If you are only concerned with storing data on your computer or notebook, this piece of information may not suit you. But if you are serious about the data storage capacity, operational efficiency, robustness, and other crucial considerations; you should continue reading this article about solid state drives (SSD) and hard disk drives (HDD).
While the main motive of both the hard drives is same, the final decision about purchasing a storage drive can be confusing. To dispel this confusion, you should see the differences between SSD and HDD. The comparison between SSD and HDD will help you in proceeding with the purchase.
- What is Solid State Drive (SSD)
- What is Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
- Difference Between SSD and HDD in Points
What is Solid State Drive (SSD)
Solid State Drive (SSD) is a storage device that stores non-volatile memory on flash memory chips. There was a common myth that SSD stores data temporarily. But, this is not true. When the power is switched off, your data will be retained on the SSD. The SSD can be integrated on the motherboard or kept in the housing. It uses SATA connectors for connectivity purposes.
What is Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
Hard Disk Drives (HDD) works on the principle of magnetism. It consists of a metallic platter and a floating head. The platter is coated with a magnetic layer on which the data will be processed. The floating head is responsible for writing, deleting, and writing purposes. As the metallic platter spins, the head floats above it for accomplishing the tasks. The efficiency of the HDD is calculated in revolutions per minute (RPM).
Detailed Comparison – Difference Between SSD and HDD in Points
For a detailed comparison, look at the table below:
| Points | Solid State Drive (SSD) | Hard Disk Drive (HDD) |
| Capacity | Ranges between 128 GB to 1 TB. It can go up to 4 TB, but it’s a rarity | For laptops, it can go up to 5 TB, and for desktops, it can go up to 10 TB |
| Price | 1 TB drive will cost around $250 (typically, 4-5 times more expensive than HDD) | 1 TB drive will cost around $40 – $50 |
| Speed | On an average, boot time varies between 10-15 seconds | Boot time varies between 30-60 seconds |
| Fragmentation | Usage of flash-based memory chips reduces the occurrence of fragmentation | Usage of floating head increases the fragmentation. However, not too much significant nowadays |
| Robustness | Since SSD do not have moving parts, it is secure when laptop falls or is in motion | HDD involves rotating parts that are susceptible to breakage in case of a mishap |
| Availability | Higher costs restrict its usage. However, in future, the demand will increase | Available in plenty, owing to low cost and high storage capacity |
| Size | SSD’s are compact | HDDs are comparatively larger |
| Power Consumption | Minimal usage of components facilitate the least consumption of energy | Consumes higher amount of energy owing to rotating platter and head |
Conclusion
The detailed comparison will assist you in purchasing a suitable storage drive for your purpose. If budget is not a problem and capacity needs are limited, opt for SSD. If you don’t feel like investing hefty amounts of money but require extensive storage space, go ahead with HDD.
