Is 10 TB a lot of data for gaming and content creation?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

As an avid gamer and content creator myself, I often get asked if 10 terabytes (TB) of storage is considered a lot. The short answer is yes, 10 TB is an incredibly large amount of storage space that goes beyond what most ordinary users need. However, for gaming, video production, and other media-intensive applications, 10 TB can actually fill up faster than you may think.

How I maxed out 10 TB as a gamer

I built a custom gaming PC last year with 10 TB of NVMe SSD and HDD storage. At first, I thought there‘s no way I‘d be able to fill that up even playing all the latest AAA titles. But after downloading over 100 games in the first 3 months, installing graphics mods, capturing gameplay footage, and archiving old playthroughs, I realized 10 TB gets eaten up quicker than expected.

Here‘s a breakdown of how my storage disappeared:

  • Modern games (RDR2, Cyberpunk 2077): 100-200+ GB per game
  • Game capture footage: 850 GB used over 2 months
  • Graphics mod libraries: 15-30 GB per game
  • Archiving old broadcasts: 4 TB total

So in under 6 months, my 10 TB was 90% full even while deleting unneeded files regularly. For context, most casual gamers probably only need ~1 TB or so.

File sizes in 4K video production

As a content creator focused on game reviews and "let‘s play" videos, I produce a ton of 4K footage. Here is how much storage space different video formats take up:

Video TypeStorage Needed
1 hour raw 4K footage350-800 GB
1 hour edited 4K video50-80 GB
1 hour livestream VOD10-20 GB

With just 10 hours of edited/exported 4K review videos, I can easily use up over 500 GB per month. And that‘s not even accounting for all the raw clips!

YouTube creators working with 8K and 360° footage have an even bigger storage demand. It‘s pretty standard for production pros to use 30 TB+ RAID drive setups nowadays.

Tips to optimize your storage

If you‘re a fellow gamer, content creator or media enthusiast trying to maximize 10+ TB, here are my top tips:

  • Use a NAS with easy expansion capabilities
  • Back up important media to a second location
  • Only keep your current game library installed
  • Archive old playthroughs to cold storage
  • Use proxy files when editing video

Following best practices allows you to store more of what you truly need access to on your speedy primary drives.

Let me know if this gives you a better idea behind the storage demands for gaming and creative applications! What questions do you still have around managing large capacity drives?

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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