{"id":27205,"date":"2023-04-12T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-04-12T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.overclockers.co.uk\/blog\/?p=27205"},"modified":"2025-04-01T13:37:47","modified_gmt":"2025-04-01T12:37:47","slug":"which-memory-stick-is-best","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.overclockers.co.uk\/blog\/which-memory-stick-is-best\/","title":{"rendered":"Which Memory Stick is Best?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Ultra-fast and reliable storage is a must-have for any work or gaming set up. But which memory stick is best<\/strong>? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To ensure you can find the best storage solution for your set up, we\u2019ve decided to showcase the different types of memory sticks, along with a few of our top recommendations.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is a Memory Stick?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A memory stick, or USB drive, is a portable storage device that will typically plug into a USB port on your laptop or computer. Memory sticks can be used for multiple purposes, including storage and backing up data, along with transferring files between different devices.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can find several types of USB storage, each with varying storage capacities. The two most common form factors are USB flash<\/strong><\/a> and external drives<\/strong><\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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USB Flash Memory Stick<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A USB flash memory stick is typically no bigger than a pack of chewing gum and can have a storage capacity anywhere between 64, 128, 256, or 512GB. What\u2019s more, these memory sticks also utilise intelligent Flash memory. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Flash memory is non-volatile, meaning it doesn\u2019t require any power to store and retain your data. To keep it simple, your USB flash drive doesn\u2019t need to be permanently plugged into a power source, in order for your files, photos, video, etc, to be stored safely.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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USB External Drive<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In comparison to this, an external USB drive is significantly larger and often has a storage capacity ranging from 1 to a hefty 10TB. You can opt for either an HDD or SSD external USB drive. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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A Hard drive (HDD) is a non-volatile storage solution and utilises integrated rotating magnetic parts to access and store your files. Whereas, a Solid State drive (SSD) has been built with integrated memory chips, along with intelligent NAND technology to store and access your data. You can read more about the differences between HDDs and SSDs in our dedicated blog article.<\/a>  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Okay\u2026 I\u2019ve got my Memory Stick but How do I Use it?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ve got your shiny memory stick, but what do you do from here? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both a USB flash and external drive will require a spare USB port on your PC or laptop. You can find the USB ports on either the front or back panels of a PC, or on the side of your laptop. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The USB flash drive can be directly inserted into a USB port, whereas an external drive may require an additional compatible cable. If this is the case, this should come included with your external drive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If this the first time you\u2019ve inserted your memory stick, your operating system will typically need to automatically install any necessary drivers. Once these have been installed \u2013 that’s it!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On a Windows PC, you\u2019ll be able to access your memory stick by going into Files > This PC > click the drop down icon > Select the name of your memory stick.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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From here, you\u2019ll be able to copy and paste, or click and drag anything you wish to store or back up onto your USB flash or external drive.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In the Mood to Upgrade?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you’re looking to upgrade your storage to either a portable USB flash drive or an external hard drive \u2013 then look no further. We\u2019ve included a few of our top recommendations down below.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Shop Flash Memory<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Shop External Drives<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Kingston 256GB DataTraveler Kyson 256GB USB Memory Stick<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n