How long will a 5TB external hard drive last?

A quality external HDD typically lasts 3-5 years with regular use. Factors affecting lifespan include operating temperature, physical shocks, and how frequently the drive is powered on/off. For long-term archival, store the drive in a cool, dry place and power it on periodically to verify data integrity.

Can I use a 5TB external drive with my PS5 or Xbox?

Yes, but only for storing and playing PS4/Xbox One games. Current-gen PS5 and Xbox Series X/S games must run from the internal SSD or an approved expansion card. External drives are still useful for storing games you are not actively playing and transferring them to the internal drive when needed.

Best External Hard Drives 5TB 2026