Have you ever encountered a very challenging moment in a computer store when you are asked whether you want an SSD or Hard Disk Drive? Well! Despite what you are told in school, SSD Vs Hard Drive is quite an interesting discussion on the internet. Times are gone when whichever you choose wouldn’t matter. But, in the 21st century, SSD and Hard Disk Drives come with multiple specifications and features too. Henceforth, in simple words, Solid State Drives and Hard Disk Drives are not the same things. You may ask, what’s the difference? If yes, you will find out by the end of this reading:
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What is SSD or Solid State Drive?
The fact that “solid” and “hard” are synonyms doesn’t make up for the assumption that SSD and HDD are the same. Indeed, to begin with, the first-ever Solid State Drive or SSD had invented and launched by SanDisk Co. in 1991. Not only this but, at that timeline, a single SSD was worth $1, 000. To your surprise, it was purchased by IBM.
Whereas HDD has already hit the technical and commercial industry 40 years earlier. Thus, it is simply assumed that SSDs are better. But, we are not going to do that here. Let’s take a good look at the definition of SSD:
To begin with, SSD is a short-term used for Solid State Computer Storage Device which runs for secondary storage in computer systems and laptops. For the most part, an SSD remains a non-removable storage device attached to a computer’s outer surface. On the other hand, the HDD is placed inside the motherboard.
In some cases, the SSD is also attached to the motherboard of the PC. However, they are non-removable.
Nowadays, both internal and external SSD are purchasable in the market. Multiple top-leading companies such as Dell, SanDisk, and Samsung manufacture and deliver hardcore Solid State Drives, which improvise the computer’s storage system up to 1 TeraByte.
SSD is utilized for storing computer databases at a speedy pace and with fewer battery devices.
What is HDD or Hard Disk Drive?
Hard Disk Drives, also known as Fixed Disks among computer fanatics. The reason being, without an HDD, a computer’s performance capacity slows down, and it no longer collects data automatically. Thus, Hard Disk Drive is fixed in each laptop’s motherboard, which should only be removed under the guidance of a professional.
Akin to SSD, HDD had also introduced in the 1900s and first purchased by IBM. But, HDD came earlier in 1956. In other words, we can say SSD were small and improvised versions of HDDs. But, in today’s laptop editions, Solid State Drive and Hard Drive, both are there because they both have their benefits and drawbacks.
By definition, Hard Disk Drive is an electromagnetic based storage device for computer systems that retrieves digital data by continuously spinning on the magnetic platter surface. It is far more different from how SSD saves data.
SSD Vs Hard Drive: How to choose?
As mentioned before, both SSD Vs Hard Drive have their benefits and drawbacks. For instance, users who take a real-time interest in gaming on PC for hours may not have the best experience with Hard Drive. The reason being, HDD slows the booting speed of the game. On the other hand, SSD quickens it.
So, here are a few aspects based on that you can choose which is better for you: SSD or Hard Drive! It all depends on the activity you are going to use your PC for. Let’s take a glance:
Storage Capacity: SSD or Hard Drive?
Hard Disk Drive Storage Capacity is 10% less than SSD storage capacity. According to the PC specifics and computer accessories, a Hard Disk Drive can have storage power up to 20 TB, starting from 250 GB. Whereas a Solid State Drive’s maximum storage power is 30 TB, starting from 120 GB.
Laptops that come with maximum TB capacity are quite expensive. Therefore, an SSD is a better choice. The reason being, you always have the option to purchase an external SS Drive in case of emergencies.
For the most part, Hard Disk or Fixed Disk are optical storage devices that use the magnetic power to store, write, or read data. Unlike SSD, they are more prone to damage if they overheat. In comparison, SSDs barely overheat.
Large data management operations: Which is better?
More often than not, large data files in PCs demand adjustment. For example, if you want to create some space for new movies on your laptop, you must put the old movie files in another storage folder. During this file moving and adjustment process, HDD or SSD play a crucial role. How? Well! Here’s a fact: how fast the file transfers from one folder to another or one device to another depends on the HDD or SSD’s performance capacity?
In this context, the SSD Vs Hard Drive discussion is really challenging. A Hard Disk Drive’s performance capacity during file transfer remains anywhere between 30 MB per second to 150 MB per second. In comparison, a non-exceptional SSD can perform the same task at the speed of 500 MB per second.
Not only this, but if your SSD is exceptionally advanced, it can transfer multiple files at a time, given its performance speed transmits 10X than normal Solid State Drive.
Yet, of course, other factors such as operating system, internet connection, and optical Drive also play a role in file transfer operation speed. But, when it comes to SSD Vs Hard Drive, SSD is winning so far.
Durability in the long run: Which one should you pick?
No one wants to make a bad choice when it comes to a pick between Hard Drive or SSD. For the most part, if any one of the above-mentioned disks dies, it would leave your PC with completely wiped out data. And, to be honest, that is a risk that no one desires to take.
This is why many users go with a fixed drive. Even though HDD has low storage capacity and lack of performance speed, Hard Disk hardly fails. In many cases, Solid State Drives fail after a year of purchase. On the other hand, Google experts released a study that modern Solid Drive’s average lifespan is ten years.
But, for our reader’s information, an SSD’s lifespan mainly depends on the user’s power to maintain its integrity. For example, if you are transferring or downloading a huge file, the SSD will overheat. In case it gets too hot, it may also die during the operation.
On the other hand, Hard Drive is no better. According to the studies, a Hard Drive works with its complete capacity of up to three years. Its average lifespan is only five years. Meaning half of the SSD.
It is also noteworthy to mention that HDDs are likely to die due to multiple issues such as power surge, moisture in motherboard, virus and malware interruption, and hardware damage.
SSD rarely dies under limited issues such as power surge, virus and malware attack, water damage, and bad sectors.
SSD Vs Hard Drive: Which is going to cost you more or less?
Solid State Drives are much more expensive than Hard Drives. The price of an SSD depends on the storage capacity and company brand you choose. According to the research, Google has innovated the most expensive solid-state drive in the world, which can cost you up to $40K. In India, expensive SSD’s price range starts from 90K to 5 Lakh in Rupees.
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HDDs are comparably less costly. For example, 1 TB storage worth a fixed drive can cost you anywhere between $40 to $100, depending on the manufacturer’s brand. To your surprise, up until now, IBM has innovated the most expensive hard Drive in the world that will cost you $100K.
In general, HDDs are a much better choice if you are making a purchase while your budget pokes you. If the budget is not tight, the SSD comes with long term durability.
Although, SSD comes with its limitations. If you are using macOS, not every SSD will work for you. In many cases, for macOS, expensive SSD functions only. It comes with Apple-specific features and storage values.
macOS systems also use HDD. However, they only lower the functional speed of your system.
SSD or Hard Drive: Which one is replaceable?
Solid State Drive and Hard Drive both are replaceable. However, it is crucial to note that replacing HDD is quite expensive as compared to SSD. The reason being, hard drives are installable inside the motherboard. Henceforth, if you have a lack of experience when it comes to working your way around internal parts of a PC, you will need a professional’s guidance.
On the other hand, nowadays, external SSDs are widely popular. They are installable via USB Cable. So, it may cost you nothing about the retail price.
Under both circumstances, you can pick our brains on how to install SSD or HDD? Let us know your experience below.
Epilogue
With all the significant factors mentioned about SSD and HDD, it is easy to conclude which one is better! In our opinion, an SSD is a better choice as it runs long term. However, don’t forget the fact that HDD and SSD are not interchangeable. Running a PC without a Hard Drive can cause your PC to reboot over and over again. Whereas a computer can smoothly run without an SSD.
So, make a wise choice. Thank you for having this journey with us!
Also Read: How to Update Drivers in Windows 10?
