If we want to enter the world of video games and our knowledge is limited, the simplest option is to buy a console. Consoles are available in one or two versions at most, while, if we want a PC, we must take into account the processor, graphics, memory, storage, among others.
However, a PC has a series of advantages, especially desktop PCs, since we can replace most of the components with more modern ones in order to update the hardware and enjoy better graphics quality for the latest generation games when the team shows signs of exhaustion. .
This is the main handicap of consoles, since the options for upgrading with more modern components are much more limited, more or less the same as those of a laptop PC where you can only expand RAM memory and the storagebut not in all because ultraportables are not designed to be expanded because they have all their components soldered to take up less space.
But can you expand the memory of a console? And the storage space?
Expand PS5 and Xbox memory
When we talk about memory of a device, we are talking about RAM, the volatile memory of a device where data is loaded to run a program or game. When we say that it is volatile, we mean that it s This is a memory that, when the device is turned off, deletes the content stored in it. The larger the amount of memory, the faster the computer will be able to run applications and games.
Sony and Microsoft weld the memory modules to the motherboard, something that can also be found in some laptops (especially ultrabooks as we mentioned above). Additionally, they do not include an additional slot for memory expansion as most laptops offer, thus limiting memory expansion options.
Increase storage space on PS5 and Xbox
If we talk about storage space, we are talking about non-volatile space, ie. The storage space of any device, which many users confuse with memory, is where installed games and applications are stored. The amount of storage space is not related to how fast games can run, but rather to how many games and apps can be installed on a device.
While console manufacturers solder memory to the card, fortunately the same is not true with storage. If you want to expand the storage space of the PS5, you can do so without problem provided you purchase a module with a form factor M.2 2280 which is the one used by the Sony console and which must also include a heat sink to reduce the temperature when it receives heavy workloads.
In the case of Xbox Series S and Xbox Series, we also have the possibility of replacing the storage space by replacing the M.2 drive in the 2230 form factor with another of higher capacity. However, the process is much more complex and laborious than doing it on a PS5 since you have to disassemble practically the entire console to access the storage unit.
This is the main reason why Xbox expansion options are based on External hard drives or USB storage modules, instead of M.2 disks like on the PlayStation 5 where replacing the storage module will only take us 5 minutes.
