Quick question about Steam

[Grimezy]

I haven't got my rig yet so I can't test this for myself but when downloading full games from steam, is the hard disk memory number the actual size of the download? It sounds really dumb but like if a game takes up 20gb of memory on the specs, will you have to download 20gb's worth or is it compressed in some way so you only download a certain amount and then you extract the game from compressed files or something?

I ask because my download speeds are terrible so a 10gb game would probably take me about 24 hours or more to download x) if this is the case I'll probably have to start ordering disk copies of the games I want and then just download the little retro games from steam.

Cheers guys

 

[vanthus]

Steam games are stored as single non-compressed archive files,so it can take a long time depending on size and download speed.

 

[Wozza63]

Some games are compressed although not very much, most games are around 10gb from experience, if you have poor internet speeds then you are probably best buying a disc copy

 

[Grimezy]

Alright thanks guys, I thought that might be that case D: I'll just have to get them off steam if I really really have to.

 

[joker375]

I would say as well It depends what server you download from as well because I usually use the London Server off-peak times so its quiet but around 6pm (UK LOCAL) Onish it seems to be slammed

 

[LFFPicard]

Once you have them from steam if you willing to sit and wait. You can always back up your steam library to an external drive.

So if for any reason you need to re-install steam/windows etc you can simply restore the backup of the library and save downloading them all again.
You can also specify the file size for the backups so it can split the backup into multiple files.