Storage Cells in AE2 are limited by both bytes and types.

Bytes measure how much total “stuff” can be stored. Types measure how many unique items can be tracked.

Example: A 4k cell has 4,096 bytes but only 63 item types. Lots of enchanted or damaged items eat type slots quickly.

* Bytes – Just like in a real computer, bytes are the raw storage capacity of a cell. Each item is stored as 1 bit, so 8 items = 1 byte. A full stack of 64 = 8 bytes.

• Fluids follow the same logic: 8 buckets = 1 byte.
• Identical items, even unstackable ones like saddles, don’t take extra space.

* Types – Each unique item stored (including NBT data such as damage or enchantments) counts as one type.

• 4,096 cobblestone = 1 type.
• 16 enchanted swords, all different, = 16 types.

Each type uses a small upfront byte cost (varies by cell size). Because of this, a cell holding 1 type can store about double the amount compared to a cell filled with all 63 types.

* Too many types = too much NBT data on the storage item. This can lag players or even cause “book banning” style crashes if data is too large. * More types = more load on the system’s sorting and item handling. * Prevents dumping thousands of damaged tools/armor from mob farms directly into ME storage.

• Recommendation: Filter out random junk before it reaches your network.

Types aren’t as restrictive as they look: * 1 ME Drive full of cells = 630 types total. * This is usually plenty unless you insist on hoarding unique unstackables.

* Don’t rush only top-tier storage. Higher tiers give more bytes but no extra types. * Lower tier cells stay useful even late game due to type balancing. * Mix cell sizes depending on what you’re storing.

* A Cell With 1 Type – Far more total capacity. * A Cell With 63 Types – Much less overall space.