous console generation. Canny gamers can transfer their infrequently-played contemporary games onto the external drive to make room for new installs on the console’s internal storage.

Other uses include transporting documents, presentations, and project files for business, storing video for editing, or backing up RAW image files. You can even use an external SSD to organize your media library. A freelancer or content creator hopping between workstations, juggling multiple projects can carry the tools of their trade on an external SSD to work more efficiently.
If you’re hopping between different workstations while handling sensitive files, you should be using encryption. Kingston’s IronKey VP80ES (kingston.com/en/ssd/ironkey-vp... offers hardware encryption with an added auto-lock feature for additional security while the drive is idle. It’s ideal for those traveling with drives or working in shared spaces like photographers, videographers, and other creative professionals in need of secure, portable storage.

SSD tips
Other ways you can get the best out of your SSD include keeping at least 10-15% of its capacity free and using only the fastest, high-quality cables to make the most of its transfer speed. Make sure its firmware is up to date by periodically checking for updates via the manufacturer’s website. Only eject the drive after confirming you can safely remove the hardware.
External SSDs are great for content creators, gamers, or simply those seeking extra storage. Their combo of speed, portability, and security offers freedom to work, play, and create from anywhere. How do you use yours?

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0:00 Intro
0:26 Why external SSDs are better than external hard drives
1:02 Gaming uses for external SSDs
1:35 Other uses such as media files, documents, presentations
1:59 Why you may need encrypted portable storage and how to get it
2:24 External SSD tips
2:44 outro