would this really be too small just to install my sims games on? Am I really better off installing sims on my HDD and will I see MUCH difference in performance in using the HDD to the SSD..I’ve already spoke to a few on the forums about the sizing issue but I’m thinking if I dedicate the SSD to sims could it work?

Yeah, it's really too small. Some programs will not let you choose what drive to install on. And you need to leave 20% of your drive with free space so it can operate properly. And if you start adding CC and mods, not to mention future packs and whatnot, that 256GB sounds like a lot, but it's really not. After windows 10 and what not, you might have closer to 200GB, and then leave 50GB free and open to operate, that's down to 150. That's really not a lot of space. There has been many people that felt that 256GB was enough, until they started gaming and ended up having to transfer to their bigger HDD cause it's not enough. As a reference: https://i.imgur.com/YHxSJ07.pngThat's my 1TB SSD. Which isn't a full 1000GB, but ends up being 930GB, and I only have Sims 4 and required programs on my SSD. I'm using around 233GB, which would put a 256GB SSD in the "too full" zone, or even completely full, depending on what the size shows. I haven't installed all my stuff back on my computer since my last round of upgrades, so I only have Sims 4 on my SSD.

In my experience (I have TS4 installed on a 500GB SSD) startup is a lot faster but the load times when travelling around the map aren’t as fast as you would expect.In short, TS4 doesn’t benefit from an SSD as much as some of the other games I play.And definitely go bigger than 256GB for future DLCs and CC.

It'll work if you only install the operating system and TS4, and use a second drive for everything else. (That's my current setup.) My loading times in the game have improved significantly.You still may find yourself running out of space, eventually. Especially if you install any other programs. I'm often checking my storage usage to see where the extra space went and delete/uninstall anything I don't need.

It is average, but in no way too small.. use it only to install your OS and games that requires faster load time, the rest of softwares can go to the HDD, also limit windows creating shadowcopy for the ssd.

It depends. If you only play TS4: yes, it's most likely enough. Currently, all of TS4 takes up about 35 GB on my system (although for the most part, I play a vanilla game, so there's not a lot of CC/mods clogging up space here - but 35 = base + all currently available DLC installed).If you only play sims-games: it'll probably still be enough. Especially if you decide to install only one on your SSD and the rest on the HDD (I don't even think TS2/3 benefit all that much from being on an SSD, but I might be wrong). I only have 4 on my SSD currently & 3 + 4 on the HDD. I somehow doubt I'd notice much of a difference if I had put 4 on the HDD instead (loading aside), but I'd have to test it first to really have a reliable opinion on that.If you play a lot of games: it could still be enough, honestly, especially if you only put one or two games on the SSD - that is, games that actually benefit from running on one (like to reduce hitching in open-world games). But, still, at this point, given that you're playing a lot of games & that SSDs are generally more energy-efficient, smoother and quieter, I'd probably consider going with a slightly larger one anyway. Although I'd still keep some games on the HDD. All that being said: keep in mind that SSDs are mostly only good for reduced load times (including in-game loading), but don't otherwise impact in-game performance all that much. For TS4, especially, the most important thing for performance is your CPU.Hope that helps!

256GB SDD too small? | EA Forums

20 Replies

Suziish
Seasoned Ace
7 years ago
Yeah, it's really too small. Some programs will not let you choose what drive to install on. And you need to leave 20% of your drive with free space so it can operate properly. And if you start adding CC and mods, not to mention future packs and whatnot, that 256GB sounds like a lot, but it's really not.

After windows 10 and what not, you might have closer to 200GB, and then leave 50GB free and open to operate, that's down to 150. That's really not a lot of space.

There has been many people that felt that 256GB was enough, until they started gaming and ended up having to transfer to their bigger HDD cause it's not enough.

As a reference:

https://i.imgur.com/YHxSJ07.png

That's my 1TB SSD. Which isn't a full 1000GB, but ends up being 930GB, and I only have Sims 4 and required programs on my SSD. I'm using around 233GB, which would put a 256GB SSD in the "too full" zone, or even completely full, depending on what the size shows.

I haven't installed all my stuff back on my computer since my last round of upgrades, so I only have Sims 4 on my SSD.
bsozz
7 years ago
In my experience (I have TS4 installed on a 500GB SSD) startup is a lot faster but the load times when travelling around the map aren’t as fast as you would expect.

In short, TS4 doesn’t benefit from an SSD as much as some of the other games I play.

And definitely go bigger than 256GB for future DLCs and CC.
Sewellshields
7 years ago
No problem thanks for the feedback guys! I’m sure it will be fine to run on HDD for now although if I do eventually upgrade (which I will) is it quite easy to change the SSD in your PC? (I’m no expert)
Simburian
Seasoned Ace
7 years ago
There are some videos on line that show you how to do things like that, even with your own machine make and number. I found one for an older laptop (exact laptop) which even showed which screws to take out and in which order when replacing a hard drive! It's worth checking them out on a Search engine using your specifications. It might be that you are limited because of them. My latest is upgradeable but I probably would take it to a recognised specialist as it is still in warranty.
Colton141414
Seasoned Rookie
7 years ago
If using it for your operating system and gaming, it is too small. However, if it is just for gaming - it can be fine, but I recommend going with 500GB.
janyses
Seasoned Ace
7 years ago
It'll work if you only install the operating system and TS4, and use a second drive for everything else. (That's my current setup.) My loading times in the game have improved significantly.

You still may find yourself running out of space, eventually. Especially if you install any other programs. I'm often checking my storage usage to see where the extra space went and delete/uninstall anything I don't need.
icemanfresh
Legend
7 years ago
As someone who used to have a 240 GB SSD at work, let me tell you that the C drive fills up REALLY fast. Even if you say that it'll only contain your OS stuff. You'd have to do some computer wizardry to change the location of your user folder to another drive, because that folder grows in size faster than you think. Unless you don't plan to use the computer for much else, I guess. It depends on your usage habits
timurjr96
7 years ago
It is average, but in no way too small.. use it only to install your OS and games that requires faster load time, the rest of softwares can go to the HDD, also limit windows creating shadowcopy for the ssd.
Meka3211
Seasoned Ace
7 years ago
@shanls96 - I think it really comes down to personal preference. I have a 256GB SSD gaming laptop. I have all the packs. My game loads pretty fast, and I dont' really have issues with load times when traveling. But I only use the computer for gaming. My previous computer was a HDD, it was slow in my opinion for running TS4. & I had so much space when I got rid of that computer as I really didn't use or need all that space, so that's why I opted for the 256GB SSD this time around.

So if you're planning on using the computer as your main OS plus gaming & you plan on doing a lot of gaming, you may want to get more space, as previous people mentioned. I'd recommend just doing some research to see what is the best fit for you.
Lonewolf1044
Seasoned Ace
7 years ago
For me, yes 256 GB SSDs are small by todays standard as well as 250 GB traditional hard drives are as the programs are getting bigger in size. However they are not useless though as I tend to use them for small games and such. I tend to call small drives whether SSD or THHD mosquito drives. One thing to keep in mind and a little off topic becare of erasing and rewriting to SSDs as they do not store like traditional HHDs. I use 500 GB and over when it comes to SSDs. Some SSDs cost more and some cost less as there are different types of modes in SSDs. 1 TB SSDs are becoming cheaper these days as I got mine for $120 and the same one is probably cheaper now also I tend to have dual SSDs in my systems along with HHDs.