2021 iMac: get 1 TB internal SSD or 2 TB?

[Luba]

I have about 1.3 TB of data. Should I get 1 TB internal SSD for the OS, apps, etc. and an external SSD, or just get a 2 TB internal SSD? The 2 TB internal is ~$550 more than the 1 TB internal. With 2 TB internal everything is cleaner looking on my desktop, but with $550 I could get an external SSD with money left over and I suppose theoretically safer for my data in case the OS got corrupted and “bricked” the SSD.

 

[dizmonk]

I always pay more for a larger SSD. I just trust the internals more than I do an external SSD. I know they tend to be fine but I guess it depends what you're using it for.

 

[Fishrrman]

If you can afford the 2tb SSD, and need the space, then buy it.

But if you don't know if you're going to NEED all that space, I'd consider it "too much money"...

 

[G5isAlive]

I have about 1.3 TB of data. Should I get 1 TB internal SSD for the OS, apps, etc. and an external SSD, or just get a 2 TB internal SSD? The 2 TB internal is ~$550 more than the 1 TB internal. With 2 TB internal everything is cleaner looking on my desktop, but with $550 I could get an external SSD with money left over and I suppose theoretically safer for my data in case the OS got corrupted and “bricked” the SSD.

Not sure how you come up with $550 unless you are talking another country? It's $400 in the US.

Regardless, it really is a matter of personal preference. Spend the money if you got it or invest in a lot more external storage. If you are worried about the 'look' of a small SSD drive then for the old iMac you could get a tray that extended like a shelf off the back support so that it is completely out of your field of view in the front. I actually have two hard drives on mine. Sure if you are looking at the back you see it, but even then it has to look better than on your desk? No doubt there will be something similar for the new iMac.

another point is, I always have a time machine back up attached to my computers, NOT having an external drive of some form is never an option. So once you bite that bullet... why not just get 1 tb internal and call it a day.

Twelve South Backpack for iMac and Apple Displays | Hidden Storage Shelf for Hard Drives and Accessories (Silver)

Twelve South'S Backpack Is A Smart Steel Shelf That Hangs On The Back Of The L-Shaped Stand Of Your Imac Or Apple Display. The Sleek Metal Design Is Perfect For Storing Things You Want Out Of Sight, But Not Out Of Reach, Like Hard Drives And Hubs. Not Compatible With Imac M1

www.amazon.com

 

[Luba]

Not sure how you come up with $550 unless you are talking another country? It's $400 in the US.

Regardless, it really is a matter of personal preference. Spend the money if you got it or invest in a lot more external storage. If you are worried about the 'look' of a small SSD drive then for the old iMac you could get a tray that extended like a shelf off the back support so that it is completely out of your field of view in the front. I actually have two hard drives on mine. Sure if you are looking at the back you see it, but even then it has to look better than on your desk? No doubt there will be something similar for the new iMac.

another point is, I always have a time machine back up attached to my computers, NOT having an external drive of some form is never an option. So once you bite that bullet... why not just get 1 tb internal and call it a day.

Twelve South Backpack for iMac and Apple Displays | Hidden Storage Shelf for Hard Drives and Accessories (Silver)

Twelve South'S Backpack Is A Smart Steel Shelf That Hangs On The Back Of The L-Shaped Stand Of Your Imac Or Apple Display. The Sleek Metal Design Is Perfect For Storing Things You Want Out Of Sight, But Not Out Of Reach, Like Hard Drives And Hubs. Not Compatible With Imac M1

www.amazon.com

Miscalculated as it's actually $540 for 512 GB --> 2 TB in Education Store. For 1 TB --> 2 TB it's $360.

That tray solves my problem. Hopefully, Twelve South makes a tray for the new iMac or maybe the old version will fit the new iMac.

 

[edk99]

Miscalculated as it's actually $540 for 512 GB --> 2 TB in Education Store. For 1 TB --> 2 TB it's $360.

That tray solves my problem. Hopefully, Twelve South makes a tray for the new iMac or maybe the old version will fit the new iMac.

Or just get some velcro. SSD's are pretty light and if your iMac is against a wall no one will know.

 

[zoom25]

I have around 20-30TB in external drives here. I use them for backups and media consumption. For doing work where the files need to be accessed, I definitely prefer to have them in internals and work off them. It's the best. Once the project is done, I'll transfer it to external drives. Lightroom, Final Cut, and Logic I prefer to have on internal. Best performance and ease of use.

This goes even further for laptops. Having drives dangling off of MacBook Pro constantly is such a pain. I wish I had gotten a bigger internal for sure.

 

[ewu]

large disk storage is always better if you have enough money.