Is a 640GB hard drive enough when considering a new computer?

Answer 1

This question ultimately depends on the intended use for the computer you would like to buy.

640GB hard drive can store approximately 150 Blu-Ray HD 1080P movies, or approximately 40900 MP3 songs. That is a lot of music/movies!

If you are going to use the computer to surf, check e-mails, occasionally watch movies and listen to some music, I would say that 640GB hard drive is more than enough.

If you are going to use it for hardcore gaming, video-editing, programming and music-editing, I would say it is still enough. Although, you must remember to keep in mind that a hard drive is not only important for its storage capacities, but also its reliability and speed.

Pay attention to the RPM and the reliability by researching about the hard-drive (its brand, whether its second-hand...etc). It is purported that the higher the RPM, the faster the hard-drive can read/write information. Yet, some research has shown that it is not always true.

So be aware and really, it does depend on your usage. Personally, 640GB is more than enough for me!

Answer 2

Yes it is a decent size and enough for most people's needs. Your OS will take 30 GB at most and your essential programs may take 100 GB (assuming you need only most of the mainstream software like Office suite, photoshop, browser, etc). You are still left with over 500 GB which will be enough for most people. However if you play a lot of modern games, store huge number of 4K movies, you should consider 1TB or more. Also considering the low difference between cost of 500 GB and 1 TB HDD, I would say 1 TB will give you more bang for bucks.