The short version

Key points

  • A 2Gbps internet connection transfers approximately 250 megabytes per second.
  • Many 7,200 RPM hard drives write at around 100 to 150 megabytes per second, and some perform below that.
  • Modern NVMe SSDs are generally much faster than a 2Gbps connection in the scenario discussed.
  • TCP/IP flow control and operating system caching allow downloads to slow gradually when storage cannot keep up.
  • Wi-Fi, network adapters, router hardware and Ethernet cables may be more significant bottlenecks than the storage drive.

Why storage matters at 2Gbps

A 2Gbps connection delivers roughly 250 megabytes per second. The transcript refers to the Australian NBN 2Gbps tier as having been confirmed and poised to roll out at the end of 2025 for fibre-to-the-home customers.

That speed is high enough to expose a limitation that is usually hidden on slower connections. A typical 7,200 RPM mechanical hard drive bought within the last 10 years may write at approximately 100 to 150 megabytes per second at best. Performance can be lower with fragmented data or small files. One 12TB mechanical drive mentioned in the video reaches only about 80 megabytes per second.

What happens during a large download

If a large download is directed straight to a mechanical drive, the computer may initially appear to download faster because incoming data can be held in RAM or an operating system cache. Once that cache fills, the sustained transfer rate can settle closer to the drive’s write speed.

TCP/IP includes flow control that allows the receiving computer to signal that it cannot accept data any faster. As a result, the transfer generally self-throttles to the slowest part of the chain rather than suddenly failing. This is also why a Windows copy or download window can begin at a high speed before levelling out.

SSDs are less likely to be the limit

The video states that most modern computers and laptops use SSDs, including NVMe drives. The example performance range given for modern NVMe SSDs is approximately 500 to 1,500 megabytes per second, which is above the 250 megabytes per second required by a 2Gbps connection.

That does not mean every SSD or every computer will achieve those figures in every workload. It does indicate that, in the specific comparison discussed, an NVMe SSD is unlikely to bottleneck the internet connection in the same way as an older mechanical drive.

Wi-Fi and network equipment may matter more

For most home networks, Wi-Fi is presented as the more likely cause of reduced download speeds. Walls, microwaves and nearby competing networks can weaken or destabilise a wireless signal, resulting in slower transfers or dropouts. Router placement, interference, outdated equipment and wireless settings can therefore have a larger practical effect than replacing a storage drive.

A 2Gbps service also requires suitable equipment beyond the computer’s storage. The modem and router must support the connection speed, while a 1Gbps network adapter cannot deliver the full capacity. Ethernet cabling can also be a limitation. The transcript recommends at least Cat 5e, or Cat 6, rather than older Cat 4 or Cat 5 cable.

The practical takeaway

An ancient mechanical hard drive can theoretically cap a download below the full capacity of a 2Gbps connection, particularly when large files are written directly to it. The limitation may become visible after cached data has been exhausted.

In ordinary home use, however, the connection itself, Wi-Fi conditions, router capability, network adapter or cable may be the limiting factor first. Checking those components is likely to be more useful before assuming that the hard drive is responsible.

TechManPat’s conclusion

I think an old mechanical hard drive can matter when a very fast 2Gbps connection is used for sustained downloads, but it is usually not the first component to blame. I would check Wi-Fi, router and modem capability, the network adapter and Ethernet cable before upgrading the storage drive.
Source note

This knowledge-centre summary is based on the linked TechManPat video and reflects the information available when it was published. Check current pricing, availability and policies before acting.