Solid State Drive SSD Vs Hard Drive HDD
When buying a new computer, or upgrading your physical backup system, it is worth having a look at various aspects and ensure that you get best system for you. Given that computers are getting more powerful with each passing year, it is important to be clear of your need and use for the computer and accessories.
One of the critical factors while choosing the right computer configuration is the storage device and the capacity it offers. Over time, the storage inside your computer has evolved, it is important to take into account power use, performance and reliability along with the cost of the computer.
There are two kinds of physical storage technology options available, namely Solid State Drive (SSD) and Hard disk drive (HDD).
Understanding HDD
Hard drive is a form of a storage device which resides inside your computer. It has a disk which stores data magnetically, spinning while reading or writing data.
Hard disk drives have an arm with multiple heads (called transducers) which is used to read and write data on it. It is quite identical to the way in which a turntable player functions, with the LP record (imagine it being the HDD) and a long arm with the needle (transducers) on it. The arm with the needle or transducers is used to read the data across the surface of the record or disk as it moves. There is nothing wrong with this system, except they are prone to break when dropped, and parts can stop working if untouched for years.
Hard disks are ultimately old technology and they have been around for quite some time. A HDD is typically cheaper compared to SSD and are fine for someone who needs standard storage facilities.
Understanding SSD
SSD is called ‘Solid State’ because it does not have a spinning disk or the arm with transducers to read or write data. As SSDs are compact and just ‘move’ data, there is less that can go wrong.
In the case of SSDs, integrated circuits (ICs) are used to store data. The fact that it has no mechanical or moving parts compared to HDDs makes a world of difference in the performance and size (i.e., form factor). An SSD can be as small as key (technically known as M.2 form factor) or even the size of a postage stamp.
SSDs are used in a large number of laptops and desktop computers. Although they are more costly compared to HDDs, given the uptake in its deployment, the gap in the pricing is coming down. This means that as time goes on, the price per Gigabyte (GB – the standard measurement of storge) will continue to decrease.
Comparison Between SSD And HDD
Below are some critical aspects which need to consider between the two available options:
· Speed - HDDs are slower than SSDs, simply because they have moving parts inside. Mechanical devices are always slower than digital devices.
· Reliability - SSDs are superior in reliability as digital parts tend to last longer than mechanical components.
· Storage - HDDs and SSDs come in various capacities. However, the higher capacity SSDs are costlier.
· Age – ultimately, the difference between a SSD and a HDD is age. SSD is the newer and more proficient version of a HDD. A bit like the difference between a DVD and streaming services – streaming is just the new way.
Summary
Over the next few years HDDs will be phased out and will be as rare as a Nokia Brick phone. SSDs are generally more reliable and much faster to transfer. Greyology can support you to ensure your SSD is set for success, and can assist with issues. Having a backup system is a great way to ensure your data is safe, and Greyology can assist in this safety measure.
