SoT on Xbox One X upgraded to SSD - Help

If you're not tech savvy my advice is not to do it.
You shouldn't install an SSD drive to get an edge over others you should do it because you like working with tech and improving stuff.

I grew up with classic IBM PC's and commadore 64's Load times in games like SoT aint that bad ^_^

@nofears-fun said in SoT on Xbox One X upgraded to SSD - Help:

I have been thinking about upgrading my drive in my Xbox One X to an SSD. But pricing is somewhat of an issue, as well as simple know how. I have googled and found some videos, and suggestions. I have even seen someone that used a Seagate Hybrid drive. But I guess I am looking for suggestions, and hoping those suggestions come with specifics. If you upgraded to an SSD, which one did you use, and what was the rough cost? How difficult was the upgrade process and what is needed? What would I need to correctly set up the SSD before installation? I know I can google this, but seems like everything is either video or written for someone that might know what they need ahead of time. So any help is greatly appreciated.

My recommendation is to get an SSD and an external enclosure at USB 3.1. Plug that into the USB 3 port closest to your HDMI connections and you'll get the maximum SATA III speed of 5gb/s. I have a Sandisk Ultra II 980gb and Nekteck 2.5 inch case USB Type C 3.1. The Game loads and the speed is significantly better than HDD. The Difference in an external Vs internal is minimal and if you manage your content to install on external SSD you don't void warranty or break stuff disassembling you Xbox one X.

@sprungnickel427 Do you think I should uninstall the game then re-install onto the new SSD? Or move it over? Is moving it over even an option?

@sprungnickel427 Also, do I need to format the drive before connecting?

I recently purchased a external Samsung ssd for around 100 bucks and is simple plug and play. The console will format the ssd for you. you can just copy or move the the game over. It has definitely improved loading times for sea of Thieves.

just buy the Samsung T5 external SSD for 100 bucks. It is blazing fast and everything loads much faster in SoT with it. MUCH faster than stock X internal.

I don't know about in regards to the Xbox One (X) but an SSD doesn't really improve the Loading / Streaming Performance in Sea of Thieves.

It does "improve" it., but you're talking Loading Times of maybe 25s instead of 35-40s when you initially begin. On Windows 10, it's possible to get this down to like 18-20s with some further optimisations (or Depending on SATA / NVM SSD) but while again this is great for initial loading; the actual in-game Streamed Data doesn't really improve, and Sea of Thieves is one of those games where unless you're constantly hopping Crew-to-Crew-to-Crew., you're basically going to only see the initial Load Screen once per session.

I wouldn't get an SSD just for that.
Now IF we were talking about Fortnite., an SSD is absolutely invaluable; as you'll see loading times reduce from 70-90s Initial / 35s Per Game; down to 15-20s Initial / 10-15s Per Game., which is quite useful when playing Save The World; or gives you more time to check the map / emote in Battle Royale.

The Xbox One (esp. X) also becomes MUCH more responsive, specifically the Microsoft Store. I actually question why Microsoft didn't chose to use a 128GB NVM SSD for the System / Ready Boost Functionality., while also having a 1-2TB (Gaming, like a Seagate Barracuda) for Storage.

Sure, it would've increased the Xbox One X from £420 to £450 … but the responsiveness and end-user experience would've greatly benefitted from such., just as there are some quite clever ways Developers can utilise such (via DirectX 12 and the Windows SDK) to Stagger-Tier Resources between System Memory, High-Performance Solid State Memory and Low-Performance Physical Memory... to provide a near seamless Experience.

I'm not saying Sea of Thieves could., as the Unreal Engine (4) actually has absolute garbage performance in terms of Resource Management … but the General Dashboard Experience and most Proprietary Engines (Frostbite 2, Snowdrop, Dunia, iD Tech 6, etc.) would essentially be capable of having almost non-existent loading screens.

On Windows 10 it's a little more tricky to always keep a minimum of 32GB Free on an SSD., as everything always wants to install to the Operating System Drive; and it's only recently that the price of 256GB+ SSD have actually become "Reasonable" … especially keeping in mind that the Longevity of said Drives is SUBSTANTIALLY lower than that of a Physical Drive.

Sure 96-120TB R/W Operations sounds good., but keep in mind how most games are between 25 - 80GB., that there are typically Monthly to Weekly "Updates" that are between 10-100% of said Original Install.

Yes, I know. I said that I'm surprised Microsoft didn't include an SSD as Default Equipment in the Xbox One X; but note, that I never suggested it as a Storage Device.
Instead the suggestion is for Best Dashboard Performance (which an OS uses a Fraction of it's Installed Data for actual Operations; seriously... Windows 10 is a 16GB Install but only ~250MB is actually being used at any given time; games aren't like that, they rely HEAVILY on various Assets that take up the bulk of their Install Data; up to 3.5 - 6GB at a time., hence why you NEED a minimum of 8GB System Memory and 4-8GB Video Memory; while the OS itself only requires ~2.5GB System Memory and enough Video Memory for a Frame Buffer; like 128-512MB depending on Resolution and Refresh)

So it's a very different thing to have 32-64GB "Scratch" Storage, Vs. Dedicated Storage.
Something Microsoft could have total control over to ensure the "OS" SSD actually lasts the 5+ Years it's supposed to be in Service for a Generation.
Heck the Xbox 360 did use an Embedded Flash Drive as opposed to the HDD for the Operating System., which is why it was as responsive as it was... something the Xbox One doesn't do.

There is a key issue with their Longevity, especially when they're used for "Heavy" Workloads which typical Applications and Games will put them under.
It's why even today I do Highly Recommend an SSD to install Windows 10 onto... but I DO NOT recommend them as Primary Storage., as unlike a Physical HDD where they slowly go bad over time (not to mention even under HEAVY usage you'll get 12 Years out of them) where you can plan, acquire a new drive and migrate across; an SSD will simply just cease working.

And keep in mind that there is a big different between the Avg. 96-120TB Lifespan., with some "Low-Performance" SSD such-as the Polaris 9EV offering ~0.4-0.5PB Lifespan to the 60-180PB Lifespan that Physical HDD provide.

This isn't to put you off an SSD, but be VERY aware that these are far from an ideal replacement for Physical Storage Drive.

@nofears-fun

Well I took the plunge yesterday... got myself the Xbox One X, decided it was time to upgrade from the great... but humble "S".

I preplanned the transfer by getting myself an external SSD

"Samsung MZ-76E500B/EU 500 GB 860 EVO" for £75 from Amazon.
Plus, a "Sabrent 2.5-Inch SATA to USB 3.0 External Hard Drive Enclosure" for £8 from Amazon. (edit: now at £5.49)
Copied everything across days earlier, preparing for the arrival of my new "X"

Well I have to say, it's great!
Not only because of the higher Spec of the "X", but the SSD... well a remarkable difference. From game loads, to Netflix.. Youtube.

Extremely happy Pirate!
External SSD is good enough for me.
I wouldn't be tempted to try upgrading the Internal.

So for basically £83 (edit: or £80.49), one external SSD, that works great.

If you've been a good pirate this year, fingers crossed Santa been watching :) , personally, it's worth the upgrade.

@nofears-fun said in SoT on Xbox One X upgraded to SSD - Help:

@sprungnickel427 Do you think I should uninstall the game then re-install onto the new SSD? Or move it over? Is moving it over even an option?

Ther eis a move option so no reinstall. Also Save your system config on SSD in case you move the drive to a friends and play your games instantly.

@nofears-fun said in SoT on Xbox One X upgraded to SSD - Help:

@sprungnickel427 Also, do I need to format the drive before connecting?

The Xbox will format it to NTFS format

@personalc0ffee said in SoT on Xbox One X upgraded to SSD - Help:

Sprung Nickel's is the best solution. It will work and it is simpler.

thanks, it's what I'm using and very happy with it.

@leyvin said in SoT on Xbox One X upgraded to SSD - Help:

I don't know about in regards to the Xbox One (X) but an SSD doesn't really improve the Loading / Streaming Performance in Sea of Thieves.

It does "improve" it., but you're talking Loading Times of maybe 25s instead of 35-40s when you initially begin. On Windows 10, it's possible to get this down to like 18-20s with some further optimisations (or Depending on SATA / NVM SSD) but while again this is great for initial loading; the actual in-game Streamed Data doesn't really improve, and Sea of Thieves is one of those games where unless you're constantly hopping Crew-to-Crew-to-Crew., you're basically going to only see the initial Load Screen once per session.

I wouldn't get an SSD just for that.
Now IF we were talking about Fortnite., an SSD is absolutely invaluable; as you'll see loading times reduce from 70-90s Initial / 35s Per Game; down to 15-20s Initial / 10-15s Per Game., which is quite useful when playing Save The World; or gives you more time to check the map / emote in Battle Royale.

The Xbox One (esp. X) also becomes MUCH more responsive, specifically the Microsoft Store. I actually question why Microsoft didn't chose to use a 128GB NVM SSD for the System / Ready Boost Functionality., while also having a 1-2TB (Gaming, like a Seagate Barracuda) for Storage.

Sure, it would've increased the Xbox One X from £420 to £450 … but the responsiveness and end-user experience would've greatly benefitted from such., just as there are some quite clever ways Developers can utilise such (via DirectX 12 and the Windows SDK) to Stagger-Tier Resources between System Memory, High-Performance Solid State Memory and Low-Performance Physical Memory... to provide a near seamless Experience.

I'm not saying Sea of Thieves could., as the Unreal Engine (4) actually has absolute garbage performance in terms of Resource Management … but the General Dashboard Experience and most Proprietary Engines (Frostbite 2, Snowdrop, Dunia, iD Tech 6, etc.) would essentially be capable of having almost non-existent loading screens.

On Windows 10 it's a little more tricky to always keep a minimum of 32GB Free on an SSD., as everything always wants to install to the Operating System Drive; and it's only recently that the price of 256GB+ SSD have actually become "Reasonable" … especially keeping in mind that the Longevity of said Drives is SUBSTANTIALLY lower than that of a Physical Drive.

Sure 96-120TB R/W Operations sounds good., but keep in mind how most games are between 25 - 80GB., that there are typically Monthly to Weekly "Updates" that are between 10-100% of said Original Install.

Yes, I know. I said that I'm surprised Microsoft didn't include an SSD as Default Equipment in the Xbox One X; but note, that I never suggested it as a Storage Device.
Instead the suggestion is for Best Dashboard Performance (which an OS uses a Fraction of it's Installed Data for actual Operations; seriously... Windows 10 is a 16GB Install but only ~250MB is actually being used at any given time; games aren't like that, they rely HEAVILY on various Assets that take up the bulk of their Install Data; up to 3.5 - 6GB at a time., hence why you NEED a minimum of 8GB System Memory and 4-8GB Video Memory; while the OS itself only requires ~2.5GB System Memory and enough Video Memory for a Frame Buffer; like 128-512MB depending on Resolution and Refresh)

So it's a very different thing to have 32-64GB "Scratch" Storage, Vs. Dedicated Storage.
Something Microsoft could have total control over to ensure the "OS" SSD actually lasts the 5+ Years it's supposed to be in Service for a Generation.
Heck the Xbox 360 did use an Embedded Flash Drive as opposed to the HDD for the Operating System., which is why it was as responsive as it was... something the Xbox One doesn't do.

There is a key issue with their Longevity, especially when they're used for "Heavy" Workloads which typical Applications and Games will put them under.
It's why even today I do Highly Recommend an SSD to install Windows 10 onto... but I DO NOT recommend them as Primary Storage., as unlike a Physical HDD where they slowly go bad over time (not to mention even under HEAVY usage you'll get 12 Years out of them) where you can plan, acquire a new drive and migrate across; an SSD will simply just cease working.

And keep in mind that there is a big different between the Avg. 96-120TB Lifespan., with some "Low-Performance" SSD such-as the Polaris 9EV offering ~0.4-0.5PB Lifespan to the 60-180PB Lifespan that Physical HDD provide.

This isn't to put you off an SSD, but be VERY aware that these are far from an ideal replacement for Physical Storage Drive.

uh, No, when Xbox uses Memory and external SSD the Xbox smokes. HDD inside loads system to memory and then very little if any use for the HDD if you have game installed on External SSD at 5 gb/s SATA III maxed out. It's as close as you can get an installed SSD with Zero hassle.
You are correct on SSD longevity and instantly dying. I've experienced it in a PC over 3 yrs old and a full ssd. killed it. SSD will not last as long as an HDD. I would not go to the trouble of swapping out an HDD for SSD internal for that reason alone.

SoT in game performance is improved significantly. load initially and respawns. It's a huge difference Xbox one to One X already and then SSD to HDD is well worth it. The Spawn back from the Ferry is faster too. so worth it in my opinion.
In other games like World Of Tanks, i load in way faster and then sit and wait to play with everyone else.

The Future is something like the Nvidia Shield and game streaming. I'm hoping my stuff survives 4-6 years and see what comes along next.

@mancfoo said in SoT on Xbox One X upgraded to SSD - Help:

@nofears-fun I can’t help with replacing the internal HDD of the Xbox One X but have recently purchased an external SSD for games. I use this through USB connection to my X1X.

I’d read a lot of conflicting advice about whether or not it would make much difference so just went ahead and tested it myself. The drive I purchased was:

Amazon.co.uk

I got it for £199 but there are other storage capacities.

The Xbox One X formatted the drive for me when I plugged it in - it was very straightforward and through guided menus. Once formatted, it was very simple to move games between Internal HDD, External HDD and External SSD through the Game Options. You don’t have to delete and reinstall.

On loading times, I have been really impressed but I should note I join a lot of Open Crews so regularly see the loading screens. I moved a couple of games to my SSD and found that most loaded me into the game (timed from Dashboard) about 40-50% faster. For Sea of Thieves my loading times went from around 190 seconds to approximately 90 seconds.

I’m very pleased I switched to an SSD drive.

They Sell an Xbox branded version of this drive for $100 more than the plain seagate. LOL. It's cheaper to buy the 1 TB SSD and Type C USB 3.1 enclosure that will be faster on a pc but usable on Xbox.