Gaming off an external hdd

[ryfry]

This is just a hypothetical scenario, but can one use an external hdd to game off multiple computers? If it is possible how would one go about setting it up? I assume there would be a partition process, but I am somewhat unfamiliar with. Would there be a foreseable difference in using a usb 3.0 vs esata? I don't plan on doing this, this question has jusrt really been bugging me.

 

[RealBeast]

It could be a problem since most games need to be installed (with OS registry entries and whatnot) and not just available on an external drive. If you could do it, esata would be a little faster than USB 3, and USB 2 would probably be too slow for fluid gameplay at high FPS.

 

[ryfry]

I find this interesting, linus from linus tech tips runs games exclusively off an ext hdd he never mention which interface he uses though

 

[RealBeast]

In Windows you can install games to an external drive, but not use it on multiple machines without some significant issues.

It's a different story for STEAM games and simple little games that don't have registry keys, but for all other games it would be problematic.

 

[ryfry]

it seems pointless then to play games off an external unless your on a laptop...thanks for the help!

 

[ryfry]

Best answer selected by ryfry.

 

[RealBeast]

it seems pointless then to play games off an external unless your on a laptop...thanks for the help!

I agree!