Choosing Between a Storage Disk and a Storage Block

Same tier, two forms

Every capacity tier exists as a part, a disk, and a block. For regular storage the blocks are: 256k Storage Block, 1024k Storage Block, 4096k Storage Block, 16384k Storage Block, 65536k Storage Block, 262m Storage Block, 1048m Storage Block, and Infinite Storage Block. For fluids: 262m Fluid Storage Block, 1048m Fluid Storage Block, 16384k Fluid Storage Block, 65536k Fluid Storage Block, and Infinite Fluid Storage Block.

When to use the disk

Use the disk form — 256k Storage Disk, 1024k Storage Disk, 4096k Storage Disk, 16384k Storage Disk, 65536k Storage Disk, 262m Storage Disk, 1048m Storage Disk, Infinite Storage Disk, and the matching fluid disks — when you want portable capacity you can move between drives. Disks are the flexible option because you can pull one out and slot in another.

When to use the block

Use the block form when the capacity should stay put. A placed block does not need to be carried, so it suits fixed storage rooms and permanent fluid tanks. The Infinite Storage Block and Infinite Fluid Storage Block are the largest fixed options in the list.

Decision rule

If you might relocate the capacity, craft the disk. If the location is permanent, craft the block. Both are built from the same tier of part, so the choice is about placement, not cost.