Efficiently Transferring Games from External HDD to PS5: A Comprehensive Guide
The process of transferring games from an external hard drive (HDD) to the PlayStation 5 (PS5) can vary based on a multitude of factors such as game size, transfer speed of the external HDD, PS5 performance, and even the number of games you're transferring. Understanding these factors can help you estimate the time required and optimize the transfer process for a smoother experience.
Factors Influencing Transfer Time
Game Size
The size of the game is one of the most significant factors affecting the transfer time. Generally, larger games will take longer to transfer compared to smaller ones. For example, a game of around 50GB might take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes under most circumstances. More recent AAA titles such as Ghost of Tsushima, Horizon Forbidden West, and Last of Us Part 2, which are around 80GB, may take about 15 to 20 minutes to transfer. In contrast, smaller games like Horizon Zero Dawn can take as little as 5 minutes, with games like Minecraft being almost instant to transfer.
Transfer Speed of the External HDD
The speed of the external HDD plays a crucial role in the transfer time. Modern external HDDs can come in various speeds, such as USB 3.0 and USB 3.1. Faster external HDDs can significantly reduce the transfer time, making the process much quicker and more efficient.
PS5 Performance
The PS5's internal solid-state drive (SSD) is incredibly fast, and this speed can help to speed up the transfer process. Utilizing the PS5's internal storage will also ensure that you are making the best use of the device's capabilities, leading to a smoother gameplay experience once the games are transferred.
Number of Games
Transferring multiple games at once can take longer than transferring them one at a time. This is because the system has to process each game individually. While some users might prefer to transfer all their games at once for convenience, it's often more efficient to transfer games one at a time, especially if you are working with an older, slower external HDD.
How to Calculate Transfer Time
For a more accurate estimate of the transfer time, it is best to monitor the progress during the transfer. However, here are some rough estimates based on the factors discussed:
Games around 50GB: 5 to 15 minutes Games around 80GB (AAA titles): 15 to 20 minutes Smaller games: less than 10 minutes (can be as fast as almost instant)These estimates can vary widely depending on the specific conditions of your transfer, such as the speed of your external HDD. It's always a good idea to use the actual transfer process to get a precise estimate tailored to your setup.
Is It Worth It?
Unless the game is specifically optimized for PS5 and takes full advantage of the hardware, using an external HDD for PS4 games is generally not worth the effort. PS4 games run just as well on an external HDD as they do on the PS5's internal SSD, thanks to PS4 game optimization.
While the internal SSD of the PS5 can significantly speed up the transfer process, the actual performance difference when playing these games is minimal. Unless you have a specific need to use an external HDD, such as space constraints or accessing a larger library of games, the internal SSD is the recommended storage solution for PS5 users.
In Summary:
Game size, transfer speed, and SSD performance are key factors in transferring games to the PS5. Transferring multiple small games may take longer than transferring them individually. For PS5 owners, the internal SSD offers faster and more seamless gameplay, but external HDDs can be useful for space management.By understanding these factors, you can make informed decisions about how to optimize your transfer process and ensure smoother gameplay on your PS5.