If you’re buying a new computer, storage is an important factor to consider.
The amount of storage you have obviously impacts what it’s possible for you to use the computer for.
The speed of storage, however, also affects the overall speed of your equipment.
Whether you’re buying a desktop or a laptop, the primary options are eMMC and SSD.
So, what is eMMC, and is it right for your next computer?
Let’s find out.
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What Is eMMC?
eMMC stands for embedded MultiMediaCard.
It’s called eMMC because it’s typically soldered onto the machine’s motherboard.
eMMC is primarily found in smartphones, but it can also be used in computers.
It’s popular because despite offering similar speed to low-end SSDs, it’s significantly cheaper.
The primary downside of eMMC is that it’s only available in sizes between 32 and 128 GB.
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What Is SSD?
SSDstands for solid-state drive and is the most popular storage throw in for computers and laptops.
Prior to the invention of solid-state drives, computers typically used HDDs.
Because of this, HDDs are still popular with people who need a lot of space.
eMMC vs. SSD
The popularity of eMMC is primarily based on price.
There are, however, many reasons to pay more andget an SSDinstead.
eMMCs are typically only sold up to 128 GB.
This is a reasonable amount of space for a smartphone, but is quite limiting on a computer.
SSDs start at 128 GB and increase to 1 TB.
eMMCs Offer Limited Speed
eMMCs offer data transfer speeds of up to 400 MB/s.
400 MB/s isn’t particularly slow and many eMMC-based devices offer excellent performance.
But, if you perform any activities which require large amounts of data transfers, eMMCs aren’t recommended.
This makes an eMMC impossible to replace.
SSDs, on the other hand, are easy to replace.
It’s worth noting that many eMMC devices do have a free SD slot.
This allows you to increase storage space even though the eMMC isn’t replaceable.
Is 128 GB Enough Space for a Computer?
eMMC is available up to 128 GB with some devices offering even less than that.
While 128 GB is certainly not ideal, it isn’t small enough to impact overall performance.
It’s also large enough to install most programs and store a limited amount of media.
If you want more storage space, there are also many options available to you.
An external hard drive is an obvious choice.
When Is eMMC Suitable?
Here is why you might buy an eMMC machine:
When Is eMMC Not Suitable?
eMMC is not suitable if you want a computer for activities that rely on fast, easily accessible storage.
It is primarily found in smartphones but is also used in low-end tablets and laptops.
It’s popular because despite being cheaper than solid-state drives, it offers reasonable speed.
The disadvantage of eMMC is that it’s only available in sizes of up to 128 GB.
This makes it unsuitable for many purposes, such as gaming and video editing.
