HDD vs. SSD: Which one should you go for?

SSD vs. HDD- two main storage options with similar physical specifications but different in performance, storage, and speed.

In this post, you will go through the difference between SSD (solid-state drive) and HDD (hard disk drive), which will help you choose the right option that suits your needs.

If you’re thinking of purchasing a new PC or laptop, read along as it will help to choose the best machine. And if you already have a desktop, install both types of the hard drive. But to install it on the laptop, you need to look at whether it can be upgraded or not.

In a nutshell, HDD is made up of magnetic tape and a spinning disk that reads and writes the data. It is slow compared to SSD.

Whereas SSD has no moving parts is much smaller compared to HDD. They store data in an integrated circuit. When it comes to HDD vs. SSD speed, SSD is much faster.

HDD (Hard Disk Drive)

HDD (hard disk drive) has been around in the industry for more than 50 years, and it’s longer than SSDs.

Comparing to SSDs, HDD is cost-effective and are suitable for storing documents, files, and folders in large number. They come in two forms- one is 2.5 inches for laptops and the other in 3.5 inches for desktops.

They consist of magnetic platters, an arm with a read/write head, and a motor. Both the platter and header move using the magnetic recording to store and retrieve data.

 Advantages of Using HDD

• HDD is less expensive comparing to the same amount of storage SSDs provide. Also, a computer with SSD installed are costly than the ones with HDD installed.

• HDD comes in more storage space and base storage options than SSDs. The starting base storage of SSD is 128GB, whereas HDD comes in 500GB. You will get base storage of 500GB in every HDD installed computers.

• Because HDD doesn’t perform repetitive read-write cycles, its lifespan is more extended than SSDs.

Disadvantages of Using HDD

• Speed is the primary thing why people prefer SSD over HDD. Comparing to SSDs, HDD reads and writes slowly.

• As HDD needs the power to operate its moving parts, it consumes more energy than SSDs. This decreases battery life and energy efficiency.

• HDDs create noises during reading and write of data operations. Also, the moving parts in HDD make it physically vulnerable.

SSD (Solid State Drive)

Unlike HDDs, SSDs (Solid State Drives) don’t have any moving parts, and all the data is stored and retrieved in integrated circuits. They’re small and flexible for slim laptops, and manufacturers prefer installing them on most computers.

And because it doesn’t have any platters, access time is dramatically reduced.

Advantages of Using SSDs

• People prefer SSDs because of their speed and very fast than traditional hard drives. From running applications to boot time, everything is quick. And when it comes to SSD vs. HDD gaming, you can expect to get better performance.

• SSDs doesn’t have any moving parts, and that’s why it is more durable than HDDs.

• As SSDs doesn’t require to move any parts to retrieve and store data, it consumes very less power and is energy efficient.

Disadvantages of Using SSDs

• When it comes to cost per GB of storage, SSDs are on the expensive side. Also, laptops with SSDs are more expensive than HDDs.

• SSDs lifespan is less compared to HDDs. SSDs repetitively rewrites and erase data which makes the cells decay reducing lifespan.

• Computers with SSD storage have base storage starting from 128GB and goes up to 4TB. As you go for more storage, the cost becomes higher. 

Final Thoughts

Both of the hard drives come with some advantages and disadvantages. Where HDDs are cheaper, offering the same storage, SSDs are twice more.

I hope after reading this post, you have a clear answer to choosing the right decision. However, in the end, it’s totally up to your preference and needs. 

If you want more speed and performance at the cost of more money, SSD is the best. And if you can sacrifice speed for money and durability, HDD is the one.

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