HDD vs SSD

You probably check the specs like which processor, how much RAM, storage drive like SSD or HDD and how much storage space when you going to buy a new laptop or desktop. But how do you choose? Most of the time it's a little bit confusing between SSD/HDD that which should buy and how it is going to affect the overall performance of the laptop. In this article,  we explain the differences between SSDs and HDDs that can help you to decide. And in the end, you will know almost everything about SSD & HDD. So, let's start this -

What is SSD?

A solid-state drive (SSD) is a solid-state storage device that uses integrated circuit assemblies as memory to store data persistently. It is also sometimes called solid-state disk. SSD technology primarily uses electronic interfaces compatible with traditional block input/output (I/O) hard disk drives (HDDs), which permit simple replacements in common applications. New I/O interfaces have been designed to address specific requirements of the SSD technology. These storage devices invented in the 1970s but these drives are comparatively expensive. When it invented, some of the companies use SSD as a RAM which is used for quick access for temporary use. But when SSD size is an increase, the companies sell it as permanent storage drives. Nowadays SSD competes for HDD on each and every function.

What is the HDD?

A hard disk drive (HDD) is an electromechanical data storage device that uses magnetic storage to store and retrieve digital information using one or more rigid rapidly rotating disks (platters) coated with magnetic material. The platters are paired with magnetic heads, usually arranged on a moving actuator arm, which read and write data to the platter surfaces. Data is accessed in a random-access manner, meaning that individual blocks of data can be stored or retrieved in any order and not only sequentially. The hard disk drive is invented by IBM [International Business Machines] in 1956. When it launched it got very popular and it became the preferred storage drive in the 1960’s. When it first launched, it was larger in size but after sometimes when it got very popular among the computer companies, it gets smaller in size and increases its capacity. Now, you will get an HDD in very small size with a large amount of storage space.

HDDs are a type of non-volatile storage, retaining stored data even when powered off. The two most common form factors for modern HDDs are 3.5-inch, for desktop computers, and 2.5-inch, primarily for laptops. HDDs are connected to systems by standard interface cables such as PATA (Parallel ATA), SATA (Serial ATA), USB or SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) cables.

Differences between SSD and HDD

• In the Architecture of the SSDs basically, there are Semiconductor flash chips also called as Integrated circuit assembly. The data is stored in the that Semiconductor Flash Chips instead a revolving disk. On the other hand, HDDs consists of a head and a revolving disk. The data is written by the head on the revolving disk.

• As HDDs are the mechanical Drive the flow of data depends on the rim of the disk. As SSDs technology uses electronic interfaces the speed of the SSDs is very very fast as compared to HDD.

• SSDs have no moving mechanical components. On the other hand, HDDs contain spinning disks and movable read/write heads.

• Compared with electromechanical drives or HDDs, SSDs are typically more resistant to physical shock, run silently, have quicker access time and lower latency.

• SSDs are (as of 2018) still more expensive per unit of storage than HDDs and are expected to continue to be so into the next decade.

• Most SSDs use 3D TLC NAND-based flash memory, which is a type of non-volatile memory that retains data when power is lost.

• SSDs take around 10-13 seconds average boot up time. And HDDs take around 30-40 seconds average boot up time.

• SSDs consume less power, averages 2 – 3 watts, resulting in 30+ minute battery boost. And HDD consumes more power, averages 6 – 7 watts and therefore uses more battery.

• According to capacity, SSDs are typically not larger than 1TB for notebook size drives; 4TB max for desktops. On the other hand, HDDs are typically around 500GB and 2TB maximum for notebook size drives; 10TB max for desktops.

• In SSDs, there have no vibration and no sound as there are no moving parts. In contrast, In HDDs, there have the spinning of the platters can sometimes result in vibration.

• Lower power draw and no moving parts so little heat is produced in SSDs. But, HDDs will have a measurable amount more heat than an SSD due to moving parts and higher power draw.

• For SSDs, the mean time between failure rate of 2.0 million hours. For HDDs, mean time between failure rate of 1.5 million hours.

• File copy or write speed of SSDs generally above 200 MB/s and up to 550 MB/s for cutting-edge drives, whereas In HDDs, the range can be anywhere from 50 - 120MB/s.

• In SSD, File opening speed is up to 30% faster than HDD.

• An SSD is safe from any effects of magnetism. But magnets can effective for HDD; it can erase data of HDD.

 

Conclusion

HDDs are still the popular choice for the majority of average consumers, usually choosing the HDD as the storage option in their new computer simply due to the much cheaper cost. However, more and more consumers desire top computing performance and are opting for an SSD inside their new setup or as an upgrade to their current one. As such, SSDs are well on their way to becoming the mainstream, standard storage mechanism, especially for laptops.