It is quite easy to mix up an SSD and an HDD if you do not know the differences between them. Though the purpose of both is the same, these are certainly not the same thing.
If you want to know the differences and make a proper comparison between an SSD and HDD to make your eventual choice, this article will be of great help.
In This Article
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The SSDs are always much faster in operation than an HDD because it does not come with any moving parts inside it. This also makes them less vulnerable to damages.
- The storage space offered by the Hard Disk Drives is much more than what is offered by the Solid State Drives.
- The SSDs are more expensive than an HDD though the good news is that the prices of these drives are reducing.
- The HDDs seem to be less durable than the SSDs because these drives cannot withstand shocks, drops, vibrations, magnetic fields and high temperatures.
- The SSDs consume much less power and therefore produce less heat in comparison to the HDDs.
6 Differences Between SSD and HDD Storage
1. Speed
The speed between both HDD and SSD are very important. It will make one understand the difference between both storage devices. SSD has always been faster than the HDD.
It is around 10 times faster than HDD. It is because of its advanced technology. Copying, moving files, and more which are done by the user explain the actual difference between the two.
Copying process in SSD is quick and takes less time than in HDD. For instance, it takes 500MB per second(MB/s).
HDD is also known as a traditional storage device and the copying speed of this storage device 30-150 MB per second (MB/s)making it slower than the SSD.
2. Lifespan
The SSD cell can survive up to 300 write cycles. Due to the principle of “wear leveling” the controller of the SSD makes sure that the operation is spread equally across all the cells.
It is done in order to minimize the “cell death”. Also, modern SSD have spare cells that replace the cells that go bad. This is called “Bad Block Management”. The more advanced the SSD, the longer the lifespan.
Depending on the usage of the HDD, the lifespan is measured. It is measured in the amount of data it can read and write. The average lifespan is around 4 years. It is because they are moving parts. The lifespan also depends on the brand.
3. Capacity
Old SSD does not generally come with large capacity but due to advanced technologies, SSD now comes with terabyte storage. Small SSDs which are recommended by many come around 160 GB to 256 GB which holds programs of one’s OS(Operating System).
HDD’s capacities range from 40GB to 12TB. These days, one can purchase a 2TB hard drive which offers plenty of space and is inexpensive.
The best way one can utilize is a hybrid. Both can be purchased together with a smaller SSD to hold the programs of the user’s Operating System(OS) and also to take advantage of the SSD’s highest speed.
Alongside having an HDD to store other files when speed is not important.
4. Durability
SSD here has an upper hand in the factor of durability. It is because in an extremely harsh environment it can stand accidental drops and even shock vibration(many are shock resistant), high temperatures, and magnetic fields.
It is due to the small size and it consumes low power. SSD is better for computers and laptops because it is durable.
On the other hand, HDDs cannot withstand extremely harsh environments because they have moving parts like the actuator arm. If accidentally dropped then it may lead to data failure.
5. Utility
SSD delivers faster load time for games application, movies, and many more. The technology which is used for SSD is are very light. It uses less energy and allows the computer to run faster.
While some benefit a lot from SSD. HDD is used for the same purpose. Like playing games, storing applications, movies, songs, and many more.
6. Price
Once the user chooses between SSD and HDD and which one to purchase after comparing and deciding. Another main factor is the prize that comes into the user’s mind.
An SSD is typically more expensive than HDD. The older the SSD the cheaper the price. But to keep up with the world of technology and advancement. Many users go for the latest and the advanced SSD which leads them to a higher price.
To the ones who want more capacity in less money. To the ones who want more capacity but at an inexpensive price, then buying the HDD will be the best. To go for HDD is way more inexpensive and affordable than SSD.
Which is Better –Â SSD or HDD?
Deciding on purchasing any one of these storage devices depends on the user’s choice. Keeping in mind the other factors including the price gives a proper overview to the user.
If one is comfortable in purchasing an HDD because of one’s tight budget then one can always opt for an HDD. And in case if the user wants to upgrade to a better storage device then SSD can serve the best.
This is because it’s more improved and the speed is faster. In both cases the SSD or HDD, one needs to keep one’s drive clean to operate properly.
Running low on space and using a lot of space can lead to slow down and even crashes.
If the user is looking for a storage device that will run faster while playing games, then SSD will be the best option. Because SSD helps games load and run faster.
One will experience fewer problems while using an SSD. If one is looking for daily use and wants an inexpensive storage device which can serve better then HDD is a better option.
It is because it has a solid-state drive. It has the same amount of storage and also more storage space than SSD but it is also heavy. It uses more energy compared to an SSD these days.
Therefore, many people opt for SSD for a slow usage of energy and because it is lighter compared to HDD.
The best and the third option one can never opt for is having a hybrid of both also known as SSHD it is a good option for gamers having a large steam collection.
It handles more than an SSD. Having extra speed and many more combinations like a smaller SSD and a slightly bigger HDD to store other files.
It’s an offer that serves the best of both the storage devices which is also worth considering.Â
Conclusion
After pointing down all the differences and comparing the two storage devices.
Now it depends on the user’s choice and budget to see which one the user can afford and purchase.
Both have their pros and cons but a third choice makes it easy for the user to choose.