We are all familiar with the traditional hard drive that is still being widely used by desktop users, however, the advancement in technology has given rise to more innovative storage solutions. Both SSD (Solid State Drives) and HDD (Hard Disk Drives) do the same job, but they use completely different methods to store data. Although there are still many manufacturers that are trying to create the conventional HDD with great specs. Take, wd40efrx, as an example, this HDD for NAS systems works fast and is powerful enough to store 4 terabytes while allowing multiple devices to be used with it at once.

Whether you are considering the most optimal solution for gaming or your business, we have made an in-depth comparison of SSD and HDD to help you make the right decision. Keep reading!   

What is HDD?

Hard disks have been in use for more than 50 years, and they are still being used by many. A hard disk drive features a circular spinning disc, called a platter, which stores all your data. It comes with a read-write arm that basically reads and writes data on the disc as it spins.

The number of times a hard disk spin are called revolutions per minute (RPM). The higher the RPM, the faster the hard drive works, which is directly proportional to how fast you are able to open or close programs on your computer or even download apps.

What is an SSD? 

A solid-state drive is commonly used in modern laptops and has been around for a while but certainly not as old as an HDD. It uses flash memory, therefore it doesn’t have any moving parts as opposed to an HDD.

An SSD uses cutting-edge NAND technology and is equipped with memory chips that store data. More memory chips mean more storage capacity. The innovation in technology has allowed SSDs to have higher storage capacity as well.

SSD versus HDD: Storage Space

HDD provides multiple storage capacities with the maximum being around 18TB, which can be slightly pricier than the ones with lower storage space, say, 2TB. If you own a large-scale business that heavily relies on computer work, it’s best to invest in an HDD as you will be able to store large amounts of data.

In terms of SSDs, they come with up to 4TB of maximum capacity. However, it should be kept in mind that this maximum capacity comes with a hefty price tag.

You can even combine SSD and HDD to get the best of both worlds. For instance, you can install SSD for the operating system and HDD for files and apps to ensure a smooth flow of work without going out of budget.

SSD versus HDD: Speed  

An HDD uses a spinning disc to read and write data and therefore it takes time to process data as its speed depends on RPM. On the other hand, an SSD doesn’t have moving parts, instead, it reads and writes data electronically which makes it quite fast.

It’s also important to note that budget HDDs have an RPM of 5,400 and high-end ones come with up to 10,000 RPM, although they are not very common. Whereas, if your computer runs on an SSD, it will process 10 times the speed as compared to an HDD. Hence, SSD is the way to go if you’re looking for speed.

SSD versus HDD: Durability

As HDDs are engineered with moving parts, they always come with a risk of damaging the drive when you are on the go with your laptop and even though HDDs park their read-write arm when the system is not operating, you still can damage it if you’re handling it carelessly.

On the other hand, SSDs don’t have any moving parts, therefore, no matter how roughly you use your laptop or your system shakes when operating, you can be sure that there won’t be any damage.

SSD versus HDD: Noise and Energy Consumption

Regarding hard drives, the read-write arm needs to tick back and forth on the platter in order to process data, therefore, it makes noise. Even if you pick the one with a faster RPM, you will have to deal with more noise. While SSDs don’t have mechanical parts, they are super quiet to operate.

In terms of energy consumption, HDDs consume much more energy because they use electric motors that spin memory discs and move read-write arms, this is not the case with SSDs. Hence, SSDs won’t drain your laptop’s battery quickly and if you use desktop computers, you won’t have to deal with hefty electricity bills.

SSD versus HDD: Price?  

As SSDs are comparatively new in the market, they are more expensive than HDDs. However, with the advancement of technology, the prices of SSDs are gradually declining.

If you are looking for a cheaper option with the highest capacity, your best bet would be investing in an HDD. Production processes make hard disks cheap to manufacture, therefore, you will be able to buy them at an affordable price.

It’s always better to look for different suppliers and check reviews prior to buying any of the options to not compromise on the reliability and quality of the product. 

Also Read: Cloud Storage Is Not the End: 9 Additional Tasks You Can Move To The Cloud