Used SSD for large games? Will it damage my PC when failing?
Posted by Fantastic_Peanut_953@reddit | buildapc | View on Reddit | 15 comments
Hey :) I got offered a used SSD for free and I would like to use it as a third drive in my PC to install large Games like RDR2 etc. I'm a bit afraid that it could break because it's used. I would just format the drive beforehand and since all the game progress is stored in the cloud, I'm not afraid of losing data.
I only fear that it might damage the other parts in my system. Is that a possibility or do you think it's safe to use? Thanks :)
droideka_bot69@reddit
A used HDD would be far more likely to fail than a used SSD. Just make sure there's nothing malicious on it and to fully wipe it.
werner1107@reddit
To add: full wipe is different than just formatting. A wipe Wil actually write all 0s or 1s to the drive, often also reporting any bad sectors/blocks.
ekristoffe@reddit
If I’m not wrong you should use the software from the manufacturer to do a proper ssd wipe no ?
werner1107@reddit
I don't know about any manufacturer software to do a wipe. I always revert to minitool partition wizard just because I have always used it and I don't care enough to search for alternatives.
Leberkassemmel2@reddit
Full wipe is not necessary on ssds. Just do a quick format. Trim and garbage collection will take care of the rest, provided the ssd stays connected for some time.
Legitimate_Payment49@reddit
only time it may damage your computer is if the SSD has a short circuit and fried your computer or even burn down your house (thats for any electronic though). another reason that may damage your computer is you already put too much load on your PSU and this SSD is the final straw that "breaks the camal's back".
donut4ever21@reddit
Just format the sucker and enjoy the extra free storage
Monotask_Servitor@reddit
It won’t damage anything else, worst thing it’ll do is fail. Absolutely fine to use it as a games drive. I do the same with a cheapo Temu SSD.
ime1em@reddit
Check using SMART tools first. And use the used SSD on data you can easily replace/don't mind losing like games.
MagicMaverick22@reddit
Check drive health and remaining life with CrystalDiskInfo
coolmouse7777@reddit
Failing drive can decrease system performance even when it is not a boot drive but then just remove it and all be fine. Never herd cases when failing drive damage some other hardware.
c300g97@reddit
Well first check the SSD's health with crystal disk info.
Provided that it's above 70% , you can use it just fine, if an SSD is used for games only it will last for many years.
AtlQuon@reddit
If it kills your system, you have found a 1 in a billion fluke and you should buy a lottery ticket. No, it is fine. SSDs and HDDs have no power themselves and rely on the system to power them. If it doesn't work, the system will recognize it when booting and cut them off. Anything can fail, even brand new stuff, so that risk is always there. But killing the system with it? That is extremely rare.
FantasticBike1203@reddit
The worse a failing drive can do is just not work, if you're not afraid of losing data, like a game, I'd go for it.
t90fan@reddit
it will be fine