SSD vs HDD Which should you go for?

The hype between SSD vs HDD has been the most common topic in the tech world now, and when it comes to purchasing a new computer we need to dig deeper into which of these to purchase.

Before I tell you which is better for you, I think It will be best for us to just create a comparison between these two. So without any further interruptions, let’s dive in.

1. HDD
   HDD, which is an acronym for Hard Disk Drives. These drives have been here for ages, since the days of computers. These drives have helped us store our files, and run our installed operating system.

A Hard Disk Drive is a mechanical drive that uses spinning disks coated with magnetic material to read and write data. Unlike Solid State Drives (SSD), which rely on flash memory and have no moving parts in them. Hard Disk Drives operate through mechanical components, which include:

a. Platters: This component is the disks that store data, which spins at high speeds (typically 5400 to 7200 RPM). RPM stands for Read Per Minute.
b. Read/Write Heads: This component is the tiny arms you can find in most Hard Disk Drives. This component is responsible for moving across the platters to read and write data.
c. Actuator Arm: This component is responsible for positioning the read/write heads over the correct track on the spinning platters.
d: Spindle Motor: Responsible for spinning the platters

Advantages of HDDs

1. Cost-Effective: HDDs are generally more affordable compared to SSDs, especially for larger storage capacities. The cost per gigabyte is lower for HDDs
2. Higher Storage Capacities: HDDs are available in larger storage sizes compared to SSDs, with capacities reaching up to 10TB or more. This makes them suitable for storing large amounts of data, and why database companies use HDDs than SSD
3. Longer Lifespan: HDDs have a longer lifespan compared to SSDs, as they can withstand more write cycles before wearing out. The lifespan of an internal HDD is typically 3–5 years under constant use.
4. Readily Available: HDDs have been manufactured for a long time and are always available in the market.
5. Non-Volatile Memory: HDDs use non-volatile memory, meaning they can retain data even without power. This keeps important data safe in case the power goes out.

Disadvantages of HDDs

1. Slower Performance: HDDs have slower read/write speeds compared to SSDs, especially for random access. This can result in longer boot times and slower program loading.
2. More Power Consumption: HDDs consume more power than SSDs due to the mechanical components needed to spin the platters and move the read/write heads.
3. Susceptibility to Physical Damage: HDDs are more prone to physical damage due to their moving parts. Drops or shocks can cause data loss or drive failure
4. Noise and Heat Generation: HDDs generate more noise and heat compared to SSDs due to the spinning platters and moving parts.
5. Fragmentation: HDDs can experience performance degradation over time due to data fragmentation, which occurs when files are stored in different parts of the disk, instead of being in one continuous location

GIF of a working Hard Disk Drive

1. SSD
   SSD, which is an acronym for Solid State Drive, is a type of storage device that uses flash memory to store data. Unlike traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDD), which rely on spinning magnetic disks to read and write data, SSDs have no moving parts.

Just like Hard Disk Drives and their components, SSD or Solid State Drives consist of several key components that work together to provide high-speed data storage and retrieval. These main parts include:

a. Controller: The controller acts as the brain of the SSD. It manages data storage and retrieval interfaces with the host system. In other words, It manages and controls how stored data is organized and accessed.

b. NAND Flash Memory: This is the primary storage medium in an SSD. NAND flash memory chips store data in a non-volatile format, meaning the data remains intact even when the power is off.

c. Cache (Buffer): Many SSDs include a cache, typically DRAM, which acts as a high-speed buffer between the controller and the NAND flash memory. In other words, It acts as a fast link between the controller and the NAND flash memory. This component helps improve performance by temporarily storing data during read and write operations, allowing for faster data access.

There are so many other components that make up an SSD, but with these 3 you can get a bit of an idea of how SSDs work. You can read about other components that make up an SSD, for now, let’s dive into the advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of SSDs

1. Speed: SSDs are known for their speeds in read and write operations. These drives are significantly faster than HDDs, with read/write speeds that can be 25 to 100 times greater. This advantage leads to quick boot time, faster file transfer, and improved overall system responsiveness.
2. Durability: Unlike HDDs and their moving parts, SSDs don’t have moving parts and this makes them less susceptible to physical damage from drops or shocks, making them more reliable in mobile devices and laptops.
3. Energy Efficiency: SSDs consume less power than HDDs, as they do not require mechanical movement to operate. This results in lower heat generation and can extend the battery life of your device.
4. Noise and Size: When you boot up a PC that’s using an HDD, you’ll notice some mechanical noise if you take a listen. This noise is generated when the platters spin and the arm goes back and forth on those platters of a Hard Disk so many times. But this is not said for an SSD, SSDs operate silently due to the absence of mechanical components and their compact design allows for smaller form factors in devices.
5. Consistent Performance: SSDs maintain performance levels regardless of data fragmentation, unlike HDDs, which can slow down as they fill up.

Disadvantages of SSDs

1. Cost: SSDs are quite much more expensive than HDDs. This can make them less accessible to users.
2. Limited Lifespan: SSDs have a finite number of write cycles, which can lead to degradation over time. While most users may not reach this limit, heavy use can shorten the lifespan of an SSD
3. Storage Capacity: Although SSDs are available in larger sizes, they typically offer less storage capacity than HDDs. Common sizes range from 128GB to 4TB, but larger storage options can be very costly.
4. Data Recovery Challenges: Recovering data from a failed SSD can be more complex compared to an HDD, mainly if the drive has encrypted controllers. This can make the effort of recovering data from this drive difficult or even impossible in some cases.
5. Performance Degradation: SSDs can experience slower write speeds as they approach their storage capacity limits, affecting performance during heavy scenarios.

Now that we’ve looked at the differences between these two drives, the main question is: Which should you go for? If you value performance when using your PC, then an SSD is the way to go. What’s a little extra cost if you can get blazing-fast performance instead of using an HDD for work and still struggling with slow performance? Take a moment to consider again, “Which should you go for?”