SSD vs HDD: Which is better?
The HDD or Hard Disk Drive is a physical and integral part of computers and laptops responsible for data storage. Its memory is non-volatile. All data is recorded on magnetic discs, and the thinner the discs, the better the recording will be. That is why disks of the same size can have storage capacities very different from each other. Computers that normally use magnetic disks are desktop computers, All-In-One computers, laptops, and business servers. They need this type of discs to perform their functions that are usually more demanding than in tablets and smartphones.
The SSD is a bit different. Its acronym means Solid State Drive. Its construction is based on a semiconductor integrated circuit, made in a single block next to a controller that is in charge of managing all its components. Unlike the conventional hard drive, where storage is done on magnetic disks, the SSDs are capable of using flash memory, RAM memory or the controller itself. However, instead of a magnetic layer in the disks, the data is stored in the interconnected memory chips that retain the data even when there is no energy present. Smartphones, tablets, some digital cameras, and laptops are the devices that most use SSDs.
What are the differences and why a user may prefer one or the other?
Capacity: SSD units with greater storage can be very expensive. While a TB is considered a basic standard hard drive for any system, concerns about the price can make you opt for a lower capacity SSD. It is recommended to use an SSD to install the operating system plus basic applications while the conventional hard drive stores all your data.
Fragmentation: In HDD, when hard disks start to fill up too much, large files can spread around the platter of the disk, something is known as fragmentation, harming the speed of data to read as well as write on hard drives. Meanwhile, solid-state drives do not have this problem, since the physical location of the file recording does not matter that much.
Noise: Solid-state drives do not make any noise, mainly because they do not have mechanical parts.
Physical size: As hard drives have rotating plates, there is a limit to how small they can be in size. Solid state drives do not have this limitation, continuing to decrease as time goes by, being able to store more than 100 GB in a space smaller than a pen drive.
Durability: SSDs have no moving parts like HDD, and therefore, are more likely to keep your data safe, in case your laptop bag falls or your system is affected by an impact while it is running.
Speed and performance: This is the place where solid-state drives earn by ample advantage. A PC equipped with an SSD will work much faster, connecting in a matter of four or five seconds.
Price: An SSD is more expensive, yes, but the performance is extremely superior, it’s like comparing a Fiat point of 60 horses against a Ferrari of 350 horses.
So, now, are you looking for a quality SSD and do not know which one to choose? We recommend the mandatory reading on the best SSD of the moment. You will find the best models, the cheapest, quality price and our reviews in English more professionals in the computer sector.