# Best SSD for Immich: Database, Thumbnails and App Storage Buying Guide

Canonical: https://cloudzat.com/best-ssd-for-immich/

Purpose: Immich storage buying guide.

Decision: For most new Immich builds, start with a reliable internal NVMe SSD for the application and database layer, then size it with enough headroom for generated files and other services sharing the host. SATA SSDs remain useful when M.2 slots are limited or when a larger, cheaper secondary SSD is more valuable than peak sequential speed.

- Database + app: 500GB–1TB internal SSD — NVMe is the easiest first choice when a compatible M.2 slot is available.
- Generated media: 1TB–2TB SSD — Give thumbnails, transcodes and temporary work enough free-space headroom.
- Heavy writes: Check endurance — For frequent imports or shared workloads, compare the exact model’s TBW and warranty.
- Bulk originals: Use HDD/NAS instead — Keep large photo and video libraries on protected bulk storage rather than oversizing the app SSD.

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