Question about replacing/expanding a disk

I have a small mini pc as server similar to [1], which has a super nice small form and has an internal slot for a 2.5" ssd disk. Currently I have a 2TB SSD, but it is filling up rapidly.

My options are:

  1. Buy a way more expensive 8TB SSD and replace the existing one
  2. Buy a much cheaper 8TB HDD + enclosure and connect it via USB.

I wonder what are the pros and cons of each option. I like 1 more because the form factor of the homelab is maintained and I don’t need to plug yet another thing. OTOH I’m allergic to spending money 😆 so a cheaper solution (about 4 times cheaper) is always welcome.

Maybe I’m missing a third alternative? Opinions?

[1] https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BVLS7ZHP/

cc @selfhost@lemmy.ml @selfhosted@lemmy.world

  • RivalarrivalEnglish
    3·
    5 months ago

    SSDs are fast; HDDs are slow. I would not want my operating system hosted on an HDD if there is any way to avoid it. An external USB drive would have slow file operations to and from that drive; an internal HDD would slow the entire system.

    • CameronDev@programming.dev
      2·
      5 months ago

      The OPs device can take a nvme SSD and an internal HDD. Unclear if the current SSD is nvme or not though, but I assumed it was nvme.