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Data storage

Hard Drives, SSDs, NAS & Data Storage

Compare storage for computer upgrades, backups, shared files, surveillance recording and portable use. Shop internal and external drives, solid-state storage, NAS systems, USB drives and memory cards.

NAS enclosure, NAS hard drives, surveillance hard drive, SATA SSDs, NVMe SSDs and microSD storage products

Which storage should you choose?

Choose an SSD when system responsiveness and fast file access are priorities; an HDD when capacity and value are more important; external storage for portable or direct-attached backup; and NAS when several devices or users need central network access. Always confirm capacity, interface, form factor, intended workload and device compatibility on the individual listing.

Shop by type

Start with the way you need to store and access data

Choose a category below, then compare the exact capacity, interface, form factor, performance, compatibility and inclusions of individual products.

Looking for CompactFlash, card readers or other formats? Browse all flash memory.

Choose by purpose

Match the storage to the job

The intended workload matters as much as capacity. Start with what the storage must do, then verify the product and system requirements.

Upgrade a computer

Check the available drive bay or slot, supported interface, physical dimensions, operating-system requirements and whether installation accessories are needed.

Back up important files

Choose enough capacity for the data you need to protect and future versions. Consider how often the backup will run, where it will be stored and how it will be restored.

Share data across a network

A compatible NAS can centralise storage for authorised users and devices. Compare bay count, network connections, drive compatibility, software and expansion options.

Record surveillance footage

Confirm the recorder’s supported drive list, maximum capacity and recording requirements. Select storage intended for the surveillance workload specified by the device manufacturer.

Store creative projects

Photo, video and design workflows can need substantial capacity and sustained transfer performance. Match the storage connection and speed to the application and computer.

Carry files between devices

External SSDs, portable hard drives, USB drives and memory cards serve different connector, capacity and durability needs. Confirm compatibility with every device you will use.

Storage explained

HDD, SSD or NAS?

These options solve different problems. A NAS is a networked storage system and may use HDDs, SSDs or both, depending on the model and configuration.

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

An HDD stores data on magnetic platters. It is commonly considered when capacity and cost per terabyte are important.

  • Desktop and laptop storage
  • External backup and archives
  • NAS, surveillance or enterprise use when appropriately rated and compatible

Solid State Drive (SSD)

An SSD stores data in flash memory without moving parts. It is commonly chosen for quicker system, application and file responsiveness.

  • Operating systems and applications
  • Fast internal or portable storage
  • Compact systems with a supported M.2 slot

Network Attached Storage (NAS)

A NAS connects to a network and provides central storage that authorised devices or users can access, subject to its configuration and software.

  • Shared files and multi-device access
  • Automated backup workflows
  • Private-cloud-style access on supported models and configurations
Internal hard-drive guide

Choose an HDD designed for the intended system

Drive families can be designed and qualified for different workloads. Use the host manufacturer’s compatibility information and the individual product specifications as the final check.

Desktop & Laptop HDDs

For compatible personal computers. Confirm 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch form factor, SATA support, physical space, power and supported capacity.

Shop desktop & laptop HDDs

NAS HDDs

For compatible network storage enclosures. Check the NAS vendor’s drive list, interface, capacity support, bay configuration and intended workload.

Shop NAS hard drives

Surveillance HDDs

For compatible surveillance recorders and continuous video workloads. Confirm the recorder’s compatibility list, channel requirements and supported capacity.

Shop surveillance HDDs

Enterprise & Data Centre HDDs

For compatible servers and storage systems. Confirm SATA or SAS interface, form factor, sector format, capacity and platform support.

Shop enterprise HDDs
Examples of M.2 NVMe, M.2 SATA and mSATA solid-state drive form factors
Examples of M-key and B-plus-M-key M.2 modules

M.2 is a form factor, not a guarantee of interface compatibility. Keying is only one check; confirm whether the slot supports SATA or PCIe/NVMe, the accepted length and the system’s other limitations.

SSD selection guide

Understand form factor, interface and protocol

Two SSDs can look similar and still be incompatible. The physical format, connector, interface and system support all need to match.

SSD type Common use Check before buying
2.5-inch SATA SSD Compatible desktop and laptop drive bays 2.5-inch bay, SATA data and power connection, supported capacity and any mounting hardware
M.2 SATA SSD Compact SATA storage in supported M.2 slots The M.2 slot must support SATA; also confirm drive length, keying and supported capacity
M.2 PCIe/NVMe SSD Compact high-performance storage in supported systems PCIe/NVMe support, drive length, keying, generation, available lanes, cooling requirements and capacity support
mSATA SSD Some older compact computers and embedded systems A dedicated mSATA slot and the exact device requirements; mSATA is not the same connector as M.2
PCIe add-in card SSD Compatible desktops, workstations and servers Expansion-slot type, physical clearance, boot support, operating-system support and platform requirements
Front view of a four-bay Asustor network attached storage enclosure
NAS buying guide

Need central storage for several devices or users?

A NAS can provide central file storage, authorised network access and automated backup functions. The available features depend on the enclosure, installed drives, operating system, applications and configuration.

  • Decide how much usable capacity you need now and later.
  • Check whether the enclosure is diskless or supplied with drives.
  • Confirm drive compatibility, number of bays and expansion options.
  • Compare network connections, applications, backup features and user requirements.
  • Plan a separate backup for important NAS data.
Storage questions

Frequently asked questions

Use these answers to narrow the category, then confirm the exact product specifications and compatibility before ordering.

What is the difference between an HDD and an SSD?

An HDD stores data on spinning magnetic platters, while an SSD uses flash memory and has no moving parts. SSDs are generally chosen for faster system and application responsiveness; HDDs are often chosen when high capacity and value are the priority. Check the exact product and system requirements before buying.

How much storage capacity do I need?

Choose capacity according to the files, applications and backups you expect to keep, then allow room for future growth. Photos and documents usually require less space than large video libraries, games, surveillance footage or business archives.

What is the difference between a NAS and an external drive?

An external drive normally connects directly to one device, while a NAS connects to a network and can provide central storage for multiple authorised devices or users. Features vary by NAS model, installed drives, configuration and software.

Can any M.2 SSD work in any M.2 slot?

No. M.2 describes a form factor, while the drive may use SATA or PCIe/NVMe and may have different lengths and keying. Check the device manual and product specifications for the supported interface, size, key and capacity.

What type of hard drive should I use in a NAS or surveillance system?

Use a drive that the device manufacturer supports for the intended workload. NAS and surveillance systems can have different operating patterns and compatibility requirements, so confirm the enclosure or recorder compatibility list before ordering.

Do NAS enclosures include hard drives?

Inclusions vary. Many NAS products are sold diskless, while some are supplied with drives or as configured bundles. Check the individual product title, specifications and package contents.

Why should I keep a backup?

A backup gives you another copy of important files if the original data is lost, damaged, deleted or affected by a security incident. The backup method and frequency should reflect how important the data is and how often it changes.

Is RAID the same as a backup?

No. Depending on the configuration, RAID can help a storage system continue operating after certain drive failures, but it does not replace a separate backup against accidental deletion, malware, theft, hardware loss or site damage.

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